How to Find a Good Church...

Often people say that one of the worst things about pastoring a church in St Andrews is that the congregation is so transitional... people come and people go all the time. No sooner have you grown to know someone and establish a ministry of sorts through their humble service, than they announce that it's time to move on.

I have to say, I believe with all my heart that this is one of the best and most exciting elements of my ministry here. SABC is such a sending base and I like to think that those who come to worship with us over a certain period will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus through biblical expository preaching, that they will leave having been thoroughly equipped with the Gospel and unashamedly ready to proclaim Jesus with their mouths in whatever part of the globe he calls them to.

This is the time of year when many will be leaving us either on mission or to be missionaries in their new worklplaces, and so i wanted to share with you some insights I gleaned from Pastor Mark Dever, senior pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, when i was there for a 9Marks Weekender Conference (which he has also included in his wee book 'What is a healthy Church?' This particular insight gives those of you who are moving on some tips as to how to find a good church.

1. Pray.

2. Seek counsel from a godly pastor (or from elders).

3. Keep your priorities straight.
a) The gospel must be truly affirmed, clearly preached, and
faithfully lived out. A serious lack in any of these expressions
of the gospel is very dangerous.

b) The preaching must be faithful to Scripture, personally challenging,
and central to the congregation's life. You will only grow spiritually
where Scripture is treated as the highest authority.

c) Also very important is to consider how the church regulates bap­tism,
the Lord's Supper, church membership, church discipline, and who has
the final say in decision making.

4. Ask yourself diagnostic questions such as:
a) Would I want to find a spouse who has been brought up under this
church's teaching?

b) What picture of Christianity will my children see in this church
—something distinct or something a lot like the world?

c) Would I be happy to invite non-Christians to this church? That is,
would they clearly hear the gospel and see lives consistent with it?
Does the church have a heart for welcoming and reaching non-Christians?

d) Is this church a place where I can minister and serve?

5. Consider geography. Would the church's physical proximity to your home encourage or discourage frequent involvement and service? If you're moving to a new area, try to locate a good church home before you buy a house.