"Church Shopping"

I've heard the phrase and have never really liked it. Or maybe I am leaning little more to liking it than I thought. At first I thought it was an ugly expression but now I am starting to realize it reflects what an ugly mind set our society has become. What is it? It's called "Church shopping!" I hear it often and it's a growing epidemic!

We live in a day and time where things are about "me", individualism. People are overly concerned about their "rights" which has lead to the mind set of "church shopping!" People often look for a place that they feel comfortable with or what they have to offer their children. It use to upset me when I would hear such but now...maybe I have come to grips with some things.

We need to be careful when looking for a church. There is so much free floating ideas and teachings out there. But that's not what most look at when they are "church shopping." There are congregations that use every man made idea, book and entertainment to try to move people. We need to be more concerned about the truth from God's word but that's not what most are looking at when they are "church shopping." The youth programs are becoming more and more entertaining and fun events to keep them from being bored. God's word is sprinkled here and there to make it sound good and right. We need sound, firm convictions and teachings from those in charge of our youth but that's not what most are looking for when they are "church shopping." Many jump to the denominational world, using the phrase 'non-denomination' to get their attention. They do little inspection whether the truth of the gospel is being taught or if they follow the pattern of leadership set up by God's word but that's not what most are looking for when they are"church shopping."

Today, with all the confusion and abuse of God's word, things are getting more and more complicated. What should on look for when they are "church shopping"? First, dedicated Christian's desperately need to be part of a local congregation of Christ. We aren't strong enough to make it on our own! We are part of the body and I am speaking of those who have been baptized into Christ, into His death (Rom. 6) and God placing them in His body where He desired them to be (I Cor. 12:18). Look for a congregation that focuses on the gospel of Jesus Christ! That gospel in truth will show us what the true church is and is not to be. The church of our Lord will feed you living bread from Jesus, not a bunch of 'flowery' stories or inspiring poems. The church should have teachers that are serious as teachers, knowing the Scriptures will shape all the members for the service of God in a body which is indeed the body of Christ. Listen to what is being offered in the pulpits and you will find if those preaching/teaching are parading themselves or the Master who called them. If you hear a endless "issues" oriented lessons, or endlessly asking for money to support their projects, that is something to take notice of.

If you are one to go "church shopping", be prayerful and make certain you have an understanding of what the Lord expects from His body and make certain you are seeking the things the Lord seeks from His body. If they are Christ centered, Christ focused and determined to hold to the truth of God's word and not in the entertaining business, thank God and stick to them like glue! You will not be deceived and find yourself growing into the likeness of the Savior who called you.