Things you look for in a Church?

[SarahRenae]

Hey Guys! So my Friends Dad just started a church more geared to the "Young Adults" age group.. well, everyone is welcome, but he really wants to speak to that age group because there is nothing really for my age in the town I live in. and he asked us today about what are things that we are looking for in a church and I was just wondering what your guys opinions on this is? like what are things that you think speaks to you in a church and what are some things you might not like in a church? or just some things you think might help us reach our generation better?.. I know at least for me, I have a hard time finding my place in all the churches I've been too just because there doesn't seem to be anything for me. I'm 21 I do not see myself as an adult yet.. at all… hahaha. so I don’t feel like I fit into any of the adult activities… Youth group was a blast! but I'm not a Youth anymore either.. So I’m open to any thoughts you guys have on this

thanks ahead guys!
-Sarah

 

[rauleetoe]

Hey Guys! So my Friends Dad just started a church more geared to the "Young Adults" age group.. well, everyone is welcome, but he really wants to speak to that age group because there is nothing really for my age in the town I live in. and he asked us today about what are things that we are looking for in a church and I was just wondering what your guys opinions on this is? like what are things that you think speaks to you in a church and what are some things you might not like in a church? or just some things you think might help us reach our generation better?.. I know at least for me, I have a hard time finding my place in all the churches I've been too just because there doesn't seem to be anything for me. I'm 21 I do not see myself as an adult yet.. at all… hahaha. so I don’t feel like I fit into any of the adult activities… Youth group was a blast! but I'm not a Youth anymore either.. So I’m open to any thoughts you guys have on this

thanks ahead guys!
-Sarah

Good thread..for starters.i would say a place that has an open doors policy to the pastor, meaning you can ask questions..whether it is during the message or afterwards regarding the bible..etc.
If this is not encouraged, that is bad.
Second, a place that is real, loving..yet still has a biblical standard.
Third, a place where there is no respecting of certain people..where all are valued and none are esteemed over others. I remember seeing this in youth services where I felt really not a part or kind of less than others for my test in music, my attirre*former goth/scenekid..because of where i was at in life, i used to smoke..i do not know. I believe in biblical holiness..its the standard..although we may be aiming high the rest of our lives never fully arriving, it is a standard..yet If someone smokes, or is dealing with homosexual urges/sexual urges/lust of any kind or whatever struggle it may be..that the church be there with arms open..not turning them away. Sadly the church of today is ill equipped to reach the youth, men and singles in my honest opinion. But hats off to your friend..have him read these two books,
-Unchristian by Dave kinnaman/Gabe lyons
-You lost me-Dave Kinnaman

the unchristian book talks about how we in the church are seen in the world..and why it matters.
and the you lost me book talks about how many youth are leaving the church, and why this is, and can be done to combat it. I am going to read 'you lost me' soon..but having read Unchristian i can highly recommend it and am sure this other book will be just as good.

 

[Aqua_Girl09]

make things really easy to get into. at my church we have events every other month were people come and basically party with us and play games, its usually between 16 and 25 but its whoever you decide to bring. so make a party or even thats for older people. think of games that they would like to play i guess for me is that i have a hard time finding christian friendly places to go and hang out. my youth leaders have keys to the church and even on days when we don't have service you'll find SOMEONE there teaching someone to play an instrument, or do the sound board, or learn some media project. we're ALWAYS doing something together. my church family are my BEST friends. we're ALWAYS together and our pastor gives us plenty of chances to do that. always inviting ppl to come play basket ball and during the summer on saturdays they get together and even work out. >_<

 

[Nautilus]

I know some people will probably totally look down on this and I could understand why, Im also not saying your dad should do this, but I have seen it work. There was a church that was held in an old shutdown bar. These people bought redecorated and added a bunch of couches. The did service on sunday nights at like 7 and would serve dinner or refreshments. They were very open to people of all types coming but focused on a 20-27 age range. The part people always argued about was that they served alcohol. Not in the whole full bar sense, but if you wanted a beer you could have one during the service for a low price. and that was it, you got One. I mean some people might say well drinking is a sin, I dont think it is, and one beer wont get you drunk. However this church actually did really well and some sundays had standing room only. And the whole problem people thought would occur with the beers never did. It was never more than roughly one-half that would buy them.. The church lasted 2-3 years until the pastor had to move because of his day job.

 

[clarkthompson]

the main things to look for in a church is 1 being where God wants you 2 teaching the whole bible and not something else or not following scripture 3 serving God 4 fellowship

 

[basschick]

Back in college I remember that the more popular churches among my peers were those with a more laid-back/casual atmosphere and where they covered real day-to-day topics that are very relevant. I've heard of a lot of churches seeming like they were scared to cover certain topics (ie. drinking, sex, addictions and things people struggle with) other than to just say 'don't do it' and quickly move on to the next point without a whole lot of explanation or Biblical support or encouragement that can be taken away by the listener. And as was mentioned, having activities outside of just weekly service for people to meet and have a time of fellowship while just having fun and getting to know each other is a great idea. I've also noticed that there really are a lot of young adults that want to make a difference and would be drawn to chances to serve within the community as a group.

 

[Matt777]

These are the things I look forward, and I am blessed to have recently found a church that meets this criteria.

