Finding a Healthy Church

Choosing a church is quite an adventure, but one that must be entered into prayerfully. In my book, Changing Churches: A View from the Pew, I describe in detail our search for a new church. Here are some of the things we found helpful on our journey.

My husband and I listed our hoped for criteria. Yes, we wrote down and talked about each item. We wanted to find a biblical church that exalted Jesus Christ. We hoped for a friendly church, reverent worship, good music and a deliberate Communion service. We assumed any church with these qualities would also be mission and outreach minded. We narrowed our search to churches nearby so we could be active at any age. We also hoped for a smaller church so we could get to know others.

Roger Olsen in The Mosaic of Christian Belief says that many people today have little concern for beliefs and often base their decision about a church on the worship style or the programs for children or teenagers. These may be important to you, but be certain to consider the beliefs of each church you visit or you may be in for a disappointment.

Choosing a church is complicated in today’s world because what you see may not be what you get.

Olsen says:

"Many and perhaps most churches have seriously down played theology and doctrine in the second half of the twentieth century. It is very difficult to find out exactly what a  church believes and whether or not it actually takes the beliefs it says it holds seriously....You could find yourself in a church that advertises itself as Christian but denies the Trinity, the deity of Christ, salvation by grace alone, and a host of basic Christian beliefs."

A church that is vague about foundational Christian beliefs would not be a healthy church. Does the church require those who join be committed to Christ? Are members expected to be “born-again” Christians? The urge to enlarge a church by watering down the “entrance” requirements dilutes the effectiveness of the church.

We learned a great deal about the churches we visited from their websites. The statement of beliefs shown there will vary. Some are lengthy; some are short. Some are detailed and specific; some are vague. Meet with the pastor to learn more.

 Look for unity in the church. Look for transparency – openness in addressing any question or issue. Look for a church where Scripture is taught in its entirety. Look for a church where Jesus Christ is Lord. Pray as you search and the Holy Spirit will touch your heart when you attend the church where God is leading you.

A healthy church will accept you warmly, welcome your questions and give complete answers. A healthy church will inspire and challenge you to grow in your faith.

Blessings, Dottie

Changing Churches: Are You A Church Switcher?

Note to readers: I plan to blog at least weekly this year and will cycle through (1) the commands of Jesus (the red words), (2) marriage and family issues and (3) church issues. For the last year I've sent a newsletter called Changing Churches: News and Views with information about church in today's world. I've decided to post these "newsletters" here occasionally so many more Christians can learn from them. Here's #1

Changing Churches: News & Views       

A Newsletter for Christians Concerned About Changing Churches  

                               - On this rock I will build my church. Matt. 16:18

Are you a "church hopper" 

...or thinking of becoming one?

 

Do you look down on Christians who change churches? According to a Lifeway study, 76% of "church switchers" are devout Christians! I plan to write about this difficult journey and give you information on:

• The right reasons to leave a church
• Managing the pain of leaving a familiar church
• Searching for another church - the anxiety and adventure
• Handling conflict between spouses about leaving and searching
• Finding the new church that fits you and God's plan for you 

Do you wonder about vast changes in church?
Do you wonder what will bring church unity? And what will bring transformation in the church? I plan to write about:

• Changes in worship and music
• Differing world views and the postmodern church
• Effect of our culture on the church
• Biblical solutions to increase faith, unity and transformation

How am I qualified to write about these issues? Good question. I'm a two time "church switcher." I've walked this painful road. I'm also a clinical social worker. I know losing relationships is very painful - and church membership is about relationships with precious brothers and sisters in Christ. It's not easy to leave a church and most people don't do so nonchalantly. As a result of my journey I have read over forty books on churches in recent years. I also read Christianity Today, Good News, and Modern Reformation, and Chuck Colson's Breakpoint newsletter. I'm not a theologian or a pastor so can't give their learned viewpoint. But I will give you an honest "view from the pew." And I will summarize ideas from theologians and pastors. I write this to help build up the church - not to bash the church. I love the church. My husband and I have belonged to three marvelous but imperfect churches in the last twenty years. There are no perfect churches.

My hope is that this newsletter will interest and help (1) church hoppers, (2) devout Christians concerned about the direction of church changes, (3) church pastors and leaders who want to better meet the needs of church visitors and leavers, and (4) to all who would like to discover ways to refresh the church and even transform it.
 

Blessings, Dottie