Last week, I shared what to look for when choosing a church to join. Choosing a church to be a member of is one the most important decisions a Christian makes, and it should, therefore, be made wisely. The most important reason is that membership is essential to the health and growth of the believer. This week, I would like to share some pitfalls people fall into when deciding on a church family to join.
Looking for Perfection
Moving Churches can be difficult for various reasons. In some ways, leaving a church can sometimes feel like a divorce (and it should), such that joining another is like moving on after being ripped from a relationship. With that comes the temptation to seek perfection due to comparisons (good or bad) or a consumer mindset. Remember, the church is the people, and people are not perfect (much like you). Churches are not perfect because people are not perfect. There are shortcomings, and there are areas of growth. So, you look for progress, not perfection.
Delaying the Decision
Some people look for a church the way they do their shopping. They check Shoprite, PnP, Game, and Choppies and then go to Chisokone market, then decide to wait until the kwacha gains against the dollar for them to buy online. All in the effort of looking for an ideal buy. It doesn’t exist! Be clear on what to look for in a local church and make a decision. Taking months and years to settle on a church in a place is, at best, being indecisive and, at worst, being disobedient. Further, the longer you prolong the decision, the more you develop unhealthy habits and patterns for yourself and your family (if you are a family person).
Ignoring the Distance
Proximity to the church premises and the church family is easy to ignore. This is, in essence, a practical outworking of one’s understanding of a local church. A biblical view of a local church will affect your decision regarding proximity, either by how close the church premises are or where you live. Gathering and fellowship with your church family should not be hectic or a hustle. Your distance should not be why you fail or struggle to faithfully attend and participate in church life. When you think about it, people factor in the distance to work or school; sometimes, they shift to be closer to their school or workplace. Again, this is an implication of one’s understanding of what a church is and membership demands.
Wanting Special Attention
The slogan for one of the bread companies in our city says, “It’s not just the best; it’s far beyond the rest.” Sometimes, I feel like churches would like to use that to lure ‘customers.’ When churches package themselves as brands and market themselves like business entities, they begin to attract, well, consumers. One way the consumer mindset plays out is in the way people want special attention or, should we say, customer care. Joining a church because it gives you the special attention you desire is not the most helpful thing for your soul. They either simply want to grow numbers, and it is very clear that you are high up in society or rich! With that said, churches should be loving, welcoming, and hospitable and should have a genuine concern for your spiritual welfare. Such that, they will have no problems if that takes place in another congregation.
Dear Christian, when choosing a church family, choose wisely and decisively.
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