Finding a Church 2018-39
Well what a thought! Many people of many faiths go to a religious place to get involved in many things there. They go to pray, learn, congregate, hospitality, serve, and so many other things. This is true for any religion, faith, or location.

First, let me state that I DO go to a Christian church nearby where I live! I do so for many reasons and because of one reason in particular. The fact that I believe in one God of the Universe, the Triune God, that includes Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is paramount to my going to church.

Because of my belief, I feel I want to know God better, to get closer to God in my relationship with Him and to learn more about His son Jesus Christ. Church is a great place to learn and become closer; simple as that.

What I do know is Jesus was all about love… His teachings show this as His way of life and how He felt we should portray our way of life also. Church is a good way to talk about this love and His love for us.

OK, we are believers in God; let’s say…. The why we could go to church has to be our decision. What will we get out of going? What will we look for by going? Decent questions, that we could look for answers as to the why to go to church!!!!

Let us think we have an idea on why we will go – then what!!??

I suggest we look for a church of any denomination that offers us to get closer to God spiritually and have something to do that will help others in the community. Look for a church that has a goal of what God and Jesus wants us to do and not just to get new members.

I was attending a Sunday School session and asked the question, “What or how do we in this church identify ourselves as to what our church is all about?” Some people stared, some mumbled something, and the Pastor, who was there at the time, said, “Dennis, it is in our Mission Statement, stating “To connect people to people and to connect people to Christ”. That is somewhat easy to understand, comprehend and absorb into my mind.

When I go to church, I feel the presence of God around and within me (like I do outside of church) and that feeling should prevail for anyone going to church. When you go to a church, does it teach the teachings of Jesus by having a study or Bible group to explain what point Jesus was making at the time? That is important also, as an example!

Money you can give to the church is NOT the driving force as to why you join, go to church or what the church is all about. Yes, it is important, just like paying taxes is for a government to be able to give back to the people and to exist.
Also, if you have children, this is not a factor for going, by itself, just to have more bodies to attend, new and in the future. Growth of the church is important also, but bucks and bodies are not the answer. The true, or at least, a great reason is for ALL to get closer to God in the process of going.

Our church made a decision to reduce our mortgage debt down considerably and we did so, and, in the process, we now have a smaller monthly mortgage payment and now have the funds to give back to the community in so many ways. Church is for that reason also, to serve others in some way.

To find a church that offers many things that are important can be a chore or at least be an effort to find one that meets the criteria of what YOU want. You can church hop; go from one to another and see how they operate, what they believe in, what their mission is overall.

I would suggest that a list be made on what you DO NOT want in a church also. If you attend one and go to a service, and you hear things in the sermon you don’t like from the Pastor or Priest, check it off and continue onward, for instance. If nobody greets you and says hello or even asks if you are new or so, that may not be a good recommendation either. Things like that are important.

A church should be inviting, be caring, be accepting, be considerate and not the dreaded word — one of a hypocritical nature. Yes, they are out there, and that is sad to a degree.

The main thing, it may take work on your part. Finding God or getting closer to Him is a goal that you may want to pursue, and I wish you well.

Peace,
Den Betts bettsden@gmail.com