Choosing a Church

How do I choose a church?

Selecting a church is a difficult and often confusing task. There are a myriad of different congregations with different programs, doctrines, worship services and schedules. How can you possibly sort through all the choices and select a congregation that will best nurture you in the Lord?

A good place to begin is with what God says in the Bible. After all, the Bible is God’s most direct way of communicating with us today. The Bible points out three important questions you should ask about a church as you evaluate what is best for you.

Does the congregation believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only way to salvation?

In Matthew 16:16 we find Peter saying, “You are the Christ, is the Son of the living God.” Acts 4:12 tells us that Jesus is the only way to obtain salvation. It is clear. God wants you to choose a congregation that recognizes Jesus as His Son.

Does the Congregation teach that the Bible is the inspired word of God?

2 Timothy 3:16-17, reads, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”  The Apostle Paul tells us that all Scriptures were inspired by God. It is God’s authoritative word to us. Certainly God has other ways that He leads us today, but the Bible is the foundation of that guidance. The Bible is where we must begin to know God and His will for our lives.

Surely God wants you in fellowship with a group of people who consider the Bible to be God’s inspired word.

Does this Congregation encourage you?

Did you know that the reason you are to be in regular fellowship with a congregation is to be encouraged? Hebrews 10:25 reads, “Let us not keep forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”  This is the one direct command in the Bible that tells us to gather regularly. It tells us that we are to assemble to encourage one another.

When we are involved in a congregation of Christians we are encouraged in many ways. We are encouraged to worship God together. We are encouraged to live like Jesus wants us to live. We are encouraged to serve God. We are encouraged to grow. And we are encouraged when life’s problems knock us down.

Questions #1 and #2 are fairly easy to answer, but this question requires a lot of thought. What do you and your family need to be encouraged? Do you have children that need a good Bible school class? Would you be most comfortable in a large group or a small group?  Do you need a discussion Bible Study in order to understand the Bible? Are there people in this congregation that you think could be your friends?

God wants you to be encouraged by your involvement with a congregation. Think about it and pray about making LHCC your church family.