Are you looking for a new church home? Whatever your reasons for doing so, the search for a new church home comes at a crossroad in your lives. Each crossroad, each intersection, presents us with different directions. Here are some things to consider.
Consider the intersection between the past and the future. The reality is that we are all products of our past, and we can’t help but look for a church home that feels familiar and corresponds to our doctrinal tradition. But no new church home can be the church you left behind, or the church you remember from the past. This can be a special challenge if you have moved and there is no church with your doctrinal tradition. So balance your comfort with openness to something new, and balance your idealism with a dose of realism.
Consider the intersection between giving and receiving. As you consider a new church home, be realistic about the fact that you have needs. It is legitimate to ask whether the congregation can meet your needs or those of your family. No one can give all the time. But do balance that with the needs of the congregation you are considering. Maybe the Lord is directing you to a congregation because of their needs. Consider what God might want to give that congregation through you. Don’t be too self-centered in your decision. Love is about giving. In a vision, the Apostle Paul heard a call from the church at Macedonia, "Come over and help us." (Acts 16:9) Each of us must consider where the Lord is calling us to help. To paraphrase President Kennedy, "Ask not what the congregation can do for you, but what you can do for the congregation."
Consider the intersection between sacrifice and stewardship. On the one hand, be willing to sacrifice. The church home God is calling you to may not be the most convenient. But the convenient church, like a convenience store, may not be the best place to find good food. You might have to drive some miles to go to the church of God’s choosing. And people might say, "What a waste." But God might treasure your sacrifice and say, "He/she has done a beautiful thing to me." (Matthew 26:10) On the other hand, do consider "going local." Going to a church far from home may not be very good stewardship. In fact, if the church you are considering is too far away, the time and gas spent could become a burden and actually hinder your participation in the life of the church. All other things being equal, it is best to "bloom where you are planted."
Consider the intersection between your choice and God’s will. On the one hand you should, however prayerfully, choose your new church home. Don’t just drift into a relationship with a congregation, just because it is the closest or friendliest or has the most programs. But one of the bigger dangers of looking for a church home is bringing a consumer mentality to the search. Don’t think of it as "Church Shopping." As Rick Warren says in his book The Purpose Driven Life, "It’s not about you." The most important consideration is God’s leading, direction, and will. The question is not "Where do I want to go?" but "Where is my Lord and King sending me?" We do not choose our mission fields; God sends us. It is not church shopping for the best deal, but about discerning God’s call for us in this time and this place.
Lastly, consider the intersection between the obvious and the unseen. The building, the programs, the size of the congregation, the apparent friendliness (or unfriendliness) of the people, the talent of the musicians, the ability of the pastor, and a host of other things do matter. But don't settle on the basis of first impressions, either positive or negative. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b) Over a period of time, try to see as the Lord sees with the eye of faith. Is God at work in the congregation, or do they only have the form of godliness without the power? Is there a real commitment to Biblical truth? Is Christ exalted as Lord? Is there a challenge to discipleship? Beyond what is obvious, is there a loving spirit in the congregation, and genuine love for the Lord, however it is expressed?
May the Lord to open the eyes of your heart and direct your paths to a church home that is a foretaste of your eternal home.
Pastor Joe Veltman
