Expert: Scott Talbot - 1/2/2011

Question
I was born and raised in the roman catholic church until I was 4. Then uprooted and converted to a Baptist. After serious problems with this one church at the age of 11 I stopped attending church. I never stopped believing in the lord or doubting his presence nor did I practice a single faith during this time. When I turned 18 I returned to the catholic faith but also explored my heritage as well as religious aspects of the native American beliefs.I have also explored the LDS, Pentecostal and Christian science faith, none to my liking. I have had 4 children and they have all been baptized in the catholic church and have taken Re classes but have not been confirmed. I have been unhappy at this church for sometime now. We recently moved and I figured I could explore the different faiths and see if maybe we can find one to attend. I have the lord in my life everyday and I am trying to walk everyday in the lords light, and I want the same for my children. I want church to be something we are excited about doing not something we do out of obligation. I want a church where its congregation doesn't sit with a fake smile on its face and then talk about each other when they go home. I would like a church that practice the bible not their selected versions of the bible. I would like a priest, minister whatever who doesn't live in a million dollar home and then preaches that we should live frugally and donate to the less needy. I know this is a lot to drop on you and believe me there is a question in here. How do I  start or even begin to locate a church that can give me all of these things? Or tell me how to live the rest of my life at a church where I question some of their beliefs?  Thank You

Answer
Hi Jeri,

Of all the questions I get, I think yours is one of the most challenging to answer. How do I find a good, solid church where I can worship, grow, and serve with my family? This is not an easy question to answer, since there are so many variables. But I may be able to offer some guidelines that may help.

Let me begin with a fundamental issue. Have you been born again? Have you accepted God's free gift of salvation and been adopted into His family? Do you have a PERSONAL relationship with God? This is where it all begins. It's not just about religion. It's about a relationship with the God of the universe.

We need to understand that we are all born into the world sinners. We are sinners by nature and by choice. Violating just one of God's commands violates His holiness and brings upon us the full force of His wrath and condemnation. Our sin has separated us from God, and we cannot do anything to save ourselves. No amount of good works will fix it.

However, God in His love did for us something that we could not do for ourselves. He became a man (in the person of Jesus Christ), lived a perfect life, and then served our death sentence for us. He took upon Himself God's wrath and condemnation and died in our place. By doing so, He made available to us a free gift. If we will accept this gift, God will grant us forgiveness, remove us from condemnation, and credit to our account the righteousness of Jesus Christ. All we need to do is reach out and receive this gift by praying to God and asking for it.

The following verses or passages teach us what we need to understand about our need for salvation through Jesus Christ:  John 1:12, 3:1-21, 5:24, Romans 3:10, 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-13, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5.

(I never assume that someone writing to me has entered into this personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It's too important to just assume.)

So it starts with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But the new birth continues with a growing relationship. One of the ways we grow is through our involvement in a good local church.

The church is something that Jesus invented the idea of church (Matthew 16:18). However, true to form, Satan has used his deceitful ways to corrupt the church and to distort it from what it was intended to be. As a result, you see all kinds of churches ranging from those who may be a bit off on certain minor points of teaching, to those that are WAY off, to cults and other "churches" that are merely counterfeits of the real thing, led by some who may not even have a personal relationship with Christ. Add to this all of the other false religions--Satan's further attempts to counterfeit and confuse--and you have a very challenging proposition on your hands trying to find a good church.

That said, here are a few things to look for:

1. What does the church believe and teach about the fundamental doctrines of the Bible? For example, do they believe the Bible is the inspired, authoritative Word of God? Do they believe in the deity of Christ? Do they believe in salvation by grace and not by works?

2. Do they follow the Great Commission of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20)? That is, do they proclaim the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ alone, and do they actively work to disciple believers?

3. Does the leadership and do the people demonstrate genuine love and provide a nurturing environment for you and your family?

4. Does this church provide you with opportunities to serve God and others, both within the church as well as in the community?

I would recommend praying and asking God for wisdom in your search (see James 1:5). Then do your homework. Research local churches, talk to other Christians whom you can trust, and perhaps interview a few pastors. Then take the time to visit several churches. Your mind and heart, along with God's direction, should lead you to a quality church.

Here's a link to a web site that offers some more helpful tips:  http://christianity.about.com/od/churchandcommunity/ht/chooseachurch.htm

If you would like to make a list of some of the churches in your area that you are considering and share them with me, I would be happy to help you with the research and provide additional insight ... if you think that would help.

Best wishes in your journey. I am sure that God will reward your efforts!!

Scott