If someone is looking to start going to Church what should they look for in a church.?

Question

There are so many churches and so many types I wonder what makes people choose certain churches. I mean what drives a person to become a part of a group?

Answer 1

Choose a good Bible teaching Church, with a Pastor who is not afraid to teach against sin once in a while. See how the congregation behaves to you, are they friendly? Do they help you to feel at home? Do they shake your hand and welcome you? I wouldn't worry to much about denomination
I am a member of a non-denomination church. Choose where you feel comfortable.

Answer 2

It might be a good idea to shrink down the choices by getting a book that covers the development and attitudes of churches so you have some idea of what you are getting into. Fifty years ago, I would have suggested The Religions of Man by Houston Smith, but I don't know if it was ever updated or what a worthy successor would be.
And then there is the fact that some churches leave all the power of the selection of ministers to the congregation and a Congregational church may have a minister who is nearly Anglican or one who is nearly Unitarian.
In looking at churches and visiting them, first decide (if you can) whether you are going for the religious experience of the service (which can occur in mega-churches) or the community of the congregation (more likely in smaller congregations). The Quakers meetings are far from a loud Southern Baptist service.

Answer 3

Everyone is different. If it is a church, as in Christian, then it already proclaims Jesus as Saviour.
Maybe you like to be a part of something big that has the rules already set. Someone to lead you the right direction, to be taught.
Some people don't like to be pushed. A more lightened air about the church, and more a little more room to breath.
Some people may burn with the spirit, and like to assemble with others who devote their life for the needs of the church.
Then again, there are those that float in and float around and taste a little of the spirit in many different churches and towns.
What's right for you? That is what this country really is based on now, isn't it.

Answer 4

I search for a church where the pastor is humble and approachable and where the preaching is Biblical. I also look for a church that puts it's money where it's mouth is. Do they feed the hungry, help the poor, etc?

A lot of the differences in the churches are small. It really depends on your taste. What kind of worship music to do like, etc. But the most important thing is the teaching that is going on and if the church is filled with the Holy Spirit.

Answer 5

Look for a church that preaches the word of God right out of the Bible. If you walk in a church and you are the only one holding a Bible in your hand , cut and run. Stay away from health and wealth Gospels, "fall down backwards slain in the sprirt" charismatic churches and also fellowships that insist that you must speak in tongues. Also stay away from churches who insist that you give money to them or tells you that God wants you to be rich. I also avoid worldly churches who have rock music so loud that their bass speakers do CPR on you during worship. I go to a non denominational small country bible church. As far as denominations go.... I would choose from Anabaptist( like Amish and other old order traditional Mennonite groups) for their doctrines of post trib,repentance, obedience and holiness, also Four Square, Baptist, Cornerstone, and Assembly of God their doctrines of repentance, obedience and holiness. Good luck but remember that the most important thing is your personal relationship with the Lord Jesus . It is what is in your heart that is most critical, not what church you go to.

Answer 6

One that teaches the six steps of salvation.

One must:

Hear the Gospel (Mt 13:43)
Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Jn 3:18; 8:24)
Repent of their sins (Mk 1:25; book of Acts)
Confess their sins (Mt 10:32)
Be baptized by immersion (Mk 16:16; Col 2:12)
Be faithful until death (Rev 2:10)

Women are to keep silent in the church and not usurp authority over the men
(I Cor 14:34; I Tim 2:11)

We are to sing and make melody in our hearts so singing should be a capella
(Mt 26:30; Acts 16:25; Rom 15:9; Eph 5:18-19; Col 3:16)

Everything is to be done in order during the services (no clapping, rolling in the aisles, etc)
(I Cor 14:40)

Answer 7

When people choose a church, they usually go with friends, or to the most prestiegous congregation of people around. The last thing they usually check is what the Bible says. The concern with what the Bible says compared to a church should be the first concern.

Answer 8

Find a church with the most revelation. For example some don't even preach you must be born again. Some deny the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Also find a church where you fit in.

But remember no church is perfect.

Answer 9

First pray and ask God to guide you to the church where He wants you to be. He knows your personality and what you need. Make sure that they teach salvation through Jesus and have altar calls, this is important in evangelizing. Also, if you feel the presence of God, this is good. Now, I enjoy a good praise and worship service, so I am attracted to this type of service. It all depends on where you are spiritually also and what is important to you. Just seek the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Answer 10

First make sure that the preacher is a Bible believing, Bible preaching man. He needs to walk it and talk it.

The congregation needs to be filled with people who love the Lord and each other. They need to be edifying one another and not putting each other down.

A good youth program is a plus. They are the future of the church. By good youth program I mean that they are active. Fancy is not necessary. They just need to spend time together and in the Word. They need to have fun.