A comment from a previous post asked what I’m looking for in a church. So, I thought I’d compose a post to respond to that.
Isa 56:7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
The church should have prayer as a priority. It shouldn’t be just reserved for a 2 minute call to prayer during the service. But it should be an integral part of the church.
Rev 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for [thou] only [art] holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
The church should be multi-racial. We’re all going to be worshipping God together in heaven right? We should be able to do it here on earth also.
Tts 2:2-6 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
The church should be multi-generational. There are a lot of things that the younger generation can learn from the older generation.
Eph 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:
A church should not just revolve around a pastor. Unfortunately, it seems like all evangelical churches are like this. Rather, the church should have the entire five fold ministry to help build up the church.
1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
Also, I don’t think it’s the job of the “pastor” to do all the teaching. Elders and others who are able to teach should also be able to teach the congregation.
Mat 25:34-36 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
The church should minister to the underpriviledged of society. It should be on the forefront of serving the less fortunate.
Jhn 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
The church should be a magnet to the world by demonstrating love and sacrifice for its members.
Rom 16:5 Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
A church should not be identified by a building. If it doesn’t have its own building, even better. Most of the money used by churches seem to go to the building and to salaries. I can think of many other places where money can be better invested.
Act 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
I think the American churches shouldn’t pay a salary to the clergy. All those serving the church should also have a secular profession to support themselves.
Jam 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
The church should believe that the sick can be healed through prayer.
Hbr 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
The church should interact daily, not just weekly. We confront trials and temptations on a daily basis and we need help on a daily basis.
Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:
I like churches where others are willing to step on my toes to cause me to grow. Iron sharpens iron and though sparks may fly, I will get sharper.
Well, that’s some of the things that come to mind. I’m sure there are some other things, but that should do for now.