Yesterday I started sharing about the message I shared this past Sunday (6-3-12) about "How to Leave a Church Properly."
Before we talk about leaving a church, let’s talk about how to find the right church. Joshua Harris in his book
Stop Dating the Church: Fall in Love with the Family of God suggest in Chapter 5 “Choosing a Church: The Ten Things That Matter Most”
- Is this a church where God’s Word is faithfully taught? Are the Scriptures the meat of the message or the seasoning?
- Is this a church where sound doctrine matters?
- Is this a church in which the gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?
- Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the gospel?
- Is this a church where leaders are characterized by humility and integrity?
- Is this a church where people strive to live by God’s Word?
- Is this a church where I can find and cultivate godly relationships?
- Is this a church where members are challenged to serve?
- Is this a church that is willing to kick me out?
- Is this a church I”m willing to join “as is” with enthusiasm and faith in God?
Pastor Harris continued: “Don’t get stuck in a church-hopping, church-shopping mode. Do your best to find a good church as quickly as possible. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by too many points (above), boil them all down to three:
- You want a church that teaches God’s Word.
- You want a church that values God’s Word.
- You want a church that lives God’s Word.
These are the nonnegotiables. [End of Joshua Harris’ comments]
