How to Choose Your Church

Years ago, when my wife and I moved to a new city for work, we immediately began searching for a church family we could join. We had a young child and another one on the way at the time, so some of the considerations for a new church were a robust children’s program, welcoming and friendly people, and preaching and teaching that were theologically aligned with our beliefs.

We found a church that was probably the most welcoming and friendly church that we have ever attended. Members guided us to the children’s classes and then welcomed us to a Sunday school class that was perfect. We attended for several Sundays and felt that the church was an excellent fit relationally.

Even though we had only attended for a few weeks, my wife had given birth to our second son, and the Sunday School class was there in full force. They brought meals for a couple of weeks and offered to help in many ways.

There were concerns, though. During most of the class teachings, there was very little discussion of the Bible. One Sunday, a member mentioned that she had heard someone teach about the Holy Spirit. She explained some of the teachings, and others in the class were amazed. They had never heard about the wonders of the Spirit; the information was new to them.

Another Sunday during the worship service, the associate pastor preached, and surprisingly, there was no reference to Scripture at all. I began to think about previous sermons from the senior pastor and remembered that if any Scripture was used, it was minimal.

There are many factors we consider when seeking a church family. Finding a church with people we enjoy being with and who show love to us is important. It is also important to find a church that provides a space for our children to form meaningful connections and learn about Jesus Christ. Although important, these things are secondary to ensuring that the church we attend has the proper foundation upon which all of these things can be built.

So, what is the foundation on which every good church should be built?

Specifically, three things lay the foundation for an effective gospel preaching church. Before you consider joining, ask the pastor these three questions:

What are your beliefs about God?

God is eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

God the Father: the first person of the Trinity in authority who sovereignly reigns over His universe, Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

God the Son: Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin, wholly man and wholly God, died as a substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of mankind, arose from the grave, defeating the power of sin and death.

God the Holy Spirit: co-equal with the Father and Son, present in the world today to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ, living in every Christian from the moment of salvation.

What are your beliefs about God’s Word?

The Holy Scriptures, as originally given by God, are divinely inspired, infallible, entirely trustworthy, and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.

What are your beliefs about man and his problems?

God created man, both male and female, in His own image as the crowning work of His creation. In the beginning, man was innocent of sin and was given freedom of choice by God. Tempted by Satan, man rebelled against God and fell from his sinless state, bringing sin into the human race. Consequently, all mankind is sinful by inheritance and by choice. Therefore, mankind is under just condemnation without defense or excuse, depraved and in need of a Savior.

All people need salvation. It is a gift of God provided through Jesus Christ, who by His blood obtained eternal redemption for those who believe. Salvation is granted to those who respond in repentance and faith to the conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. When a person is saved, they are born again (regenerated) by the Holy Spirit and become a new creation. There is always evidence of this change in the life of the believer (fruit).

There are many considerations when thinking about joining a church, and they are important to you and your family. Before committing to join a fellowship with a church, it is essential to have frank discussions with the pastor about his beliefs. Asking these three questions can help ensure that the proper foundation has been established in the church you are considering joining.  If these three questions are not answered according to what Scripture teaches, the church should not be considered for your family.