CBN TEACHING SHEETS
Choosing a Church
By CBN.com
CBN.com
– What
is church? Church is the "body of Christ." It can be a group of two or
three Christians meeting in a house, or an assembly of hundreds meeting in a beautiful
sanctuary. According to Matthew18:19-20, as long as we gather together in Jesus'
name, He will be in our midst. Why is church membership so important?
As a Christian, it is essential to your spiritual growth to fellowship with
other believers (Hebrews 10:25). We should not be isolated from the rest of the
body of Christ, but should share our gifts and our wisdom for the benefit of all
(1 Corinthians 12:7). Worshipping together unites our voices and spirits in praise.
Hearing the Word of God from the pulpit feeds us scripturally and spiritually.
Congregational prayer encourages the sharing of our burdens, while drawing support
and strength from members of our church "family." ("Carry each other's burdens,
and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ." Galatians 6:2) Finally, testimonies
about God's work in the lives of others encourages our faith. How do you
find a local church that is right for you? Finding a church that is right
for you and your family is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, and then consider the following important factors:
Click here
to find a local church near you.
Fellowship. Most active churches conduct Sunday morning and evening
worship and mid-week services. Other opportunities for fellowship should involve
people of all ages, such as children's clubs, youth groups and adult gatherings.
Church picnics, vacation Bible school, and annual Christmas and Easter programs
often contribute to the year's activities. Bible studies or home fellowship groups
will help you meet other church members and help you to grow in your faith. Children
shouldn't be left out, either. Look for cleannursery facilities and attentive,
caring nursery workers. Older children will eagerly attend and participate in
a lively Sunday School with a strong emphasis on Christian training. Leadership.
Can you respect the pastor? Are the church leaders demonstrating a life style
you would want to follow? (Hebrews13:17). They should know God and believe and
preach the Bible. Ministry. How can you minister to others? Look for
a place where you can not only be served, but one where you can serve and contribute
your talents. Aside from teaching and singing, many churches need people with
organizational, leadership and planning skills. Doctrine. Select a church
that believes that the Holy Spirit is at work in the lives of Christians today.
This view includes the power of prayer for salvation, healing and God's intervention
in the lives of individuals. A time of worship, praise and prayer should be a
central part of the service. Not to be overlooked are a strong missions program
and outreach to the disadvantaged. Church Size. Whether you choose a
small or a large church depends on your personal and family needs and on where
the Holy Spirit guides you. The intimacy of a smaller church offers a greater
opportunity for individual care and a chance to develop relationships within the
body. Larger churches possess the capacity, financing, talents, numbers and other
resources to undertake larger projects. Ultimately, you should worship in a
place where you feel the presence and the power of God. Through His power, you
will grow and develop into the person God wants you to be, ready to meet the challenges
of daily living. And as an active member of a church family, your life will also
be enriched through the many blessings and the transforming power of united worship.
Scripture references are taken form the New American Standard translation of
the Bible.
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