How to Find a Church

I've heard if you find the perfect church don't join it because you'll ruin it. Basically meaning that there is no perfect church because there is no perfect people. So how do you find a church? Is it really just about finding one whose music you like or Pastor you like? What if the music changes or the Pastor leaves? Then do you change churches? 

A great way to find a church you can committ to through tough and not so tough is to write down your values and find one whose values line up the most. This might be music and teaching, but chances are there are other things you deeply value but just haven't voiced it or really put your finger on. Here's our list to get you thinking.

Our Top Values in a Church
Biblically sound statement of Faith.
Value Spirit filled life-reliance on the Holy Spirit 
Value Great Commission: evangelism and discipleship.
Value world missions
Leaders operating in their gifts {teachers teaching who are gifted at teaching etc.}
Wide age range of congregants
Value peoples creative expression in church i.e. testimonies, art, outreach.
Bible centered kids program with adequate staff.
Close to home.
Small group connection opportunities
Complements our ministry work
Pastor has pro-life convictions.

Things we'd really appreciate but aren't a deal breaker.
 Approachable pastor
 Music is good
 People have a generally friendliness
 Students feel welcomed and could fit in.

And the reality is, Austin and I live in a country where even in our 95% unchurched city of Denver there are still multiple churches to choose from. That is a gift. Many countries don't have that option so I don't want to have an entitled, it all needs to be my way mentality. We go to church to serve, not primarily to be served and it's good to keep that attitude in mind when choosing a church. 

What thoughts do you have about how to choose a church?

About Laura

Laura, the creator and host of Missional Women is married and has five kids, two of whom are adopted. Laura and her husband have been missionaries to college students for 12 years serving with Master Plan Ministries. Laura is the Women's Development Coordinator and has discipled over 150 girls, led over 30 Bible studies and speaks to college and women's groups. Laura has authored 5 books, including an award winning 12 week Bible Study on First Samuel, Beholding Him, Becoming Missional, Reach; How to Use Your Social Media Influence for the Glory of God, and A Devotional Journey through Judges, a devotional to accompany the free online Bible study at TheBookofJudges.com. You can find her on facebook,twitter, pinterest, youtube, instagram and her author
site. 

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