CHOOSING A CHURCH

 

I am often confronted with the question, “which church would you recommend?” Usually, the question comes from persons relocating to an unknown area. Years ago, such enquirers would simply look for a church within their denomination. That posture has changed. Today’s enquirers are more diverse in their choices.

Younger families include children services in their quest for a church. Single adults often include styles of music and ministry to young adults. Now that we have retired from pastoral ministry and live in an area where there are no churches from within our denomination, we find ourselves asking the question many have asked us over the years. Recently, one of our son’s in law was blunt with his question – “Pops, exactly what are you looking for in a church?”

In the first place, the church must reflect an evangelical position in its beliefs. Such beliefs must include the centrality of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures. These priorities must be reflected in the evangelistic and missional emphases of the church.

Since returning to the United States from our five-year period of ministry in Jamaica, we have been carefully observing practices among vibrant evangelical churches in South Florida. Much of their vibrancy is as a result of intentional, focused programs, to reach the unchurched. Despite the negative impact of COVID on many churches, the churches we examined maintained vibrancy and grew. They continue to host baptisms and structure discipleship sessions for new converts. In each case, these vibrant churches utilized contemporary methods in their services.

Vibrant churches utilize top-of-the-line technology to enhance their impact. They reach many more persons through their online outreach. Their online banking options enable more persons to share in the financial support of ministry. Their music is contemporary and usually theologically sound. They offer variety in their small-group gatherings. They provide attractive programs to engage young people socially, athletically and spiritually.

Vibrant churches are particularly aware of the communities in which they are located. We have participated in health clinics, providing back-to-school supplies, feeding the homeless and community prayer-walks. We have witnessed many babies dedicated in church. Extended family members and friends often accompany mothers for these special moments where certificates and tangible expressions of love are given to the families of the dedicated infants.

The vibrant churches we have been observing are committed to excellence in their outreach. When necessary, they engage the services of professionals. It is not unusual to find among paid church staff – videographers, graphic artists as well as digital and sound technicians. Traditional  roles among youth and adults continue. However, family and crisis counselling is often referred to para-church ministries. Increasing security and legal challenges have warranted this referral practice. The traditional emphasis on dress-code is de-emphasized and replaced with cultural appropriateness and elegance.

One of the stronger areas of ministry among vibrant churches is the pulpit. The pulpit furniture has changed, but not the focus. Rigid expository preaching has been replaced by topical sermons. Preachers often ably exegete both the preaching texts and the audiences to which they are ministering. Traditionally, preachers would preach for 30 to 35 minutes in a ninety-minute service. Some of the vibrant services we observed would run for 75 minutes, and the preaching would take about 45 minutes of that time. Utilizing appropriate technology, preaching texts would be projected. At times video clips would be inserted. There is more judicious use of time.

In some cases, the traditional altar for public response  has been augmented by inviting persons under conviction to complete easily accessible contact or connect cards. This information allows pastoral personnel to contact enquirers during the week. With this arrangement, both online and on-site listeners are able to respond to the sermon.

Vibrant churches engage in corporate prayer and Christian missions. They intentionally support missionaries and missions projects. They provide opportunities for their members to participate in local and global missions. They engage in overseas projects, constructing buildings and communities. Their budgets reflect their commitment to ministry and missions.

At the moment we are attending a vibrant church. It is within our community – ten minutes from our home. This allows us to be available to the church to impact the community. This proximity allows us to participate in the life of the church. Weekly, more than seventy nationalities are represented at worship services. We find it attractive, not only because of what we can get, but mainly because of what we can give. And, as a bonus, four of our seven grandchildren and their parents play active roles in this congregation. We believe by now, our son-in-law is satisfied with what we are looking for in a church.