by No doubt there are a great many people who love the church that they attend. The people, pastor, location, services, style, and programs are often the determining factor for their love. It is understandable that people want to find a church that is a fit for personal needs.
One universal truth that every believer understands is that there is not a perfect church out there. While the church may align with most of the desired characteristics, it doesn’t take much digging to find issues that may arise.
The perfect church doesn’t exist, but there are a lot of good things that are happening in churches. The key is to have the grace to understand that issues exist and work to be better moving forward. We should be extremely grateful that God uses the imperfect church to point to Jesus, the only perfect one!
Charles H. Spurgeon’s Insight About the Perfect Church
A man reportedly came to the British pastor Charles H. Spurgeon looking for the perfect church. The famous preacher told him he had many saintly people in his congregation, but a Judas could also be among them. After all, even Jesus had a traitor in the company of His apostles. He went on to say that some might be walking disobediently, as had been the case among the believers at Rome, Corinth, Galatia, and Sardis.
“My church is not the one you’re looking for,” said Spurgeon. “But if you should happen to find such a church, I beg you not to join it, for you would spoil the whole thing.”*
Survey
*A survey by the Barna Research Group has pinpointed the top five reasons why Americans choose a church. A nationwide sampling of Americans was asked to respond to the following statement:
“For most people, there are a few key factors that determine whether or not they will return to a church they have visited. For each factor, I mention please tell me if that factor would be extremely important, pretty important, somewhat important, not too important or not at all important in your decision of whether or not to return to a church you had visited.”
Of the 22 factors named, including worship styles and community outreaches, the top eight reasons for selecting a church, in order of importance, were:
- Theological beliefs
- How much people care
- Quality of sermons
- Friendliness to visitors
- Help to poor and disadvantaged
- Quality of children’s programs
- How much you like your pastor
- Denomination
* Source: Barna Research Group, November 18, 1998: website: http://www.barna.org ~ Morgan, R. J. (2000). Nelson’s complete book of stories, illustrations, and quotes (electronic ed., pp. 123–124). Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Let’s strive to walk together in unity, by desiring to hear and know the leading of the Spirit. When we do, the kingdom of God will be expanded with us reaching the lost. Additionally, let’s make glorifying God a priority as we seek to honor Him in all that we do.
Healthy Churches are possible, let’s strive together to accomplish His mission!
Blessings,
Chad
Start with Day 1 of the Journey to 300 by clicking ~ Journey to 300~Day 1: New Beginnings
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The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings By Tessa Afshar |
These are good reasons when choosing a church to attend. I wonder where “serving others” would fall? I feel the most important reason we choose a church should be based on how we can serve Jesus in serving others.