10 Things to Look for in a Church

(or to foster and build in your current church )

1. Edification - The Sunday message is not merely a lecture or a motivational talk, it is a means of grace through which God speaks to his people. Every time we gather to hear the preaching of the word, we are being built up in our most holy faith. The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). So let us come to the Sunday message with eager hearts, ready to receive the edification that God has for us.

2. Discipleship - Theological study and growth is not an optional extra for the Christian. It is an essential part of our sanctification, as we grow in our knowledge of God and his ways. We are called to be disciples of Christ, which means following him in every area of life. This involves a commitment to ongoing learning and growth, through personal study, small group discussion, and formal classes. Let us be like the Bereans, who were commended for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true (Acts 17:11).

3. Fellowship - The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. We are part of the body of Christ, and as such, we are called to love and encourage one another. Small groups and events provide an opportunity for us to do just that. When we gather with other believers, we can share our struggles and our joys, pray for one another, and spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect to meet together, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as we see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:25).

4. Service Opportunities - Serving others is not a burden, but a privilege. When we serve others, we are following in the footsteps of our Lord, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). Wherever we serve in the local church, we are doing the work that God has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).

5. Mentorship - As Christians, we are not meant to walk the path of discipleship alone. We need the wisdom and guidance of those who have gone before us, and we have the privilege of mentoring those who are coming after us. This is the pattern that we see in the life of Christ, who invested deeply in his disciples, and who commanded them to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Let us be intentional about seeking out mentors and being mentors, so that we can grow in our faith and pass on the legacy of the gospel to future generations.

6. Worship - As Christians, we are called to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Worship involves more than just singing songs or attending a worship service, it is a lifestyle of surrender to God. We worship God by giving him the honor and glory that he deserves, by living holy lives, and by offering our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

7. Evangelism - We have been given the great commission to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). Evangelism is not an optional extra for the Christian, but an essential part of our calling. We are called to share the good news of salvation with those who do not know Christ, so that they too may have eternal life.

8. Prayer - Prayer is not only a means of asking God for our needs but a means of communing with him and aligning our hearts with his. Through prayer, we can express our love and gratitude to God, seek his guidance and wisdom, and intercede for others. We are called to pray without ceasing, to bring everything to God in prayer, and to pray in the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Philippians 4:6, Ephesians 6:18).

9. Stewardship - As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us. This includes our time, talents, and finances. We are called to use these resources wisely, to serve others, and to advance the kingdom of God. We are also called to give generously and cheerfully, not out of compulsion, but out of love for God and his people (2 Corinthians 9:7).

10. Holiness - We are called to be holy, just as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). Holiness involves more than just avoiding sin, it is a positive pursuit of righteousness and godliness. We are called to put off our old selves and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). Let us pursue holiness with all our hearts, so that we may be conformed to the image of Christ.