1. Choose the church that has legit Christians, people who you could tell were Christians before you saw them at church. “Once your were not a people but now you are God’s people” (1 Peter 2:10).
2. Choose the church that preaches God’s Word.
I once heard a story of a couple who visited the PARKING LOTS of multiple churches in the Chicago suburbs. They were observing which church had people carrying in Bibles with them. The ones that didn’t have Bibles-in-tow didn’t get a second thought.
Why? Whose truth is getting preached at the church? God’s Truth from His Word or the man’s 'truth' behind the pulpit?
Do they say they preach the Word or do they actually do it?
God’s Word is authoritative. “Preach the Word” 2 Timothy 4:2
3. Choose the church where Jesus is worshipped, where everything that is done glorifies Him … different styles and sounds can accomplish this … but “the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18) better be Jesus.
4. Choose the church where everyone is serving and serve with them. Churches where people sit around aren’t going anywhere and they are getting unhealthy at such a slow rate that no one notices it. God doesn’t praise the spectator anywhere in Scripture.
5. Choose the church that has real fellowship – God’s Word, prayer, care, accountability. Fellowship isn’t food and games … that’s a picnic. “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the prayers…” (Acts 2:42-47).
6. Choose the church that actually disciples your kids. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Do not hinder them…” Matthew 19:14. We all know that kids are sponges. Your kids should be drilling you with Bible questions during the week requiring your own further study and commitment to God. Think of all they can go ahead and get straight early without the baggage of waiting until adulthood to get serious.
It’s time to make Harvest your Home!