What do you feel is what most people look for when choosing a church, do you agree or disagree w/this, and why

Question

I really am looking for helpful opinions to see where society stands, and if I have an understanding of what Americans are looking for today.

Answer 1

Most ppl are looking for comfort. They want to know everything's ok, their loved ones are in heaven, and God is happy with them.
In my opinion, they should instead be looking for a church that teaches TRUTH, whether or not it fits in with their lifestyles- a church that actually teaches right from wrong and how to develop a closer relationshiop with God.
Ok, ok...I'm off my soapbox now.
;-)

Answer 2

Well, I've read a number of the posts so far, and it seems all in all that the reasons I chose the Grove I belong to -- I'm Pagan, and the Grove is Druidic -- seem to apply to this group. When I went with a friend, folks were friendly, and I felt as if I belonged there even the first time. It was Yule, so we did a lot of singing, ritual, and a potluck after. It was a very moving experience, and I've found the folks are the same whether it's a holiday or just a regular Grove Sunday -- friendly, relaxed, open with one another.

Hope this helps, if only in putting a broader spin on the subject.

Answer 3

What they should look for is a church that

recognizes Christ as Savior
inerrancy of the bible
accurately follows biblical form of worship
preaching is based on the bible
healthy active congregation
ministries that touch your heart
solid youth group if they have kids
style of preaching
size big or small is not wrong, just a matter of preference
friends already go there.

Answer 4

Most people are looking for TRUTH.
A Bible based Church rather than just a feeling good place.




Years ago I put together a page describing an ideal church.
See URL below if you want a copy. Could help with your research.

Answer 5

The Word of God makes it very clear that not everything preached within the walls of a church are truth, not all manifestations are valid nor are all leaders led by the Spirit of God. This is disturbing and every believer should be aware to the facts surrounding the church, especially in these last days before the coming of Christ for His Redeemed ( the Rapture of the church).
Although false teachers have been present within the church since the time of Christ, these last days bring forth more imposters than ever as we prepare to meet our Savior in the sky ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). Satan has pulled many away from the true Gospel of Salvation found in the Shed Blood of Jesus Christ at Mount Calvary, to a greed gospel which seeks money and only money. Our songs and lyrics are no longer proclaiming redemption ( salvation through the Blood of Jesus ) but incorporate rock music to gain the attention of a younger generation. The modern church has denied the power of the Holy Spirit because of its conviction of sin, and accepted false spirits which bring worldly pleasure and manmade or satan inspired manifestations. We seek " man-glory over God Glory ".
As satan unleashes his power in force, many are led astray because of a weak or non-existent foundation in God's Word. As satan mingles just a little bit of truth with his deadly lies, his following grows as it comes against the true church. They proclaim self-righteousness over God's righteousness claiming they possess the " true light ".
Seldom do we hear messages preached about salvation through Christ. It is truly rare to find a church led solely by the Holy Spirit. The true followers of Christ must remain aware of false teachers, preachers and leaders with the body of the church. They may present themselves as sincere, showing great interest in salvation and profess to love all people, and may also display gifts and powers they claim come from the Holy Spirit, yet their works do not coincide to God ( as opposed to self ) and the spirit leading them in their works is not the Spirit of God.
Some churches have actually added some things that do not agree with the Word of God. Certain works are adopted, certain functions are accepted or special rules are applied. We have to realize that God provides all that we need in our Christian walk through the sacrifice of His Son and by the leading of the Holy Spirit. In other words, Jesus Christ and His work of Redemption is perfect and sufficient.

Answer 6

My ideal church accepts people as they are...if they had to wear jeans cause that's all they have, they're still welcome. If they are living sinfully then I think the church should encourage them, gradually and gently, to seek the truth and see the sin for what it is. (if there was no spiritual progress over time.) The church would be uplifting to all of the people there, help the homeless/needy, use the name of Jesus, believe in the Holy Bible as the Word of God, have good praise and worship time, prayer request time, would be on Sabbath (the 7th day=Saturday), would be good for families (have good activities for children) and couples.....

Answer 7

1.Parking Space
2. Easy transport access
3. Friendly Community
4. Inspiration of the Spirit

In that order even for the general, not too deeply spiritual ones but wants some divine touch in their lives

Answer 8

One that they fit within culturally; and one where the people of the church are warm and friendly.

And some people look for a church that teaches doctrines that are from the Bible.

Cordially,
John

Answer 9

People are looking for "spiritual convinience". For instance, if certain church says that having sex before marriage is wrong, most of people won't be there. If it says that homosexuality is wrong, gays won't be there... and so on. People want to "tell" God what to do and what is right from wrong, and if certain teaching doesn't adjust to what people wanna hear... they just do whatever. That's my opinion.

Answer 10

As the Bible puts it, in the last days, they will not put up with the healthful teachings and they will gather unto themselves ministers who will tickle their ears. In other words, they do not want God's truth, so they will find churches and ministers who will teach them what they want to hear and say that the things that they are doing wrong according to God's word is OK.