Is this church right for me?

Is this church right for me?

Dear Matilda,

If you attend a church where you are not being encouraged, you may need to consider looking for a new congregation. But first, you have to ask yourself: are you going to church for social activities or spiritual development?

God never intended the church to be an entertainment centre where people merely engage in "spectator sports." He wants us to reproduce ourselves in others.

Let me expand on the words “spiritual development”:

Acts 2:42-47 gives the blueprint for building a Godly church and we can be spiritually developed under this kind of environment:

1.  Biblical Teaching: sound doctrine is preached and Scripture is accurately proclaimed. (i.e. by not changing the Bible)

2.  Fellowship: when we are actively involved in other people’s lives and when people are involved with yours by edifying, and encouraging one another’s spiritual well being, we have achieved Fellowship.

3.  Prayer: the church must commit itself to corporate prayer that’s to show we acknowledge our total dependence on God.

4.  Sharing: understand each other’s needs and help out the best way we can. This is an expression of our love to one another.

5.  Joyful church: members of the church are joyful when members are making an impact on the world, loving each other, and seeing God at work. The church had joy because it was focused on God's glory and praised Him accordingly. Unity is achieved when we focus on God and not on our personal agenda.

Matilda, if you are looking for a church to go to, reference the above 5 points would be helpful.

However, you should know that there is no perfect church. Remember too, you have a responsibility to actively use your spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ.  There must be a balance between having your needs met and allowing yourself to be used by God to meet the needs of others.

Love you dearly Matilda,

albert