HOW TO FIND A CHURCH THAT MATCHES YOUR THEOLOGICAL CRITERIA

by Dennis J. Fischer

Christians truly need each other.  Our spiritual growth is greatly decelerated by trying to go it alone. Most of the things we learn in life we learn from others.  Moreover, as Christ-followers, we shine our brightest in fellowship with like believers.  We thrive best with ongoing discipleship and encouragement. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us:  "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;  and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Heb. 10:23-25 NASB).


It is somewhat awkward and sometimes even frightening for former Seventh-day Adventists to venture out to find a church family. Many former Adventists, having never needed to church shop before, can waste a lot of time in this important endeavor.  After all, we are often not familiar with the theological landscape in our community.  Are there any shortcuts in this process?  How many churches do I need to visit before making a decision to become a member?  Some churches do not have formal membership requirements to be active participants. Is it really possible to find a church in a small community that fits one's theological criteria? Unfortunately, after repeated attempts of finding a solid, Bible-believing church, some have needlessly given up in utter despair and disappointment.


Without any doubt, if there really is a perfect church out there somewhere, it would certainly no longer be perfect by my presence. On the other hand, we have a sacred responsibility to embrace sound doctrine.  While we don't want to major in minors like we used to, we have diligently prayed and studied our way this far and don't want to fail in our quest for finding a church family where we can feel both comfortable and challenged at the same time.  Above all, continue to pray for the Lord to direct you in finding a new church home. For a former Adventist, the church selection process can feel akin to a scary spiritual free-fall.  Indeed, we serve a prayer-answering God.


If we have children, we should be concerned about children's and youth ministries as well. Fortunately, most churches today have websites that are most helpful in finding what they believe and what they feature and/or emphasize in their ministries.  To avoid the need of visiting every church in your city or neighborhood, it is often helpful to contact a favorite seminary or Bible college instead.  Their placement office will gladly tell you where their graduates are now serving as pastors.


If that doesn't work for you, then make a few phone calls to senior pastors in your area. Ask them about their beliefs before visiting their church.  When visiting, be sure to speak to the pastor.  If the theology fits, be sure to complete their welcome class.  This orientation will be most helpful in getting acquainted with your new church family. Fortunately, I live in a larger city and have many choices.  


If you live in a small town or in a rural area, you may need to find a church a few miles down the road or even in the next town. Driving a few extra miles for better youth programs is a wise thing to do. The same holds true for theological compatibility.   All in all, by contacting your favorite seminary or Bible college, you can usually shortcut the process of church shopping. Most importantly, pray earnestly that God will bless you with a wonderful church family. In most communities, you will not have merely one choice but several options.


Amazingly, in my own experience, I overlooked the best match in town for several years.  In regard to finding a Bible-believing pastor, John MacArthur rightly stated that "The measure of a pastor is not how clever or how interesting he is, but how well he guards truth." Admittedly, it was well worth shopping for, but I regret not having found my church family many years earlier.  In truth, however,  I may not have been ready earlier.  I had many things to learn and to unlearn. Thankfully, our awesome, sovereign God will not allow His people to remain unsettled perpetually. Only God knows why we were allowed to be a part of a false gospel for so long. Through God's amazing, saving grace, He didn't leave us where He found us. To God alone belongs all the honor, glory, and praise!  Soli Deo Gloria!


Moreover, in my case, it was purely a theological decision because our children are now adults, and they now have their own needs and preferences. Furthermore, I realize that our sovereign God sometimes allows us to learn extra things in preparation for finding our favorite church family. Apparently, some families must think the Sunday church service is like a convention—sending just one delegate. Oh yes, don't forget to attend and participate in an adult education class each week at your new church as well.  May God abundantly bless your quest for Biblical truth and your search for a church home.

ON A CHURCH PLAQUE

Enter this door

As if the floor

Within were gold;

And every wall

Of jewels all

Of wealth untold;

As if a choir

In robes of fire

Were singing here;

Nor shout nor rush

But hush...

For God is here.