I often get the question, how do I know if I am at the right church, or should I join a church or this church. For the betterment of all of us here are a few suggestions.

1. Does the church’s theology match my theology?

This is the easiest starting point. Were you raised Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Non-Denominational, or so on and so forth? Start with denomination that you were raised in. Now that you are older you will realize how formational the church you were raised in was. Next, ask questions about the church. Many churches have a Next Steps or information about membership class that presents the churches beliefs on a variety of subjects and most times at the end of the class you can ask you questions about what that church believes.

2. Does the church feel like home?

Growing up, I heard over and over again about when thinking about joining my home church the pastor would always say, “Does this church feel like home? If so, this is the church for you.” When you are at the right church it should feel right.

3. Does the church ask as much of me as I ask of it?

When we are “interviewing” a church we often ask what can this church do for me and my family, but we forget to ask what does the church ask of me? Healthy churches ask everyone to participate in the ministry of the church to reach the community in which they are located and to reach the world. Truly being a part of a church is much more than just sitting in a pew or chair on a Sunday morning.

4. Realize that No Church is Perfect

The final point is that no church is perfect and will never be perfect. If you ever find a perfect church, you might be the person that makes it loose its perfectness. Being part of a church is being a part of the good times and the bad. Both will come and both will pass.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Matt Phenix