Recently on a podcast I was asked what to look for in a church. A great question, one I’ve subconsciously felt for years but never consciously thought about. I responded with a contrast. Instead of looking for a church that focuses on temporal internal needs, look for one that emphasizes eternal external needs.
Let’s admit that the typical approach to evaluating a church often revolves around satisfying immediate, internal preferences. Parents may prioritize a vibrant youth group for their children. A spouse might lean towards a worship style that resonates with their acoustic sensibilities. And you might desire a particular preaching style.
However, these internal preferences are inherently fleeting. Youth grow up and out of youth groups. Musical tastes evolve over time. Even the most engaging teaching style will eventually lose its novelty after countless sermons delivered by the same speaker year after year.
Instead of fixating on these transient internal needs, I advocate for a focus on eternal external needs. A church’s true essence lies in its commitment to reaching beyond its own walls, to engage with the community and share the transformative message of Christ. It should embody the very essence of Jesus’ mission: to draw all people unto Himself. Here are a number of fundamental indicators to discern if a church prioritizes these enduring external needs:
- Community Presence: Does the church actively engage with the community, and if so, is this engagement perceived positively? Would the community feel a loss if the church ceased to exist? A vibrant community presence signifies a commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the congregation’s immediate circle.
- Money Going Out: How does the church allocate its financial resources? Is there a substantial portion of the budget dedicated to initiatives aimed at serving outsiders, such as missions, compassion projects or outreach programs? A church that allocates resources generously towards external causes demonstrates a heart for others beyond its own membership.
- People Coming In: Is the church attracting new attendees regularly? Are individuals from outside the immediate community comfortable exploring what the church has to offer? Moreover, are these newcomers embraced warmly and encouraged to return? A church that actively welcomes and integrates newcomers signals a commitment to expanding its reach and impact.
- Collaboration & Partnerships: Is the church trying to change the world by itself? Or is it humble enough to find and foster key partnerships for exponential impact? Partnering with external entities allows a church to amplify its impact and leverage resources more effectively to address community needs.
- Cultural Relevance & Adaptability: Is the church culturally relevant and adaptable to the changing demographics and needs of its surrounding community? The message should always stay the same. But the methods of communicating and accomplishing that message should shift to reach a new generation. Is the church showcasing that adaptability?
- Support For Vulnerable People: Does the church provide support and services for vulnerable populations such as the homeless, refugees, or those struggling with addiction or mental health issues? A church that prioritizes care for the marginalized and vulnerable reflects the compassion and empathy central to the teachings of Jesus.
- Global View: Does the church support global missions and engage with international communities? Does the church have a large view of God and His desire to reach all people? A church that is outward-focused on a global scale demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission and spreading the gospel message to all nations.
When one finds a church that prioritizes eternal external values, it transcends the limitations of individual preferences and desires. Instead, it fosters a sense of belonging to something greater—a community united in its mission to serve and share the love of Christ with the world.
So, when considering what to look for in a church, I urge a shift in perspective—from the temporal to the eternal, from internal to external. Seek a community that embodies the timeless values of love, service, and outreach, and you’ll discover a church that continually inspires and enriches lives, regardless of changing circumstances or personal preferences.
When you find a church that focuses on eternal external values you will never outgrow it because its mission is always growing. Let me know what you look for in a church. I would love to hear from you and learn from you.
PS – I’m pleased to serve at a church (The Life Christian Church) that not only focuses on externals but also has pretty decent music, teaching and youth group 🙂.