How to Find A Great Church - and What You Might Expect to Find There
Salvation is by Grace and through faith in Jesus but the offerings of a great church can be of immense value in furthering your walk with the Lord and most importantly meeting your true obligations as a good Christian.
I am constantly told by people in my Christian Fellowship group that they would like to find a good Church, and having found one myself I can truly understand why. We are exhorted in the Bible to join together and worship and to fellowship -
Hbr 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Hbr 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
There is no doubt that a strong church association is truly necessary if we are to grow in our Christian walks for as steel sharpens steel the support of like minded fellow christians is necessary if we are to truly grow to our full religious potential, and I sincerely pray that I can give you some characteristics here that will assist you in finding a great Church that might further your walk with Jesus and assist you in building a strong and fulfilling Christian faith.
Perhaps the greatest church of all was that of the early Christians - formed soon after the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Characteristics of that early church spear headed by the Spirit filled Apostles tell us much about what is to be found in a great Church. Read the book of Acts for some insight into the early church.
Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
Act 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
We find here some of the underlining principles of a great church -
It is perhaps the first matter that you find a church of sound religious doctrine that is in line with the Holy Bible.
1. The first mark of a good church is its belief that the bible is the inspired, infallible inerrant word of God. This will assure you that the basic truths of the Bible are at its very core. Namely -That God is a triune God- Father, Son and Holy Spirit and each are persons who have always existed equal in power and knowledge and yet unified in their essence as one God. That the Son Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man.That he was born of a virgin and that his atoning death on the cross was for us sinners. He died and was buried and rose again from the dead on the third day. The message of salvation need be one of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone (Eph2:8-9) completely apart from human effort. Salvation is offered us as a gift which is received by faith. A good church will teach and believe in the Holy Spirit both as to who he is and toward what he does. He implants the new birth, (jn3:5) baptizes believers in the body of christ, (1Cor12:13) indwells in individual Christians (1 Cor 6:19), restrains sin (2th 2:7) and he equips believers for service of the lord (eph5:18) just to name a few - read my sermon entitled "Empowering Your Life With the Holy Spirit" for more. A church that does not equip you with knowledge of this important person in God is truly selling you short.
Acts 1:8 “ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…”
Pro 4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
This is perhaps the best reason for attending and supporting a strong Bible believing local church where one might expect the interplay with Christians of a like mind will assist in good doctrine, worship, edification, exhortation, and encouragement in line with the principles to be learned from the holy bible and your joint study of it.
2. A great church will emphasize God’s Word and Their Need for Him and His Leadership - it must be a faithfully studying church. We would expect to see Bible studies being offered and the pastor earnestly exhorting its members toward serious study of God’s word as the Holy Bible. Understanding that a great works come not from the work of man but by the grace of God and as a result of exhaulting him and beseeching his presence and leadership in all that they do for it is the spirit of God alone that can make all things great and only the true humbleness of man to understand and accept it.
Act 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship.
I believe that those who teach the bible should make it meaningful, enjoyable and with a sense of urgency and sincerity and with emphasis as to how God’s will benefits you and the importance of you both learning and living it.
These first few points are important but as A.W. Tozer said One hundred religious persons knit into a unity by careful organizations do not constitute a church any more than eleven dead men make a football team. This group must be capable of certain actions to truly constitute a great church.
3. A great church displays a strong sense of Fellowship, displaying Unity, Cooperation and Joy . Fellowship not just meaning the enjoyment of social activities or the simple joining together for religious or social purpose on a regular basis although that is part of it in essence "fellowship" means far more than just meeting together, eating, & having a good time. It denotes as used in the ancient greek a closeness, a sharing, a common bonding together, a feeling of true togetherness, of belonging to each other, and more importantly of belonging to the family of God thinking truly of each other as brothers and sisters joined by love to the family of the living God and our Father in heaven in every sense.
Hbr 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Act 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.
Act 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
4. A great church should Baptize Biblically. Baptism is the first real step in Christian faith - it shows others that you are no longer the person you used to be. It is an important declaration that establishes your link to that Jesus speaks of when telling us of the importance of being born again. Many of us have been baptized early in life but many believe it is important that you accomplish the biblical principal of Baptism after the repentance of sin, and it would seem there is truly a symbolic importance of a baptism in that fashion.
