What To Look For In A Church

Recently on a podcast I was asked what to look for in a church. A great question. One I've subconsciously felt for years but never consciously thought about.

My response was that I would look for eternal external needs instead of temporal internal needs.

Cause let's be honest, most people evaluate a church based on what they and their family want right now. Kids want a fun youth group. Spouse wants acoustic worship. And I want expository preaching.

But all these internal needs are temporal. Kids are gonna age out of the youth group. Spouse is gonna change their musical tastes. And I am gonna get tired of the teaching style (whatever it is) after 40 messages a year by the same person.

So instead of looking for temporal internal needs look for eternal external needs. Look for a church that is focused on reaching the community with the gospel of Christ. A church that demonstrates the desire of Jesus who wants to draw all people to Himself.

Here are three quick ways to determine if a church is focusing on the long lasting needs of others.

  1. Community Presence - Does the church have a community presence? Is it positive? If the church had to shut its doors today would anyone care tomorrow?

  2. Money Going Out - Does the church use its budget for outsiders? Is there money going out the door for missions, compassion and outreach?

  3. People Coming In - Are there new folks each Sunday? Do people outside of your community feel comfortable checking you out? And are they welcomed enough to come back?

When you find a church that focuses on eternal external values you will never outgrow it because its mission is always growing.

What do you look for in a church?

PS - Iā€™m pleased to serve at a church (The Life Christian Church) that not only focuses on the outsider but also has pretty incredible music, teaching and youth group šŸ™‚.