What Kind of Church Are You Looking For?

Many people prefer to join churches whose members resemble them in the way they speak, look, and act. They need to identify with them in these sociological respects. When these conditions are not present in the church for their self-satisfaction or, quite simply, when they do not find models that fit their way of behaving, doing things, and presenting themselves, their preconceived patterns crumble, the spell of “the church tailored to their needs” is broken, and they begin moving to other churches in search of validation for their standards. Many people, even well-intentioned ones, come to church in search of self-indulgence and self-fulfillment, seeking to kindle their own passions and uncertain emotions…and they forget Christ, the Lord of the Church, the only one worthy of worship, honor, and praise.

Others believe that the church is like a theater, a grand spectacle. They spend their lives “searching” for the church of their dreams, the one that suits their feelings. They are the “church-hoppers,” those who forget that one day they made a covenant with their Lord to be faithful to their congregation, to respect it, to walk with Christ through it through thick and thin, and to be an instrument of blessing to their brothers and sisters. They are the ones who do not believe that even amid the church’s diversity, unity can be found and brotherly love practiced despite differences. If diversity does not endanger Christian doctrine, the church’s mission and vision, the commitments of membership, and the practice of the true ministry of godliness and edifying love, there is nothing to fear. These are the brothers and sisters who often say: “The pastor did not edify me with his message today,” “So-and-so leader’s wife walked right past me and did not even greet me,” “The worship was lackluster,” and other complaints of no little consequence. They never looked at the cross of Christ; they never focused on His sacrifice. They took the gift of salvation, wrapped it in a little piece of cellophane, and carried it to another church to display it as a trophy they neither earned through their own merits nor deserved. This being the case, who is harmed? The church may have its ups and downs, but it will always endure. Oh, how beautiful it is to see a congregation of committed Christians, with a sense of belonging, a passion for unity, and the conviction that their lives are rooted in a community of faith where Christ is King and Lord! A sense of belonging strengthens our testimony, lays the foundation for harmony and mutual understanding, and tears down every barrier of worldliness. It is the breeding ground for authentic Christian communion, fellowship, and koinonia that please the Lord.

It is not difficult to maintain that sense of belonging when things are going well in the church, when finances are abundant, everyone is focused on a single vision, there is spiritual growth and genuine fellowship, the pastor gives us good sermons, and the leaders are loving and mature. What is difficult is doing so when the church is going through crises—those times when unity is imperative in order to stay afloat and continue glorifying God. The church is the evil one’s most desired target for attacks on its flanks, because he knows that in the Lord’s Vineyard, weeds sometimes make their entrance disguised in Christian attire, can grow alongside the good wheat and mingle with it, and are difficult to uproot without leaving traces of their existence. One of Satan’s favorite delights is to make us lose our focus by attacking the unity of the church—the unity for which Christ cried out to the Father, desiring that Christians from then until today would be one, just as He and the Father are one. Long-term commitments and a sense of belonging to the Body of Christ—more specifically, to the congregation to which we belong and in which we have grown spiritually—are visible signs of solid communion with the Lord and of brotherly faithfulness. We cannot tailor the church to our own specifications, because the church belongs to the Lord, not to us.

I encourage you to maintain a healthy relationship with your congregation—one marked by permanence and solid, open-ended commitment, regardless of the circumstances. Be upright and faithful to those who once dried your tears and comforted you in times of need. Do not be an adulterer. Love your church as Christ loves it. Do not focus on man, but on your Lord; He never fails, least of all when it comes to His bride, which is His church. You have a challenge ahead of you with regard to your church. Focus on caring for it and making it the best platform for Christian commitment, consecration, and service. Church life is lived in community, and without you it is incomplete. Develop a sense of belonging not only in the unity of the Spirit, but also in fellowship with the other saints. The Hispanic-American Dictionary of Mission defines community as an organized collectivity of people settled permanently in a particular place, who form an autonomous social unit and share a common cultural heritage and common interests, which are the basis of special, everyday relationships. Nothing could more closely resemble the Church of Christ. God bless you!