SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT BEING PART OF A LOCAL CHURCH.
There is a subject I have been wanting to write about for quite some time, it is a very broad subject so this could easily become a series. So few Believers seem to understand the place and importance in being part of a local church. Some simply attend because it was the denomination of their parents, but sadly have very little idea what the church really believes. It is simply a “friendship club” they attend “at their convenience”.
Let me say from the outset that every Believer MUST be part of a local church, it is an essential key to their spiritual growth and development, and the place where opportunity should or is given, to be DISCIPLED and MENTORED, and to serve the Lord.
Every Believer must be PLANTED in a local church Ps. 92:13 KJV Those who are planted in the house of the LORD, shall flourish in the courts of our God. The Biblical ideal is to be a part of a “local” church in your area, so you be part of a team of Believers seeking to influence your community with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is much harder in country areas where there are small populations, small (often dying local churches) and some people drive a long distance to be part of a good local church.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A LONE RANGER IN THE BODY OF CHRIST.
It is so sad that at this time so many churches and denominations have turned their back on Biblical truth, and are endorsing “same sex marriage” and the broad area of LGBT etc. lifestyle. Plus so many other important and essential Biblical truths. In this last almost 50 years we have seen so called “church unions” the reality is most churches have aging congregations and are not seeing growth, and potentially many hundreds if not thousands could be closed in the next decade or two. Many feel simply a loyalty and too hang in, others are seeking, praying and searching for a good local church.
May I say just because a local church has a growing congregation, growth is not necessarily proof of the blessing of God and a strong Biblical basis. Some churches have gone overboard on being “contemporary” to attract young people, but not meeting the spiritual needs of the people.
So, if any of my readers are unsettled or unhappy in your local church, have you asked the question WHY? Sometimes this can be because of “personality clashes” and can often be dealt with in a Biblical way.
It is more difficult for a couple with children, and there are few or no other children in the church. In my generation most children attended Sunday School and there was Religious education in our schools, those days are gone, particularly when Sunday sport for children became the norm. Sport has become the “major” religion in our nation.
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS YOU NEED TO LOOK FOR IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CHURCH, OR FEEL YOU MUST FIND ANOTHER CHURCH?
Let me remind you there is no such thing as a “perfect church”, if you could find one, don’t join it, as it will cease to be perfect !!
What does the church believe, preach and practice as essentials ?
Often we get caught up with, our own personal preferences and personal interpretations on some stuff. Does the church preach we must be BORN AGAIN, and that we can live victorious holy lives, is their clear evidence of DISCIPLESHIP and MENTORING AVAILABLE.
Is the church visibly seen to be committed to the Great Commission? Matt.28:18-20 ?
Is the preaching strongly Biblically based? And preferably expository?
How well is the church governed? Is their evidence of a “Team Leadership and Ministry. In other words not a “one man band”!!!!
Is their Pastoral Care available?
I encourage you to be COMMITTED TO THE BIBLICAL ESSENTIALS, and don’t let “non essentials” dtop you from being part of a good church.
THE LORD IS MORE INTERESTED IN YOUR HEART REALATIONSHIP WITH HIM, AND NOT TO EVERY JOT AND TITTLE OF THEOLOGY. GOD WANT US CHRIST CENTRED, NOT DOCTRINE CENTRED.
The above is simply some important keys for those who are not happy in their current church, and for them and anyone who is seeking a good Bible based church. I trust it has helped you in making this important decision.
Please feel free to email me on [email protected], or leave a comment on my website boskoteachingandmentoring.com