Church choices

​Jesus promised to build His church. (Matthew 16:18)  Here in the 21st century, in North. America at least, the choice of where to go to church is abundant.  Following the pandemic of 2020, those choices were magnified.  Its even common now among online church attenders to go to several church sites irrespective of denominational or doctrinal differences.  There are a lot of good reasons to choose a church.  Here are a few I’ve identified, for the sake of simplicity, I’ll put them in a numbered list.  Cross off any that you think are not important to you. 
 

1. Its location.  It’s close to where you live so you can save on travel expenses and be home quickly after church.  Admittedly this is not the top of everyone’s list.
2. Its friendliness.  It feels comfortable to come there.  You don’t feel like you’re being watched or investigated when you go to church. 
3. Its worship. Just the right choice of songs that encourage worship of the Living God.  When you worship, you find yourself thinking less about the songs and the worship team and focus on telling God how much you love Him instead. 
4. Its ministries.  Let’s face it. Children and youth are not interested in the same methods that the adults are. We all have our likes and dislikes.  The question is:  Do you feel drawn to do something bigger than you? Can you find a place where you can make a difference for others and for God? 
5. Its size.  Some people prefer large settings where they can hide and not have to volunteer. Maybe they like large churches because of the perceived impact their having on their sphere of influence.  Others want to be part of a smaller community so that the pressure of belonging makes them want to be a part of a community.  They want to KNOW they are valued and can make a difference. 
6. The pastor.  Does He/She preach the Bible?  Do they seem to care about you? Do they have integrity?
7. What time do they dismiss on Sunday mornings.  It does matter.
8. Do I leave happy? Or should the question be…do I leave angry? Church should be a place where you feel better when you leave than when you came.
9. Do I agree with their doctrinal statement? If you can’t find it on their website, that’s a good clue you probably shouldn’t go there.

 
The promise of Jesus to build His church is certain and reliable.  The question is, will we take the opportunity to do great things with Him through His Church?  Praise God!