Looking for a Church: Commit to One

Posted on by Matthew Laker

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.

IMG_2879When 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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More from Looking for a Church Series

Prayer

Think Different!

Think Neighbourhood!

What do you want?

Commit to one.

Looking for a Church: What do you want?

Posted on by Matthew Laker

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?

IMG_2879Answer 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

More from Looking for a Church Series

Prayer

Think Different!

Think Neighbourhood!

What do you want?

Commit to one.

 

Looking for a Church: Think Different

Posted on by Matthew Laker

 

IMG_2879Do 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.

 

 

More from Looking for a Church Series

Prayer

Think Different!

Think Neighbourhood!

What do you want?

Commit to one.

Looking for a Church?

Posted on by Matthew Laker

Help I am looking for a Church?

In many major urban centres, people move in and out. This means that often people are coming into the city and looking for a church. For some, this can be a stressful time of trying to find a church and balancing other responsibilities.. Here in Ottawa, we have one hundred thousand University students plus the normal transition of people.  Each year there are many looking for a new community of Jesus followers in their new city.

In this series of post, you will find tips to help you find a Church.

Start with Prayer

A follower of Jesus knows the need for prayer. However, are you doing it? Before Jesus chose the 12 disciples, he spent a night in prayer.   Prayer is important when seeking a community to live in, and live out the gospel together.

The scripture is full of texts that remind us that God will lead our steps, and is leading our steps. Prayer puts us in a  posture to see the guidance of his spirit in our life.

Three things to pray for:

  1.    The city you are living in, and where to live that you may best serve the city and kingdom.
  2. Gather a list of three churches and ask Jesus where to start.

If you are in Ottawa, I have to give a shout out for where I am: www.sunnysidechurch.ca

We would also be glad to help you find a church home if ours is not a good fit. Feel free to send me an email: matthew@matthewlaker.com

  1. It would not just be an emotional choice, but one where you can serve and have strong community.
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More from Looking for a Church Series

Prayer

Think Different!

Think Neighbourhood!

What do you want?

Commit to one.

 

Life and Obstacles

Posted on by Matthew Laker

In spite of the obstacles in our life, whether we put them there, or others, God is still at work.

ONEWAYI remember my first time driving downtown Ottawa.  I had walked down certain streets before, but found out you could not drive down those streets.  There were arrow signs that were obstacles to where I thought I needed to go.

Obstacles are part of every ones’ life. Some, we bring in ourselves (Gen. 12:10 – Abram leaves the promise land). Some, we do not always see as obstacles (Lot in Gen. 13:7), and some obstacles come from other people’s choices (Sari – Gen 12:13-20).

In John Walton’s commentary on Genesis (NIV Application Commentary Genesis) he shares some great ideas on obstacles that come into Abram’s life.

In Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 13 we see two different moments where obstacles come into Abram’s life.  He makes a choice he most likely thought was good for his family. In doing so, he leaves the land God had called him to.  In spite of the obstacle, that Abram put there, God would redeem Sari and bring the family back to the promise land.   Then in Genesis 13, we see the “Lot Obstacle,” but this time Abram pauses and puts faith in God to guide his path.

In spite of the obstacles in our life, whether we put them there or others, God is still at work.

Obstacles will come into our life as we live out kingdom values in our kingdom roles. However, God is still at work.  Even if we make a poor choice, and put obstacles between us and Christ,Jesus will call us back.  There will be consequences, but God is still with us.

Isaiah 42:16 (ESV)

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.”

Obstacles sometimes crowd the pathway, obstructing the vision and seeming at times to be quite unmoveable.  However fear not, listen for the spirit guidance.

“Vision is the ability to see God’s presence, to perceive God’s power, to focus on God’s plan in spite of the obstacles.” ―  Charles R. Swindoll

Jesus says “Come all who are weary and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28

Exercise: Do you have an obstacle in your life?

1. Write it out it?

2. Then write a prayer giving the obstacle to Jesus.

When fear comes, put faith in God and not the obstacle.

The obstacle may slow you down or stop you, but trust God to guide your path your path.  Do not let the obstacle be your identity.  Pray and trust in the word of God, make a decision, and live in your identity in Christ.