choosing a church - why join a church

Choosing a Church

So, you have decided to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and you want to grow deeper in Him. While it is true that there are many ways for you to grow spiritually, finding a church that is right for you is one of the most important decisions you need to make.

Now, you might be asking, is there a right way to choose a church?

Is church even necessary?

Why a church is essential to your spiritual growth 

The first thing that would come to your mind when you hear the word church is probably a building, a location, or a denomination. But the church that the Bible describes is more than that.

The Bible refers to the church as the people, a community of believers who are followers of Jesus Christ. The church is the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Church is necessary because it’s a place of worship, fellowship, a place to study His Word, and ultimately, a place to fulfill the Great Commission. Hebrews 10:25 gives another reason why the church is essential to your spiritual growth.

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25 ESV)

Why join a church 

Following Jesus and obeying His teachings are shared goals. It means you need a spiritual family to help you grow and become spiritually mature.

Through the church, Christians are encouraged to bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:1-3) and to uplift each other by sharing stories of God’s faithfulness.

How to choose a church that is right for you 

Choosing a church that is right for you is something that should be done with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To help you start, here are some important factors to keep in mind as you make this very important decision in your life. 

1. Doctrine 

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a church is its accordance with the Bible. Select a church that bases all its teachings on the Word of God and believes in the power of the Holy Spirit and salvation through Jesus. You can check this in the church’s mission and vision statement and in their statement of faith.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV) 

2. Leadership 

Do the pastors and leaders demonstrate a lifestyle you would want to follow? While not everyone is perfect, pastors and church leaders are called to lead the congregation. They should be Biblically qualified leaders, spiritually strong, and have a firm hold on the biblical truths of their faith. 

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:7-9 ESV) 

3. Ministry 

A good church encourages its members to serve and use their gifts to build up and equip one another.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies–in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV)

4. Fellowship

Christian fellowship is essential to spiritual growth. Many aspects of your spiritual life depend on being together with other believers to encourage, teach, serve, and share life together through weekly services, or bible study groups.

These activities cultivate strong relationships with fellow believers and help deepen your faith in Christ.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24 ESV)

5. Church Size

Would you opt for a large church or a small one? The answer will still depend on your spiritual needs and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Both can faithfully uphold the same truth and address your spiritual needs. Smaller churches tend to be more intimate and can offer personal care and accountability to their members. Meanwhile, larger churches can minister to a broader range of people and offer diverse programs to the congregation.

Above all, as a Christian, you belong to a church.  You are part of the community of believers whose ultimate purpose is to serve, love, and worship Jesus Christ and make Him known throughout the world. So, choose a church where you feel God’s presence the most!

Do you want to connect to a church near you?

If you are looking for a church, the CBN Asia Prayer Center has hundreds of faithful church partners who can help you live a fruitful Christian life. Call us at 8-737-0-700 so we can connect you to the nearest church in your area.

Is Church Necessary?

You probably grew up knowing that the church is just a building that people visit every Sunday. However, in a Christian life, a church is much more than that.

 

What is church, really?

The church that the Bible refers to comes from the Greek word “ecclesia” which means congregation, assembly or meeting.

It is not a structure but an assembly of people who believe and are followers of Jesus Christ. Matthew 18:19-20 says that as long as people gather together in Jesus’ name, He is in their midst.

Jesus is the one who builds the church, as He said to Peter, one of His disciples, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18 ESV).

He brings together people of different tribes and languages to be one body in Christ (Romans 12:5 ESV).

In addition, the Word of God describes the church as different parts of the body which are essential to one another.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:21, 26 ESV)

Simply put, the church is the people of God connected with one another—being one in mind, goal, and spirit through Jesus.

 

What is church for?

1. A place for fellowship

One of the church’s purposes is to provide people a safe place where they can share lives together. Churchgoers need to be built relationally so they can grow together in their relationship with God.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42, ESV)

2. A place of sound doctrine

The Bible warns the people to be vigilant with false teachings being spread around. That’s why one of the important roles of the church is to teach sound doctrine, study the scriptures, and help people grow spiritually.

Ultimately, it is God who enables the members of the church in helping each other grow in the faith.

“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” (Ephesians 4:11-13)

3. A place of comfort

When people pray, encourage one another, and show love and compassion to each other, they show the heart of the church.

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.” (Hebrews 10:25 GNT)

4. A place of worship

It is a safe place where you can worship your Heavenly Father. Praying, giving tithes, and singing songs of praise are some of the many ways to show your love for God.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16 ESV)

5. A place to fulfill the Great Commission

Lastly, the body of Christ is built for a communal purpose and that is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Called to reach out to the lost and share the Good News, followers of Jesus are also chosen to represent Him in every way and be a witness to people of who He is and what He has done.

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21 ESV)

Diverse religious shoot

 

Should people go to church?

After learning all the purposes and benefits of going to church, you might have asked yourself, “Should I go to church, too?”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 tells that God created people as relational beings.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

As people of God, followers cannot truly spiritually grow without the church. They will easily fall and give up in their walk with God. But having people you can rely on in your spiritual journey helps you go further and deeper in your relationship Him. If that is your goal, then being part of the church is an essential element of your Christian journey.

Most importantly, a church is a place where you could feel the transforming love, power, and presence of God.

Do you want to experience God’s presence through the church?

If you are looking for a church, the CBN Asia Prayer Center has hundreds of faithful partner churches who can help you live a fruitful Christian life in Christ. Call us at 8737-0700 so we can connect you to the nearest church in your area.

 

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His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3you with unfailing kindness.

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The Fearless Life | God’s Word Today

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