Like-minded people tend to gather and they gather for all kinds of reasons: bike rallies, concerts, book clubs, golf clubs, etc. Sadly, the church seems to be going in this direction as well. Most “churches” today are mere religious social clubs. The majority of “church goers” today tend to move around. They go to Church A one week, then Church B and then C; a habitual circuit tends to form as the months and years go by and Church’s A, B, and C tend to be so large that no one really notices of the Jones are there or not . And when Mr. and Mrs. Jones decide, for whatever reason, that the church doesn’t meet their preference, they leave. Because, after all, they have to be comfortable there.
Once upon a time, the Church was the center of a community – pastors would investigate when people were absent. Why? Because they took their pastoral duties seriously; they were concerned about their flock. Gone are the days when that was the norm. There is, however, still a remnant of believers who are serious about church membership. In his book, Stop Dating the Church, Joshua Harris addresses this very issue. Gods people where never meant to be out on their own. Lone Ranger Christianity has never worked. Solo Christianity is an oxymoron. Trying to follow Jesus all by yourself would be akin to one soldier storming Omaha beach. Christians, redeemed as they may be, will always feel the pull of sin and without others to help you along the way you will find yourself, more often than not, sunk in the swamp of despair. In fact, Church history has shown that when someone really tries to go it alone they wander off into heresy and usually amass a following.
Today’s churchgoer is much like teenage dating – they attend for as long as they get something and then stop and move on-especially if the pastor puts his finger on their particular sin. This kind of behavior is contrary to the Gospel according to Jesus and the Apostles found in Scripture. Scripture calls for a commitment. Being an active member of a biblical church is not only what God commands but it is also God’s best for you and not only you but for the church community and for the world. Remember, the Church is the only institution that God promised to sustain forever. The Church is the key to spiritual health and development. As my pastor often says “your sanctification is a community project.” Spurgeon said that failure to join the church is disobedience calling those who refuse to join the local church a pile of “good-for-nothing bricks.”
What should a person look for in a Church? That is, what makes a church a church? Harris outlines ten important questions to ask when searching for a church[1]:
1. Is this a church where God’s word is taught faithfully?
2. Is this a church were sound doctrine matters?
3. Is this a church in which the Gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?
4. Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the gospel?
5. Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity?
6. Is this a church where people strive to live by God’s word?
7. Is this a church where I can find and cultivate godly relationships?
8. Is this a church where members are challenged to serve?
9. Is this a church that is willing to kick me out?
Church disciple is one of the three marks of a true church.[2] When someone who claims to be a Christian consistently lives as if they are not then it is the duty of the church leaders to dismiss said person with the hopes that they will repent and come back to the Church. This practice as instituted by Christ himself (Matt 18). Why is this so important? Harris says, and I agree, “I gain a wonderful sense of protection in knowing that if I committed a scandalous sin and showed no repentance, my church wouldn’t put up with it. They would plead with me to change. They would patiently confront me with God’s word. And eventually, if I refused to change, they would lovingly kick me out.” [3]
10. Is this a church I am willing to join “as is” with enthusiasm and faith in God?
If you are in the Sioux Falls, SD area and would like to attend a biblical church please check out Sovereign Grace Bible Church (the church that I and my Wife attend) or Sioux Falls United Reformed Church
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