1. All preaching is based firmly on the word of God, in truth, being both edifying and convicting.

2. The gospel is proclaimed; Jesus Christ crucified as a propitiation for sinners, raised for our justification, such salvation being received by grace alone through faith alone.

3. An emphasis on the need for repentance and holiness.

4. Obedience to the two ordinances commanded by the Lord; baptism and the Lord's Supper.

5. Regular weekly bible study.

6. Small groups and other means of personal fellowship.

 

[Jonthree6teen]

Things I look in a church...hmm...

I guess I simply want to meet people that have a genuine relationship with God. A place where I can get excited talking about miracles and Christ and what-not and others would come in and relate to what's been said and have a great time. I would look at the leaders of the church and observe the relationship he has with his congregation.

Personally I had a bad experience with church, until a point where I hated it. God would be a sort of "fix" and people would return to church unchanged, worship God, be filled the Holy Ghost and then go about their business to only return next week to do the same thing. They acted like rechargeable energizer batteries.

Anyway, that will be it's own thread sometime in the future. But my thoughts is that you go to church to fellowship and to hear the Word of God. I agree with the standards that Matt777 displayed. I'll add that to my own list.

 

[Moe]

Hey Guys! So my Friends Dad just started a church more geared to the "Young Adults" age group.. well, everyone is welcome, but he really wants to speak to that age group because there is nothing really for my age in the town I live in. and he asked us today about what are things that we are looking for in a church and I was just wondering what your guys opinions on this is? like what are things that you think speaks to you in a church and what are some things you might not like in a church? or just some things you think might help us reach our generation better?.. I know at least for me, I have a hard time finding my place in all the churches I've been too just because there doesn't seem to be anything for me. I'm 21 I do not see myself as an adult yet.. at all… hahaha. so I don’t feel like I fit into any of the adult activities… Youth group was a blast! but I'm not a Youth anymore either.. So I’m open to any thoughts you guys have on this

thanks ahead guys!
-Sarah

I am not very happy with a Pastor having to ask his flock what they think they want or need. As a Pastor he should be well versed in what needs to be coming from the pulpit and or Bible study classes. As far as your last youth group being a blast, you need to start acting like an adult and be a little more mature within your self and the word of God...I'm a minister and this is my opinion. I am not judging anyone, however I believe that a warning is in order....

 

[simplyme_bekah]

I look for God. I can feel if he is there or not.

 

[Nautilus]

I am not very happy with a Pastor having to ask his flock what they think they want or need. As a Pastor he should be well versed in what needs to be coming from the pulpit and or Bible study classes. As far as your last youth group being a blast, you need to start acting like an adult and be a little more mature within your self and the word of God...I'm a minister and this is my opinion. I am not judging anyone, however I believe that a warning is in order....

I am confused with your response...it doesnt really answer the question at all of how should one attract young adults to the church. I mean Ill be completely honest, different people look for different things in churches. So its a fair thing to consider if you are wanting to minister to a certain age group. Wha works for 45+ wont work for 19-34.

 

[SarahRenae]

I am not very happy with a Pastor having to ask his flock what they think they want or need. As a Pastor he should be well versed in what needs to be coming from the pulpit and or Bible study classes. As far as your last youth group being a blast, you need to start acting like an adult and be a little more mature within your self and the word of God...I'm a minister and this is my opinion. I am not judging anyone, however I believe that a warning is in order....

I'm sorry sir, but I'm going to have to disagree. as a young adult I already feel like I have no place in the church, And I feel like you're implying that the Pastor kinda just sets everything and that's how it is.. maybe that is how you see it. but I feel like everyone has a very very important part in the body of Christ. and in the church.. the bible says "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." -Matthew 18:20 So that means that when we come together and worship God and talk about God then that is Church. So to all the thousands of young adults that are leaving the church everyday.. your fix for this is telling us all to "act more like an adult" I'm sorry but as a someone who is one of them young adults that's just not going to work...

Thank you so much for everyone else's opinions

 

[jimmydiggs]

Preaching of truth, amongst many.

 

[Timofree]

I look for God. I can feel if he is there or not.

Amen, you can have amazing worship and preaching, but if the Holy Spirit isn't anointing it, for whatever reason, it isn't as powerful............

Exodus 33:14-15
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here

 

[Siberian_Khatru]

I look for free Andes mints.

 

[SarahRenae]

I look for free Andes mints.

Bahahhahah! that kinda made my day! xD

 

[Perk]

1. I look to see that the leaders of the church have a deep love and servitude for God.
2. I look to see that the leaders truly care about the members and desire to raise their flock in love, caring, and discipline.
3. I look to see that the church is structured as depicted in the Bible? Is there someone with apostolic oversight? Are there elders? Are there teachers? Are there prophets? See Ephesians 4.
*The church I belong to is a group of 5 churches. We have a man who is in apostolic oversight of the church. By this, I mean he has a gift to look at the core foundations of the churches and an ability to preach on issues that are the core values of Christianity. We have elders at each church that have spiritual gifts that enable them to love, care for, and discipline the followers. They care tremendously about each and every one of us. We also have a number of teachers in the church who are gifted in doctrine, theology, etc. These men are able to see and understand the more "academic" portions of Christianity. We also have members who are gifted prophetically.*
4. I look to see that people are not straying from the ways of Christ.
5. Is the message of Christ taught with truth in the church.

Disclaimer: This list is by no means a complete list nor is it in order of most to least importance.