So, you are church shopping? Cash, check, or charge? By the way, in some churches, its "no shirt, no shoes, no service." Okay, seriously now, I am writing this after visiting 6 churches in the last 2 months. No, I was not looking for a new church. I was on sabbatical from New Vision Church and I wanted to see what other churches were doing. So I went to some of the biggest and most popular. Having been on the other side of the pulpit for a few weeks I thought I would offer a few suggestions for you who are looking for a new church. (Plus, I promised I would do this, so here it is . . .)
First, let me ask you a question. Why do you think you need a new church? You moved to a new area and your former church is too far away? You haven't been going to any church, but you want to start? Okay, those are good reasons. Keep reading. Maybe you don't like the music, Bible translation, or carpet color and you think a change would do you good. Maybe you had a run-in with the pastor or someone else. Or maybe you are just not "getting fed." (By the way, even the tastiest morsels require chewing.) If your reason is similar to this second list, there are some things you need to do before you head out and start shopping.
First, check your heart. Are you motivated by selfishness, pride, or hurt pride? Are you running from conflict? (Chances are, you will run into it again at the new church). Have you talked to the pastor, church leaders, and/or the person who hurt you, doing absolutely everything you can to resolve the situation? If you don't you will bring all that baggage with you on your new church hunt and that baggage will taint what you see and you might make a bad decision. For instance, if you don't like the music at the old church, you might jump right into a new church that has the music you prefer. In your desire for your kind of music you might ignore the fact that the pastor preaches things you don't believe and other important elements. one year from now you will be doing it all over again. Also, get some counsel from a few trusted, mature friends. You better know that you know that you know that leaving your current church is the right thing to do.
Okay, so you are looking for churches for all the right reasons. Now what? First of all, what is really important to you? I am not talking preferences. I am talking values. What are the make-or-break issues for you? This is important because you will never find the perfect church. No church will do everything just like you want it done. You will have to settle in some areas. And again, examine your heart. I love music, but music should never be a deciding factor. Now start looking for some churches that value what you value. Ask your friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Spend some time online.
Then start visiting. When I visited 6 churches, I was awestruck with how similar their worship services were. They all sang songs, preached messages, prayed prayers, and gave offerings. Most had coffee. Some had donuts. This means that if you like a church, you will need to dig a little deeper. Drop in on a few advertised events. Ask people there what they like about the church. Then make an appointment with the pastor. Ask him every question you can think of about the things you truly value.
Your church shopping experience should take some time. Too often I see people jump in headfirst only later to find that this church is just not for them. If you have kids, this can be devastating!!!!! Take your time. Pray hard- God really will lead you.
Then, when you know where you are supposed to be, make a commitment, take the vows, and put on the wedding ring- this is a long-term relationship. Invest. Engage. Give. Encourage. Grow. Chew on every bite of food thrown your way and you will be fed.
Don't give up. Don't quit your searching and talk yourself into television-church. Put down the remote, get dressed and go to church. And remember, there is no such thing as a church of one. Still not convinced, pick up your Bible, read Hebrews 10:25, brush your teeth, and go to church. It will be worth it.
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