What are your #1 priorities when searching for a church?
- Thread starter Sanders
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Not really a #1 priority, but many priorities. I can tell you what my #1 deal breaker is, and that's a group who thinks that in order to be a good Christian you must also be a Christian nationalist.
K
keepingthingsreal
Guest
God told Abraham that he would be a father of many nations, which is what his name means, and, of course, that would transpire through Abraham's "seed, which is Christ" (Gal. 3:16). With such being the case, I have problems with all nationalists; including those who unilaterally and unwaveringly support the nation of Israel.
Well, it's time for me to run (for my life) before any American nationalists or Zionists burn down my house (with me in it).
Sorry if you hate Israel. I'll be looking forward to hearing how you answer God when He asks you about it.
K
keepingthingsreal
Guest
Hi,
I meant to say what are the top priorities of those looking for a church.
My error in my wording. Oops.
K
keepingthingsreal
Guest
For me, one of those priorities would be whether or not they teach the entire Bible. Sure, I have been in several churches which claimed that they were "full gospel" churches, but that was never truly the case. In other words, if I had to give my best guess, then I would say that they probably ignored about 75% of the Bible while rehashing the rest of it, and usually out of context, over and over again.
This is one of those questions that should be simple, but due to human nature being what it is, you will not get many straight, simple answers.
What you will get is a lot of baggage. A lot of people will use this opportunity to complain at great length about churches they did not like, or churches where they had bad experiences. Just tons and tons of baggage everywhere. A whole airport terminal's worth of baggage here.
Sorry about that.
For me, it is more the social aspect and meeting other Christians for fellowship and potential friendship. I am open to female pastors. If the church only has male leadership, I will have to be extra watchful to see if they are uber traditional. I am used to going to churches with a balance of career/working women (as well as full time moms/homemakers). At the same time, I also have to extra watchful if the pastor is female. There will also need to be a sizeable singles population. I know people say you shouldn't look at a church as a social club, but I am seeing it as, can this church be my "family"? Another thing, I have to see how I feel after the church service...? I am not picky about sermons but it has to feel a bit substantial. I can supplement with my own reading.
A key theme many Preachers proclaim is how they brought God to Church with them. Then they typically expand that everyone should have done the same before spouting off if two or more are gathered in My name that I am in the midst.
So keeping to that same line of thinking, as I pull into the Church parking lot you can easily Discern the presence of God. For the Churches that I drive into the parking lot but cannot feel/sense the presence of God I immediately leave.
So keeping to that same line of thinking, as I pull into the Church parking lot you can easily Discern the presence of God. For the Churches that I drive into the parking lot but cannot feel/sense the presence of God I immediately leave.
Tall_Timbers
Well-known member
Hi Sanders,
I want to attend a church that teaches the whole Word from Genesis through Revelation. It's said that only 1 in 20 churches do, that most avoid eschatological topics. If it teaches the whole Word, there is a good chance that I'll like the church. I would have to pretty much agree with the teachings, of course. There would be a lot of other important things but that would be number one.
I want to attend a church that teaches the whole Word from Genesis through Revelation. It's said that only 1 in 20 churches do, that most avoid eschatological topics. If it teaches the whole Word, there is a good chance that I'll like the church. I would have to pretty much agree with the teachings, of course. There would be a lot of other important things but that would be number one.
For me, I like a friendly church where people will not be shy about approaching others and mingling a bit. I like praise and worship time with classic gospel music as well as upbeat contemporary tunes, being an innate holy-roller myself
. Then a good Bible story, how it relates to today's society and the lessons to take away with.
. Then a good Bible story, how it relates to today's society and the lessons to take away with.
Well the church I'm at now the initial priority was convenience (it's right across the street and I can see it from my kitchen window), but it's a good church. After some less than ideal church experiences, I think what defines a good church for me is a willingness to be shaped by scripture instead of trying to shape scripture to fit our preferences, a view of God that works for those who have messed up bad and are hurting, and a commitment to obeying what the Bible teaches.
Hello Sanders!
Many years after coming to Christ, I still visit other assemblies with this as a guide. As though it is only one priority all rolled into one fluid response.
Provided for His sheep is the call to follow Jesus*who in turn Jesus chose another who invited us to follow him as he too follows Jesus*of course himself, being led by the Holy Spirit*was inspired by the same to adhere to this one detail*.
* “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
* "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."
* "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
* "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."
Just as others here have declared correctly to find a Church who's statement of beliefs adhere to the entirety of God's word, there does remain just ONE absolute related to the above third verse in the most emphatic tense:
Make particular note of any who ''having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.'' (2Timothy 3:5)
Thank you Pac!
I enjoy conversing and hearing the thoughts of those who also want to share provided it is with kindness.
Thank you for being kind!
I concur with what you shared. Also enjoying this statement of yours, "one priority all rolled into one fluid response" .
Being a regular student of the Word of God and having removed myself by GOD"s grace from false teaching groups (long story) I believe God will continue to guide me as I only seek Him.
Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Cinder,
I really like your thoughts. I, too, can relate. The Bible being exegeted correctly is hard to find, True Compassion for all members, not a works gospel, and an atmosphere of humility. I have not found this yet..
1. must be a Christian church.
2. must preach & TEACH the word of Jesus & not men.
3. ask questions about the church's doctrine, reputation, etc.
4. the church should obey 1st Corinthians 14:40: "let all things be done DECENTLY & IN ORDER"! i attended a church once in which the pastor was speaking, the band was playing & the congregation was yelling & flailing all at the same time. that's confusion & disarray. you can't even pick out what anyone is saying or listen to the band. nonsense that is.
2. must preach & TEACH the word of Jesus & not men.
3. ask questions about the church's doctrine, reputation, etc.
4. the church should obey 1st Corinthians 14:40: "let all things be done DECENTLY & IN ORDER"! i attended a church once in which the pastor was speaking, the band was playing & the congregation was yelling & flailing all at the same time. that's confusion & disarray. you can't even pick out what anyone is saying or listen to the band. nonsense that is.