One of the hardest things to do is to visit a church, especially if you have never been there. Questions flood the mind: “What will this church be like? Will they be friendly to me? What is their worship going to be like? Are they going to make me feel uncomfortable? What does this church even believe or teach about certain things? Should I even go?”
Whenever we visit a church, we usually “put it to the test” (sometimes subconsciously). “Do they have a place for me to park? Are there signs showing me where to go? Does anyone greet me and show kindness to me? How’s the temperature and the lighting? Is the service exciting and enjoyable?” Those are some things that we might notice and might remember about a church. But, may I suggest to you that there is a much greater “test” (a Biblical one) to put to every church when you visit? In the grand scheme, here are some things to examine that really matter.
Examine their worship. Does their worship seem to be man-centered or God-centered? Does it seem that the focus is on pleasing the worshiper or on pleasing the One being worshiped? Jesus said that “true” worship places the attention squarely upon “God” and humbly glorifies “Him in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). As the true object of worship, He alone possesses the authority to direct the worship. So, put every church to the test! Examine their worship!
Examine their teaching. Not every church teaches the same thing. Listen very carefully to what is being taught. Is there a book, chapter and verse for everything they teach? Are they teaching “the whole counsel” (Acts 20:27) of God’s Word? Are they “speaking as it were oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11), or are they speaking, as it were, the oracles of man? Follow the example of the Bereans, who “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether [the things they were being taught] were so” (Acts 17:11). Put every church to the test! Examine their teaching!
Examine their interaction. How do the church members treat each other? Is there a genuine love expressed for each member, regardless of who they are? Does the church announce about and show concern for members who are not doing well? Is it evident that the people, while imperfect, sincerely care for one another? Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Put every church to the test! Examine their interaction!
Everything that is said and done by a church must be by the authority of Jesus Himself (Col. 3:17). When you visit the church of Christ, examine their worship, teaching and interaction. Does it match the Bible? Feel free to ask questions.