Looking for a Church: Commit to One
When looking for a church it is so easy to keep jumping from church to church, and to point out flaws and reasons not to stay.
When looking for a church it is so easy to stay in the loop of looking. Bouncing around gives you a higher chance of burnout in your walk with Jesus.
Make a commitment. Just make a choice. If you are stuck, then make an educated choice and try for 6 to 8 months.
Be honest with people, but make a commitment to work and be with the people. You will get so much more out of the local body of believers by committing to them. Begin to care for them and let them care for you.
Too many people hold off, trying to find that perfect group, and it just is not going to happen. Each group has strengths and weaknesses, but do not let that stop you.
Looking for a Church? Commit to one.
What do you find is the hardest thing about finding a Church?
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Looking for a Church: What do you want?
What do you want in a local church? While we need to be careful of the consumerism aspect of looking for a church there are some important questions to ask.
- What type of organization style?
- What type of tradition, for example music or denomination?
- What values are important to you?
- What are the core teachings and doctrine that are important?
- What type of philosophy or expression of church are you looking for?
- What questions do you need answers to?
Answer the above questions, while remembering you will not find a perfect match to everything or a perfect church. Nevertheless, answering these questions will help.
You may have to compromise on a few things, such as, style; however, let it push you toward God.
In searching for a church what are the most important things to you? What are the core parts?
Looking for a Church? Let me help: You can contact me at: matthew@matthewlaker.com
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Looking For a Church: Think Neighbourhood
Tips for looking for a Church?
The word “Parish” is an old term. It stems from the idea of a local body of believers targeting a certain area within a city. They are going to live there, and serve there. Sometimes it may only be possible to also work or study there.
When looking for a church I always recommend that you find one where you are going to live. This means we need to pray for God to guide us to a neighbourhood where we may live.
The reason, proximity is a big deal in sharing the gospel. Sharing the gospel is highly relationship centered. In an ideal situation, a neighbourhood church should be working to live beyond Sunday service, and engaging the heartbeat of the surrounding area.
I understand that at times it may not be possible to find a geographically local group. Try to see if the church has local groups that gather, where you could connect in order to influence your neighbourhood.
When looking for a Church, start by finding out who is meeting close to where you live. In Canada, you can Google map it to find locations. You could also just ask a pastor for three churches you could check out.
Looking for a Church Downtown Ottawa Give me a Shout. matthew@matthewlaker.com
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Looking for a Church: Think Different
Do you find yourself looking for a church? What if you began the journey thinking differently?
Often when we look for a church, it is similar to selecting a product. Now that is not always a bad thing because of our personality. Looking at what is happening in the community, and how they will help you grow is an important question.
What if in looking for a church you did not approach it with a consumer attitude, but with serving in mind? Consider looking for a place where you can join in building the kingdom together. Look for a place to serve together with other believers, instead of asking how they can serve you. This may be serving in an uncomfortable area for some time, but that is okay.
Matthew 20:28 (NIV)
28 “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
When looking for a church, consider thinking differently. Go in prayerfully and, with an attitude to find a community where you may serve together in the kingdom of God.