Jhn 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Acts 2:37-38, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
5. A great church takes communion seriously - like those early Christians in Acts
Act 2:42 And they continued steadfastly ....... and in breaking of bread
1Cr 10:17 For we [being] many are one bread, [and] one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1Cr 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
6. A great church should have faithful followers who attend service regularly - not just because it is their duty but because they receive great joy from worshipping there. You certainly would never consider eating once a week - yet many feed themselves in their faith but once a week (and many not even.) The more often you are encouraged to attend and honor God the more well fed you will be in the principles and spirit of the Loving God we so wish to honor.
Exd 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy
eu 5:12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.
Hbr 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
6. A great church is constant and steadfast in prayer- like those early apostles who knew that they needed God’s power to do well we need to be constant in our prayer. Jesus himself prayed before any endeavor and are we to be any less vigorous in our approach to all things ? Steadfast in prayer also does not mean only for our own welfare either it means steadfast for the welfare of all involved- our Church, its pastor, our christian brothers and sisters as well as the unsaved that we might hope will one day walk though the door to join us as well as our enemies and those who might even wish us harm.
Act 2:42 And they continued steadfastly ....... in prayer.
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Jam 5:16... and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
7. A Great Church Should Witnesses for Christ- at least some of the people who worship there should be living examples of Christianity. We should find among them healthy vibrant Christian based relationships and a happy youth who are growing and maturing in their Christianity. No church will exude a totally happy and well adjusted Christian constituency but there should be good evidence of it and signs of growth amongst the remaining.
Act 22:15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
Act 4:33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
8. A Great Church Should be a Giving and a Sacrificing Church - understanding that we are stewards of God given resources and be willing to share them with others in sacrificial generosity. Sacrificing not only for the church but for the welfare of its constituents.
Sacrifice is what Jesus was all about - Ghandi speaking of Jesus said “A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.”
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Hbr 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.
9.A Really Great Church Need Have a Good Praise Program - one can only worship half heartedly if they are not to be well and properly lead in singing hymns and prayers with some degree of gusto and heart. It is very difficult to do that if the Church’s Praise program is inadequate. A really great church will put good effort into a respectable praise program so that the Lord might be adequately glorified and its members inspired in psalm and song.
Hbr 2:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
10. A great Church should be diligent and resourceful in the teaching of its youth.- The future of our nation and the future of any church is its youth. Few are the parents who do not want the very best for their children. No church can become a great one without adequately addressing the teaching of its youth and most importantly that means not only a youth program but one that is innovative, Bible centered, and enjoyable and fun to the youth.
2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Psa 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Deu 11:13 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,
Deu 11:19 And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
11. A great church need have a great yet humble Pastor Who Will Adhere to Scripture - one who acknowledges that his power to shepherd his flock comes entirely from the Lord and acknowledges and beseeches Him in all matters.
Pro 29:23 A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.
A really great church and a great Pastor will sometimes offend. To teach the true words of Jesus there will be times when a true man of God has to ruffle some tail feathers. This ruffling of feathers may on occasion even lose him support, popularity and even parishners but a true man of God will bite the bullet telling it like it truly is and while you may not always like what he has to say if he has had the courage to take God’s High Road in strict accordance with God’s principles as outlined in the Bible you should admire him for it and perhaps reflect upon your own personal actions and opinions.
You will find it in the very best of Churches where the pastor has the courage to put aside his own personal agendas and teach the Gospel as it was meant to be taught. When you find him you may know that you have truly found a Great Church and a Great Pastor.
12. A Great Church will will be Strongly Based on the Bible and Adhere to Its Teachings.
Many churches have grown to be heavy with man made doctrine opinions and traditions much of which is even contradictory to the teachings in the Bible. This bothers me and I feel it prevents them from truly doing God’s work. I would want to see a really great church adhering to God’s rules as we find them in the bible instead of the self made rules of man and also interpreting those rules in strictest accordance and not stretching scripture to meet their own agendas or to make things appear easier or in accordance with popular and current politically correct attitudes.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
13. A Great Church Will Be Full of Love
I personally feel that one of the most important things that one needs to look for when searching for a really great church is - Love.
It must be present and prominently displayed amongst its participants. Love for its pastor, love for each other, and foremost a true love and adoration of the Lord. A love for its community as well as a love of those who would even act against it and most certainly even for the unsaved in its community. In short I would want to see love seeping out of its windows and doors for if we were to describe the bible and the Lord in one word that word would need to be love and if we are to take Jesus’s instruction seriously we must be heavily influenced by Him to love all our earthly brothers and sisters and therefore I say a great church with God’s empowering presence must truly evidence love. If you find all the other facts present but love missing you will have found a church in which the glue that holds it all together is absent.
