Navigating Your Search for the “Perfect” Church

Perfect you say? You know there’s no such thing as a perfect church…yet somewhere in our idealistic minds, we envision the "perfect" pastor with the "perfect" music and the "perfect" congregation. But if you ever find it…don’t join it! If you did, it would no longer be perfect!

There are many reasons why a person looks for another church…some are valid and many are not! The only word of caution I would give is to be sure you resolve any offenses as you begin your search. If you don’t, you’ll show up with a chip on your shoulder or a hidden agenda that will cause your “illusive” search to become perpetual. So, what should you look for? Here are some things to consider.

FIRST: Ask yourself if the Essential Ingredients of a Christian Church are Evident.

1. The Word of God. Is it preached and taught by called, anointed and seasoned eldership? Is God’s Word believed to be the only inspired and authoritative written self-revelation of God that leads to salvation and eternal life?

2. Jesus, the Incarnate Son of the Living God. Is He lifted up as the center and object of your faith and spiritual worship? Is He celebrated in the sacraments and looked to as the foundation and the only source of redemptive truth? Is He the way, the truth and the life in word and in song?

3. The Holy Spirit. Is His power actively working among God’s people, changing lives and empowering them to live godly lifestyles and gifting them for Christian service?

4. Equipping People for Ministry. Are God’s people being trained for ministry in the church and being sent out into the world as witnesses of His love, grace, redemption and restoration?

5. Pastoral Care. Do you see personable pastoral care toward people, bringing them into the covenant of salvation, love for one another, healing, counsel and restoration? Is the character of God evident in the leadership?

NEXT: Do you sense a Family Environment in the local church where you are visiting?

God has always been about family. That’s why He calls His people “children” and “sons.” Jesus called Him “Father” and taught the disciples to pray to their Heavenly Father. God’s church is the redeemed community of believers embracing the young and the old from all walks of life. They are brothers and sisters in the Lord fellowshiping around Christ with the “buzz” of life, laughter, comfort and encouragement for one another.

FINALLY, look for the Church Traditions that help you “connect” with God in worship.

These are familiar styles of worship and times of meetings. They may include vestments and particular forms of government. Find the kinds of music that draws you into God’s presence and stirs your heart toward obedience and faith.

So, is there a perfect church? No, but if you find a group of imperfect people who walk daily in God’s forgiving grace and who look to Jesus as their only hope…you’re in the right ballpark! If this is a place where you can grow in God’s love and grace, look no further. You’ve found the Church that Jesus built!

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