Five Things to Look for in a Christian Church

Have you heard of church-hoppers or as my friend put it, church connoisseurs? In a recent email correspondence she gave me sound advice from a chapter on church membership in C.S. Lewis' book, Screwtape Letters (ch. 16) regarding these kinds of Christians. In the book, he warns against the dangers of being a "church connoisseur," one who goes around sampling them all, looking for the one that suits him perfectly. This is a guide about what to look for when searching for a home church, but I warn against the wandering Christian who's waiting for that perfect church.

To clarify, my friend uses the analogy of the perfect man or family:

Finding the perfect church is like finding the perfect man; the one you're attracted to is the one who has the qualities your last man didn't, but soon you wake up and realize that this man is missing something else that you want, and so on...

Choosing a church gives me a church family (an imperfect one, but what family isn't?) and more opportunities to minister and tell other people about Jesus.

As soon as you accept that every church will be flawed (because churches are comprised of people who are flawed), I suggest looking for these five things in your search for a church family:

Gender-specific Small Groups

These are also known as home groups or cell groups. Part of the Christian walk entails having close communion with other believers. The large congregational worship setting doesn't provide a chance to deepen your friendships because the attention is on the speaker or program. Small groups usually meet outside of the church during the week. It gives church members a chance to make friends with the hopes that there will be a chance for bonding, accountability, disciplining, encouragement and growth. I am a proponent of gender specific groups because men and women deal with different issues and most people would feel more comfortable really sharing their struggles with those of the same sex. Older women can mentor younger women; older men can disciple younger men. Peers can share their similar struggles. Gender-specific groups encourage authenticity and transparency.

Coed Ministry Opportunities with Individuals in the Same Life Stage

Although I encourage Christians to get involved in a gender-specific small group, I also encourage you to look for a church that has opportunities to be a part of ongoing coed ministries or mission projects. Similar life stages (single, married, married with kids etc.) also give you a chance to meet people who you can relate with. If you're single, it's an opportunity to meet people of the opposite sex who are concerned with ministry and missions, potential mates. If you are married, it's a chance to make friends with other married couples, and likewise if you are married with kids. Ministry shouldn't be a lonesome endeavor; remember, Jesus sent them out in twos.

Worship Services that Involve All Ages

I've gone to "traditional" worship services packed with adults and elderly. When we sing the hymns, I start missing the contemporary/ gospel songs. On the other hand, I've also gone to "contemporary" worship services packed with young people, and although I enjoy the contemporary/ gospel songs, I start to miss the hymns too! Yesterday I attended a service that had worship music unlike anything I'd experienced before. At first, I thought it was going to be a traditional service. I sat down next to an elderly couple and was expecting that we'd open our hymnals. Instead, the service started out with energetic, lively gospel music, and the elderly couple next to me raised their hands and sang loudly. When I looked around to the rest of the audience, I noticed it was packed with believers of all ages, all sizes, and all colors. We sang hymns, gospel songs, and contemporary songs. Everything was in the mix. I remember thinking, This is what I want. This is what heaven will be like. In heaven, I don't think we'll divide up and worship God based on our music preferences and our age group. It's not about our preference anyway; it's about giving God glory. It's about what pleases Him. I'm sure it's all joyful noise to him anyway. Every part of our nature is flawed, including our vocal chords, but he delights in hearing us sing to him anyway. I also like the idea of a worship service that involves all ages because when I have a family one day, I want them all beside me. I want to praise God as a family.

Gospel Centered Preaching

This is by far the most important thing to look for in a church. Like I said, there is no such thing as a perfect church, and the more gospel-centered they are, the more the members will realize this and the more grace and love will abound. There's nothing like a congregation that is constantly reminded of humanity's unworthiness and God's worthiness. When a church is gospel-centered, there's always an attitude of gratitude, a forgiveness of other's shortcomings, and a focus on the Second Coming of Christ. When a church is gospel centered, it automatically takes into account those who are unchurched. Every message should point to the cross. Every service should remind us of the sacrifice of Christ. When a church is not gospel centered, what's the point? To teach people to be moral? To purify the church? When the church loses it's central focus on Christ and the cross, it starts focusing on people and the law. If Christ is to be glorified, he must remain central in everything. Paul makes this clear in his epistles:

Philippians 1:18-But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

1 Corinthians 2:2-For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Philippians 3:8-What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

Doctrines on Salvation Inline with Your Understanding

Lastly there is the issue of church denomination and doctrines. There is no denomination that holds the monopoly on truth. The important doctrines that must stay in line with your set of beliefs are those that deal with salvation. This is important because you want to be able to fully support your church in spreading the message of salvation. If you feel they err on this important doctrine, you should look for another church home.