The Local Church

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

(Psalm 100:11-2 NIV)

When seeking a church home, we may consider many things. How far is the church from our home? How convenient are the worship times? Is the music contemporary or traditional? Do churchgoers wear jeans or their Sunday best?

These considerations may seem important, but Jesus did not establish the Church with any of them in mind. The “Church” refers to the body of believers, not a stone and mortar building. The real issue should be whether or not the church strikes a balance between worshipping the Lord, equipping the saints, and spreading the Gospel.

Worship and praise are to come first. The body of Christ should come together to bring honor and glory to the Lord corporately each week. The Church also has a ministry to believers—to teach, equip, and disciple. Finally, the Church is charged to spread the Gospel and to have a concern for lost souls. If any one of these components is missing, continue your search. Seek a church home that embraces these priorities.

Blessings in your search for your church home!