Finding the Right Church

Easy topic to handle in 25 words or less...

Let me try and major on the majors, and let me tackle the most difficult one of all:

Sound Biblical Teaching. To paraphrase Mike Singletary, "can't live without it, can't grow without it, can't win without it." But how can the novice know if the Pastor/Teacher is rightly handling the Word of God? This is tough to summarize - but here goes. Stories are great, quotes add depth, but ask this question - is the teacher using the Bible to explain the Bible. If not, he is more likely to be using verses out of context or coming to a conclusion and the back filling verses to support his point, instead of having the Bible inform his doctrine.

God. How does the church portray God? He should be the center of attention, the center of teaching and the point of every sermon. Essentially, we are here for God, not the other way around.

Sin. Does the teacher regularly remind us that we are sinners? We have committed acts, thoughts and omissions that are an abomination against a Holy God (sin). That has separated us from Him and requires punishment.

The Gospel. But God, in his kindness, substituted His Son to receive our punishment on the cross so that we could be re-united with him. Christ and only Christ can save us from God's wrath.

The People. Are they impacted by this message? Are they motivated to action, compassion, study, evangelism?

It's not music. Old Hymns have great theological depth and new songs add variety.

It's not the building. That's just where they can afford to meet.

It's not the color, ethnicity, or age. God's people come in all flavors.

Let me over simplify - is leadership leading you to the foot of the cross as the answer for our greatest problem and is the congregation responding by growing in humility?

For a better,deeper and more informed discussion of what to look for in a church, I would refer you to Mark Dever:

The Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
http://www.wtsbooks.com/product-exec/product_id/2171/nm/Nine+Marks+of+a+Healthy+Church