Church

Finding a church that meets your individual and family needs is important. What is more important is that we remember we are in God's house and his rules, commands, and modes of operation apply. We need to show Him the honor, glory, and praise He is worthy of when we gather together. Church service is not just about socializing and getting our needs met. We also serve one another. Each person will have a different agenda or idea of how the church should be conducted. Fortunately, We all realize that no church will be perfect, and there will be times of offense. Each church operates on donations, and not every church will be able to afford to participate in community outreaches, hold youth rallies, have special events, assist with the payment of your personal bills, go visit your loved ones in jail, send your child to camp, buy Christmas presents for your children or nursing home residents, sponsor missionaries, offer free counseling sessions, perform funerals for out-of-town members, visit the hospitals weekly, book travel destinations to the Holy Land, or order some teaching material and other resources that you may think the church needs. If you are looking for a body of believers to unite with and use your spiritual gifts to bless the body, I encourage you not to give up if you don't find one quickly. Continue to listen to the Christian radio stations and podcasts, watch Christian television stations that minister to you, watch ministers on social media and through streaming, join online Bible studies or zoom Bible classes, register to attend classes at a Bible college, and listen to worship songs and engage in worship. Covid 19 has opened many new ways for Christians to fellowship if they don't want to gather in large numbers. Please continue to look first for people who love God with their whole being and love others with a pure heart. Then some other things to look for are:

• Individuals who worship God in Spirit and in truth

• Places where the Holy Bible is the spiritual authority and it is encouraged to be read regularly

• A place where giving of funds, time, and resources are freely given; not grudgingly or out of necessity,

• Activity in the Universal Church community is balanced with meeting the needs of the local body,

• Churches where the widows, single parents, disabled, seniors, and orphans needs are addressed

• Licensed counselors, law enforcement, medical personnel are available in cases of emergency

• The church is seen as a spiritual hospital

• Praise testimonies are shared, the Holy Spirit is not quenched, and Spiritual gifts are exercised orderly

• The Word of God is taught by those who have studied and shown to be knowledgeable about the Truth

• Marriages are healthy, Husbands love their Wives and Wives respect their spouses

• Men and Women are not allowed to troll the church for sex partners or behave inappropriately with the opposite sex during church family gatherings

• Forgiveness and Spiritual Warfare are practiced

• Each member feels they are needed in the body

• Prayer groups meet before the services and at other times throughout the week.

• Security is in place, parking lots are well lit, restrooms are clean, playgrounds and classrooms are safe

• Children's departments have sufficient help and children are taught about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

• Youth Department leaders are spiritually strong, good mentors, great listeners, and creative illustrators

• Foundation classes are held to teach new believers the Word of God and how to live the new Christian life

• Discipleship courses are taught

• Baptism, Communion, Baby Dedications, Salvations, Healings, Weddings, and Group Fellowship occur often

• Evangelism outreach is practiced in word, deed, and daily actions

• The Pastoral Leadership and Staff are excellent ensamples to other believers

• The Church building is well maintained

• Up-to-date Technology is used

The list could go on and on.