Jhn 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Jhn 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14. A Great Church Will Emphasize Evangelism and should have Missionary Involvement.
A great church will also have a serious interest in Evangelism. A sure sign of a great church is its burden for lost souls. Not just for the regenerate purposes of furthering its goals of an increasing membership but for the simple fact that it is a clear obligation to evangelize for all good christians. In the same light the necessity of a workable missionary outreach is a good indication that its members are truly looking beyond their own needs and to that of all souls on a world wide basis as we are directed.
The Apostle Paul said, "Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16).
2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations
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15. A Great Church Will Have Both Men and Women of Discernment
In a truly great church you will find men and women of discernment to such a degree that a troubled soul (without so much as a word from them) might go there and find comfort and assistance rendered thru truly discerning individuals guided only by the Lord. That might seem like a unusual comment to make in light of the other opinions on what constitutes a Great Church, but I am fairly certain of it. Certain because I have lived it some years ago. Those of you that know me might think that I had lived it as one of those discerning Christians, but I did not, for instead I was the troubled soul. Today things are much different and I like to think you might find me instead amongst those discerning Christians, still having been on both sides of it, I can not explain it except to say its a God thing, but know that it exists at places where God is truly present.
Hbr 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Finding a Great Church is only part of the answer - a more important part is being a Great Christian. Christianity is not a spectator sport and if you find yourself constantly in the dugout and never seriously in the game doing your very best to meet God’s obligations a Great Church will help you but very little. The onus is still on you. A great church will assist but it is still you who has to really want to be a player and not simply a half interested spectator who goes away feeling "inspired" but who never actually "suits up for the game".
I recently ran into a friend who told me she had left a church that I knew to be a Great Bible inspired church (and frankly fulfilling all of the characteristics of a Great Church above). When I asked her why she had left she simply answered "to find a Church more in line with my beliefs".
It certainly is easier to find a church that rubber stamps your personal beliefs - but don’t do it. Even though a Great Church will most certainly give you pangs of conscience it should be endured instead of taking the low road and finding somewhere that will make it easy on you by altering the true teachings of the bible in order to soften the biblical responsibilities that we all must truly bow to. A great church will not encourage the easy guilt free path and if you chose that path you are not walking upon the path that Jesus so carefully outlined for us. Your walk with Jesus will suffer for it.
Give it all you’ve got and when you are absolutely sure that you have no more to give you can count on a really great church to motivate you to dig deeper and with the Lord’s help, and the assistance and love of your fellow parishners, putting out that extra effort - above and beyond what you thought possible. If you are attending a great church you should expect to be encouraged by its pastor and other members towards making good Christian growth in your life. Providing of course that you are truly "suiting up for the game" and giving it your all.
If you seek a great church I hope that you find these comments helpful and that you are guided in your search by He alone who can truly shine a light upon our paths - I hope you are wise enough to beg his assistance before you begin the search.
These are my opinions and those of a great many others who have written on the topic and I
note that you should not expect perfection but seriously look at how close any church you consider does come. Some may feel such a church can not be found - not true - the one I attend (although I purposely did not use it as my model) fulfills all of the above and even more that I dared not include. Anyone seeking direction on where they might start their search is welcomed to email. While I do not espouse any particular church, and do not feel qualified to do so, I would be happy to pass on the suggestions of others who have studied the matter and who do.
My prayers go with you-
† Yours in Christ †
Dennis C.
Christian Fellowship
Cocoa Beach, Florida
dcasanova@cfl.rr.com
References Used -
Blue Letter Bible Website
]Bible - NKJV
Sermon - How To Be A Good Church Member by by Bo Dunford
Living Waters -Evangelism -- Our Most Sobering Task
Sermon - Ingredients of A Great Church by Gary Huckaby
Characteristics of a Great Church by Robert Toney, th.d
bostic, nc
How to Recognize a Good Church by Richard W. Haan RBC Ministries Brochure.
Sermon - Looking for a Great Church by Scott Bresee
Sermon - A Good Church or a Great Church by Denn Guptill
The Characteristics of Healthy Churches and Pastors
by Terri Lackey
Sermon - What Makes a Great Church by Melvin Newland
Sermon - What Makes A Great Church by Ralph Juthman
