If you have recently become a Christian or experienced a renewal of faith, you may be wondering, “What do I do now to grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ and become spiritually mature?” The Bible encourages us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), but how do we do this? One key step in the journey is to become actively involved in the ministry of a local church.
What Is the Church?
In simple terms, the church is all those?who have trusted in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation (see 1 Corinthians 12:12–13). It is not a building, but the people who gather together as believers around?the world.
God has established the church on Earth for the spiritual well-being of those?who have committed themselves to Christ. Christians meet together in local churches to worship God, study His truth—which is revealed in the Bible—and encourage each other to live out their faith (see Hebrews 10:24–25). Jesus also gave the church the responsibility of proclaiming the Good News of salvation to those throughout the world who have not heard and believed (Matthew 28:18–20).
Select a church which preaches the Gospel faithfully … which endeavours to practice what it preaches.—Billy Graham
Why Do We Need the Church?
1). We need to identify ourselves with God’s people. It is very difficult for Christians to remain strong in their faith and walk with Christ if they live in isolation outside the fellowship of a local church. We need the friendship and support of other Christians. Communication and interaction with other believers will help lead to?spiritual stability?and maturity. As?you seek a church, look for?one where the?people enjoy?loving fellowship,?walk together?through good?times and bad, and help each other grow spiritually.
It is very difficult for Christians to remain strong in their faith and walk with Christ if they live in isolation outside the fellowship of a local church.
The writer of Hebrews encouraged followers of Christ “to meet together … encouraging one another, and all the more …” (Hebrews 10:25).
2). We need the church for united worship. The musical styles used in worship vary greatly among churches today, but more important than style is the substance of a church’s worship. There is nothing to compare with the work of God’s Spirit in a Christian’s heart and mind during the singing of hymns and songs of praise, the public reading of the Scriptures and of prayer, and the faithful teaching of the Word of God. All these are a part of worshipping God “in spirit and truth” as Jesus instructed us to do (John 4:23–24).
3). We need the regular and accurate teaching of God’s Word to help us grow and live successfully as Christians. Pastors and other Bible teachers in the church study the Scriptures in depth in order to help us understand and apply them to our lives. Such teaching will serve both as a guide and encouragement as we grow in our walk with Christ. Faithful teaching of the Bible also helps us be accountable to other Christians—and they to us—in how we live out our faith.
4). The church provides an ideal outlet for serving Christ and others. Billy Graham once wrote, “I would choose a church which opens its arms to everyone with a spiritual need, regardless of social standing or race, one which has concerns about the social sins of the?community,?which has a?missionary vision?and spirit which?cooperates with?any worthwhile?effort to bring?Christ to the?world. I would?also choose a church which is worthy of one’s tithes and offerings, and where I could unstintingly give of my talents and capabilities for the glory of God.” As we seek our place in a church like this, we will have opportunity to minister to others, and our lives will begin to bear witness to them of Christ’s love (see Matthew 5:16).
What Should I Look for in a Church?
As you consider a local church, remember that the denomination or affiliation is not the most important consideration, but whether the church’s beliefs and practices are in keeping with God’s Word.
Billy Graham once offered this further advice: “First … I would select a church which preaches the Gospel faithfully. However, it is not enough to be sound theologically. I would choose a church which endeavours to practice what it preaches, translating its beliefs into everyday life.”
Paul, in writing to the Ephesians, stated that Christ “loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).
Because Christ gave the church life, there is no equal to it among human institutions. As you become a part of a local church, however, remember that just as there are no perfect Christians, there are no perfect churches. Those who make up the church struggle with the same weaknesses and temptations as you. As you pursue fellowship within the church, ask God to help you offer your best, demonstrating a spirit of patience, forgiveness, and love.
Finally, while there are many Christians who model Christlike behaviour, avoid making any one person an ideal to follow. Your identity is in Christ and believers follow “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
What Groups Should I Avoid?
Be careful to avoid involvement with cults or similar groups, even if they call themselves churches. These are groups that teach doctrines or beliefs that deviate from the Biblical message of Christian faith. They often teach some Christian truth mixed with error that may be difficult to detect. There are some features common to them all:
1). They do not adhere solely to the 66 books of the Bible as the inspired Word of God, or they add their “special revelations” to the Bible.
2). They do not accept that our relationship to Jesus Christ is a reality “by grace … through faith” (Ephesians 2:8) alone, but teach or practice instead that salvation comes by works—or how “good” we are.
3). They do not give Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, full recognition as perfect God and perfect man. As you become a part of a local church, however, remember that just as there are no perfect Christians, there are no perfect churches.
What Guidelines Should I Follow?
To suggest a specific type of church is difficult because what may be a good church in one community may not measure up in another. Seek a church?that focuses on preaching and teaching the Bible. Key teachings of a Biblically solid church include:
1). The Bible is the Word of God (See 2 Timothy 3:16).
2). God is a Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (See John 14:26; Matthew 28:18–19).
3). Salvation is?by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone?(See John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8–9).
4). Spiritual maturity develops as a Christian dedicates himself or herself to personal prayer, the reading and study of the Word of God, and obedience to what is learned (See?2 Timothy 3:16–17; Colossians 2:6–7).
The decision you make about which local church you will join is a crucial one! May God lead you to find a Gospel-believing church that is best able to help you grow spiritually. This intimate relationship with other Christians will help you and encourage you as you seek God and find in Him everything needed for a full and satisfying Christian life.