3 Questions to Ask when Searching for Your Church Home
When you’re between churches, it can be an uncomfortable place; especially if you’re used to attending church every week. Perhaps you’ve been to a few churches, and you’re just not sure you’ve found the place God wants you to be. While Lifeline Connect does not advocate “church hopping” we also understand that sometimes there are valid reasons to make a church change.Here are three questions you should ask yourself, or someone at the church, in order to determine whether or not a particular church is the right one for you.
Question #1: What are the church’s core beliefs?
This question is probably the most important because you wouldn’t want to attend a church that teaches beliefs and values that are contrary to the Word of God. For example, if you are considering a church where they regularly practice the gifts of the Spirit (i.e. speaking in tongues), and you’re not comfortable with that, it’s good to know beforehand. That’s not to say that you should look for a church that makes you feel comfortable and entertains you. A church that speaks the truth of God’s word, even when you don’t like it, is the kind of church to look for. The truth will challenge you to grow and become more like Christ .We offer some past services on our website, watching these will give you a good idea about what you can expect. You are invited to speak with a member of the Lifeline Connect ministry team to find out about our beliefs, the mission of the church and if Lifeline Connect is right for you.
Question #2: How much personal contact does the Pastoral staff have with the congregation?
If you choose to try a larger church, you might be disappointed to find out that the Senior Pastor has very limited personal contact with the members of the congregation. Most Senior Pastors attend church events, and make an effort to learn the names of the people that go to their churches. However, in big churches, it’s almost impossible to get to know everyone. That’s why many big churches have Associate Pastors whose job it is to get to know the congregants personally. If this makes you uncomfortable, you might want to look for a smaller church. Lifeline Connect is a smaller church, we are family in Christ. If you are looking for a smaller family church we encourage you to come visit us.
Question #3: What activities does the church offer or support?
If you’re used to being an active member of your church, look for a church that is active inside and outside its walls. Lifeline Connect has plenty of activities during the week for the entire family. Our youth groups serve teenagers, preteens and elementary age throughout the week. Our adult Bible studies meet on Sunday and Wednesday. If you have small children or babies, you’ll want to discover our nursery too. In addition to finding a church that has a lot of in-house activities and classes, most people want to know that their church is doing God’s work in the community too. Lifeline Connect is very active in our community .When you talk to a church leader, ask about the various organizations the church is supporting in the area. If outreach is important to you, knowing the answer to these questions will help you make a good decision.
Once you have a better understanding of the core values of the church, as well as how the church leaders interact with the people and the community, you will find that you’re able to make a decision about the church much more quickly. It might even be beneficial for you to make a list of your requirements for your ideal church. While you might not find one that matches your list exactly, this will offer you some guidance.
Here at Lifeline Connect Church you’ll find a place of worship that makes you feel right at home. Pastor Steve Eyers is always willing to answer any questions.
