How to Find a New Church. Are you looking to change your Church? One of the most challenging things for a Christian is how to find a ministry that meets their spiritual, emotional, and social needs.,
Do they have child care, children’s programs, singles ministry, marriage support groups? If you believe you are called to the ministry, it is important to find a church that trains and encourages those calls to do specific work for the Lord.
Some are discouraged with their church experience or have had experiences and are reluctant to become church smembers again. Whatever your situation, know that God loves you. You are a part of the body of Christ, and the Lord will minister healing and restoration to you.
Find a place to come together with other believers for the sake of fellowship and hearing God’s word. Know that God is still doing work in your life, and out of your experience, God will get the glory. Continue to read the Bible and seek the Lord through prayer.
The Benefits of a Smaller Ministry
I may be prejudiced, but I attended a little home fellowship when I came to the Lord. It was small and intimate, and I was able to ask questions and receive prayer and counseling when I needed it.
It was a place where people were mentored and found Godly accountability. That small fellowship has since become a thriving church in the inner city. That little home church has also birthed many, Pastors, Evangelists, Prophets, Teachers, and Apostles.
Ephesians 4:11-12: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Many large ministries had humble beginnings in a home, school, or storefront. These pioneers did not mind rolling up their sleeves and working tirelessly with the people in the rural and inner-city neighborhoods.
If you find a large church you enjoy, find out if they have cell groups or home groups. It is also a great place to receive prayer and personal ministry. There you will get to know people and be in a more intimate setting. Just allow the Holy Spirit to minister to every need you are.
How to Find a New Church
You will never find a perfect church because the church is made of people, and people are fallible. You will, however, be able to find a perfect church for you. Men and women are human and subject to human faults and failures.
This is why the scripture reminds us, the arm of flesh will fail us. It can be discouraging to be a part of a ministry that you think is wonderful, only to find many problems.
Follow a ministry as long as they are following the Word of God. If a ministry fails to line up with the Word of God, stop following that ministry. 1Co 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
When you question a church, it is also important to examine yourself to determine if you are being overly sensitive or perhaps, the Lord has touched on some areas of your life that need to change.
Are you resistant to His correction? Resist the belief that no church is right or that everyone is a hypocrite. The enemy will use these discouragements in the church to turn away from the Lord.
What to Look for in a Ministry
The Church is a place to learn God’s Word, receive healing, deliverance, and develop men and women for the ministry’s work. God has put in the body the tools to teach and prepare each believer for the work that God has given them to do. The people of God do not belong to the pastors. They belong to God.
When Looking for a Ministry, ask yourself this:
- Is the teaching sound and biblical?
- Is the presence of God there?
- Is the Pastor himself under authority?
- Is the love of God there?
- Does the ministry active in outreach?
- Is there healing and deliverance taking place?
- Does teaching promote spiritual growth?
- Are people being trained to fulfill their God-given ministries?
- Do you feel welcomed?
- Spiritual liberty rather than legalism
You may not be able to find all these in one ministry but look for as many as possible, leading with sound biblical doctrine, love, and the Spirit of God being present.
It is Important to Remain in Fellowship with Other Believers
I have often heard the saying, and God will not have you leave a church unless He shows you where to go! Sounds good but not necessarily true. It depends on why you are leaving. If you are being spiritual, physically, or emotionally abused, you should leave that ministry for your own well-being. Don’t walk, but run as fast as you can! Do not isolate yourself. Continue to pray, read the word and fellowship with other believers, and visit other ministries.