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 Reading the Bible Really Necessary?

How do you remain unafraid and unworried by the changing seasons in your life? In hard times, where do you turn to for guidance and direction?

One of the ways to know what God wants to tell you is through His Word – the Bible.



What is the Bible?

The Holy Bible is a collection of 66 books that accounts God’s action in the world, and His purpose with all creation.

God inspired and used different authors to write the Bible as said in 2 Peter 1:21, “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

It is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

You may ask, “Do I have to read the Bible?”

Yes. Apart from getting direction in life, God also offers His Word in the Bible so He can reveal Himself to you.

And just like how newborn babies need milk to survive, new followers of Jesus also need His Word to flourish. It is the key to your spiritual growth and strengthened faith!

Depriving yourself of this “spiritual food” will hinder your growth.

So, how does one grow by reading the Bible?

Before you accepted God as your Lord and Savior, you may have lived by the world’s standards. But don’t worry, He is now transforming your life!

Now that you are in Him, He has opened your heart that you may understand the Bible as the ultimate standard for all the areas of your life. The more you read and hear it, the more it helps your faith grow!

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Romans 10:17)


What does the Bible reveal?

As you read, study, and meditate on the Bible, you would be amazed about the many things it reveals about God and yourself.

God. Have you ever wondered about the true characteristics of God? The Bible reveals them. Apart from the truth that God is the Creator of the ends of the earth (Isaiah 40:28), it also reveals that God is love (1 John 4:8), holy (Isaiah 6:3), faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13), and all-knowing (1 John 3:20). He is also gracious, righteous, and is full of compassion! (Psalm 116:5).

You. The Bible helps you discover your identity and purpose in life. You are a child of God (John 1:12), chosen and appointed (John 15:16), and created in His own image (Genesis 1:27). It also reveals that “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Isn’t it amazing that the Creator of heaven and earth has written a book for you? He wants you to discover His treasures of truth, grace, and glory through it! He wants you to study the Bible so you may experience His transforming love.

Got questions about the Bible? You may call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 and we would love to guide you and pray for you!

Meanwhile, expand your knowledge about His Word by tuning in to Love the Word, Live the Word online show every Monday, 8 PM, on the CBN Asia, The 700 Club Asia, Batang Superbook, and I Can Breakthrough Facebook pages.

Devotionals

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What It Takes To Believe in God

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

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

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What It Takes To Believe in God

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.

img

The Fearless Life | God’s Word Today

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