Christians, How Long Should You Visit A Church Before You Become A Member?

Question

I have recently had experience when i became a member way too quick, then I realized that the church wasn't for me when it was too late. I visited a wonderful church today and had such a beautiful time, but I don't want to jump and just join without getting a sense of the ministry and their vision. What is your opinion? And, I will not entertain or acknowledge any advice from the ungodly, sorry, my Bible tells me not to ,so Christians who are saved only!!!Pls :)

Answer 1

You actually could go for years and never join, you would still be a part of that body. I really don't know the advantage of joining over not joining. The important thing is that you are a member of the body of Christ.

Answer 2

I don't think there can be a set rule as to time-frame. I think you kind of answered your own question. I would say you should attend until you believe you have a really good sense of their ministry and vision. Make sure this is a place where you can grow as a disciple, and where your gifts and talents can be used to help other people grow. Assuming these are in alignment with your biblical principals and where you want to be, you could then decide to become a member. That could be anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Any sooner and I'd say there's no way you could have really made a wise decision. Any longer and I'd say you're probably being a little lazy in your search.

That being said, I'll admit my wife and I attended our church for 10 months before we joined. I would say that was probably too long, and we were being a bit lazy about our decision making process.

Answer 3

No church can give you a sense of vision except you. Maybe the recent church you joined showed you the people that affected your visions, not the church. There are times people are tested as to how he relate himself to God and not necessarily the people within. If you find people inside that you think does not fit to the church you have in mind maybe you are called to show the difference. Of course, I am not suggesting that you lecture them on to do what you think is right but maybe by showing them with your actions, you can be the light to them. When they ask, then you could kindly tell them what you think is right. I hope I am right in saying this to you. Because if you have an ideal set of standard for the kind of church you want to join, I know you may find one but most of the time I also know it will be some members of the congregation that will always affect your visions and not the church. If that happens to you more than once, then I would suggest that you make a examination of yourself and reaaly find where do you want to go and what do you want to do. Another thing, not all Christians could be sure of being saved. Your Bible does not tell you anything, it only shows you two ways to choose....the good or the bad...a blessing or a curse.

Answer 4

Pray dear. Ask God where He would have you to serve, where you would be most useful.

Many newer churches have enrapturing music, plush carpets, and a preacher who soaks three handkerchiefs in an hour. But once you get into a meanigful relationship with the congregation, you may find there's alot left to be desired.

Once you're involved enough to know the ins & outs (for instance, if someone calls asking for help paying their bills, and the secreatry says the church doesn't have enough money), you can identify just how effective their ministry is.

Talk to the pastor's wife, if he's married. Not for gossip, but to find out what kind of person he is. She's likely to be more objective than most. If she's in agreement with the way he runs the church (in addition to family maintenance), then he's probably on the right track. If she seems critical of his management or complains that he doesn't do as much at home as he used to, there's probably some underlying issues that may prevent him from being an effective leader.

But again, the main thing is to pray and follow God's directions for your service.

Answer 5

Wow...that's a great question. I am a strong and practicing Christian, but have been in my Chuch since birth, so I've never had to wrestle with that.

I'd imagine that the doctrine of the Church is much more important than the ministry. I think you need to be guided by the Spirit and not by those things that are of men.

Some churches are too wishy washy about the Truth. I'd be very sure what the group believes. If you only watch for actions, you'll miss the real ones.

Real Christians do their best work in private. Don't you agree?

Answer 6

I think you really should take your time to really get an idea of what their vision is however with that said you should simply follow the Holy Spirit's guidance. The good thing about being a child of God is that God hears us and answers us. So just ask him in prayer. Also until you official join a body you can still be a dedicated "member" of that body. Many churches even let you participate in some ministries before you become an "official member". The truth is you are already a member of "the Church' and seems to me that being a part of a local assembly is important to you so just listen to God you're already on the right path. ~blessings

Answer 7

I waited a little over a year at a Wesleyan Church I attended. I was participating in all manner of ministries, even before I was a member.

I am now attending a Baptist Church with a good Teen ministry for my daughter and they push you to join within the first month and I cannot participate in the ministries in the church till I become a member. I do not accept all of the statements of faith (eternal salvation being one) and so choose not to be a member. I expect I will be there for the next 2-3 years without being a member.

Answer 8

I would get to know the church and the theology that it teaches. Some churches vary from others. Find out if you like the programs it offers for your age group and if you're comfortable after a little while, then ask someone (a deacon or even the pastor) about the membership requirements. At our church there's a class that tells people what we're all about. That way they know if it's the church for them. It all depends. I think it's really good that you like this church but I'd check out the programs, Sunday School classes, etc. that are offered before you become a member.

Answer 9

We had this same situation to deal with when we moved from Michigan to Indiana.

We to, thought we had been led to a church, only to find out that this church was more of a lesson in what not to fall into rather than what or where we were supposed to be at.

But, even bad experiences can be used for good. Through one of the people at this first church we were led to a great church, even though we have to drive 20 minutes to get there now.

Even though our new church is great, we attended for 8 months as a guest before we felt we needed to join.

Sometimes a bad experience shows us that we must wait a while, even if the new church is where our heart wants to be, just to make sure.

Answer 10

Having a wonderful time is not a reason to join. It is a reason you enjoyed a group of people. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Did you pray about the decision? Do you know that this church is a good Bible believeing church with fairly solid leadership? do you feel welcomed? Do you feel God will be served by you if you are there? can you learn more about God by being there? Have you spoken with any of the leaders to get a feel for the direction and purpose of the church? That is what I use. Hope it was helpful. God bless you.

Answer 11

I think that you are part way to your own answer because you are stating that you hesitate to join without a sense of ministry and vision for the church.

To that I would add "what is the vision of the overall church that the congregation is part of" because many of the smaller sects still affiliate with larger groups whose values may go so far astray from what their founder(s) taught so as to be empty shells in terms of finding any real value.

For example, there are no words in the original Christian faith that tolerate homosexuality as anything other than a grievous sin, so an organization that permits gay clergy is so far afield of Christianity and it's prinicples that it is nothing more than a joke to assume that truth holds sway in those organizations.

Good luck in your search, and may you find peace and wisdom when you discover your pathway to God and with the teachings of the Savior and all of the holy prophets in your heart.