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How to Find the Right Church

by Jerry Ousley  
9/24/2010 / Christian Living


In the days when we were pastors there were many times, and I mean many times, people would drop in. Of course in a small church when someone new shows up the temptation is to shower them with attention in attempt to get them to come back. In a small congregation you definitely notice when there's someone new out there in the pews.

The tendency in any congregation, regardless of denomination, is to convince this new-comer that this is the right church for him or her. I have to admit in my early years as a pastor I knew this temptation well and often heeded to it. What pastor doesn't want to have a large congregation? How can you turn down a new member who will be giving tithes, thus increasing the income of the church? I don't know of many pastors who don't want the offerings to be large enough to give him or her a fulltime salary, do you? There may be some out there who prefer to work a fulltime job outside the church as well as a fulltime job pastoring the church, but I'd bet there aren't many.

One Sunday a new couple showed up. They also had children the perfect scenario - A new family in the congregation. It was an extremely hot Sunday and so we decided to dismiss the evening service and gather at the park where we'd roast hotdogs and grill hamburgers and just have a good time of fellowship. A large group showed up including this new couple.

But let me back up a bit; after the morning service Deb and I talked about it. We had found out that they had gotten upset in their old church and they were looking for a new church. It seemed that we fit the bill. I was excited about it but Deb had one of those feelings. She said that what really needed to take place was that this couple meet with the pastor of their old church, tell him about what had offended them and see if they could straighten it out. "What if this was one of our members?" She asked, "Wouldn't you want the opportunity to resolve the problem and keep them here rather than just watch them leave?" She was right, not only in how I would have felt about it but Biblically as well.

That evening Deb counseled with lady of this household, and even though they seemed saddened by her words, they did as she counseled. I want to say that I was hoping that they wouldn't be able to work it out with their pastor. But they did. To make a long story short they followed Deb's advice and the issue was resolved. We got a call from them thanking us for giving them the right advice instead of encouraging them to just leave the matter alone and become a part of us. After getting that phone call I felt as low as a mangy dog lying on his stomach in a six foot deep ditch. I had to confess my feelings to God and to Deb and the Lord forgave me, and I'm so glad He did. That day God, and my wife, taught me an extremely valuable lesson in life; when He has matched a person up with the right congregation then they should be faithful to that group of people. They have literally become extended family and just as family members have to work out their differences, so we are to work out our problems and stick with our extended family. What if one of our children suddenly said, "I don't want to be a part of this family anymore," how would we feel about that? In reality, when a person leaves the body of people God has led them to be a part of, then their departure is just like one of our children leaving us and moving in with the family across the street.

But how do we know we have become a part of the right congregation? First of all pray about it, and I don't mean some wishy-washy prayer, but earnestly seek God about it. He will direct you to the group of people where you fit in. Secondly, I believe that congregations have personalities just like people do. For so many years we have put differences between us and called them denominations. You'll not find a denomination anywhere in the Bible. So what I'm saying is that denomination doesn't matter as long as the group teaches the Bible as God's word that is critical. When you've found the body of people you feel comfortable with then you've probably found the group that matches your personality and that's good. Finally, that congregation has to be one that not only teaches the truth of God's word but is also active in winning others to Christ.

When you've found that body then stick with them. You have found your extended family. Be faithful and loyal to them and you will never regret it when you've found the right church.

Jerry D. Ousley is the author of ?Soul Challenge?, ?Soul Journey?, ?Ordeal?, ?The Spirit Bread Daily Devotional and his first novel ?The Shoe Tree.? Visit our website at spiritbread.com to download these and more completely free of charge.

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