When You're Longing for a Healthy Church
What holds us back?
For all of my life, I’ve been going to church. Mostly as a minister’s kid, missionary kid, or preacher’s kid.
Growing up on the mission field, I’ve seen churches meeting in a converted gas station, under a canopy, or in someone’s home.
Sometimes churches are big, fully-staffed, and fully furnished. But how do we find a church that is seeking God’s heart and will, regardless of how it looks?
How do we find a church that preaches from the word, not the world? How do we plug into a church that promotes fellowship regardless of background or status?
How do we find a church where we can pursue spiritual growth, friendship, and encouragement?
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42, NIV).
The New Year brings about time for reflections on the past and resolutions for the future.
Maybe you’re trying to find a new church. Maybe you’re trying to identify a good church. Maybe you’re trying to build up your church.
Finding a healthy church can feel challenging when there are many options to choose from. But by learning from Acts 2:42, we can look for a church that allows us to learn, fellowship, break bread, and pray.
Application/Further Study:
What is something that holds you back in your search for a church?
Read Acts 2:42-47. Ask God to help you find a church that’s devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. After spending time in prayer, consider asking local friends for advice.
Jesus is our Good Shepherd and he wants to lead us to green pastures where we can grow. Read John 10 and reflect on the differences between the thief and the Good Shepherd. Better yet, invite a friend from church to study with you!
What do you look for in a church?