What Every New Believer Should Understand about Church
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This is even more evident when you have people of every race, culture, economic status, political affiliation, disability, and nationality coming together under the banner of the name of Jesus and worshipping him. When you look for a church, make sure they make room for corporate worship, as that is critical to the life of the church.
2. Discipleship
Before Jesus left, he told his disciples to go and make more disciples. This is the mission of the church. We preach the gospel so people can hear and get saved. Once that happens, we then help them become disciples or followers of Christ.
This is the most important thing that must happen in a church. You should be growing in your relationship with Jesus, learning to love him more, and how to live this Christian life daily. Honestly, if a church is not helping you do that, then it is failing you, and it does not matter how many people are walking through the doors of that church. Make sure you look for a church that is focused on helping you develop your walk with Jesus.
3. Fellowship
Another thing to consider in church is the need for fellowship. This ties back to not being alone. The church is supposed to be a community, and when communities are built right, then fellowship is going to happen.
This is not just true of church, but of any group of people who gather around the same cause or goal. For example, if a group gets together to watch sports or have a game night, maybe go bowling, whatever the activity, when you come together it is fellowship (even though I have never heard people outside the church call it that). When you find a church and you spend time together, that is fellowship and a big part of being in a church community.
4. Stewardship
The last thing you should receive from any church you attend is the opportunity for stewardship. While people often associate this with money, I want to position it in relation to your service.
I believe every person is not only gifted, but also has a role to play in the kingdom of God. That is why he saved you. Being part of a church should provide an opportunity for you to offer your gifts and talents to the local body to help serve the people there. This does not mean you need to be in any upfront or visible ministry (though it could); it means you see the needs, you know your gifts, and you offer them to help.
This not only has value in the church but often can lead to opportunities elsewhere. I started teaching in church when I was seventeen years old. I did not know it then, but the skills I developed there would benefit me and my career for all my adult life. That’s not the reason you serve, but that can be the byproduct of your service.
Hopefully, I have shed some light on what church should be. My prayer for you is that you would find a local church home. There are many wonderful churches out there that can help you grow in your walk with the Lord. Remember, don’t look for the perfect church, but look for the church that is perfect for you. Trust me, they do exist.
Photo credit: Unsplash/krispaparo
He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose, which helps readers understand how God leads them into his will, and the author of The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has released his first course, Bible Study Basics, to achieve that goal. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.