Looking For a Church

After many years serving in a Pastoral role, we are in a place now where we are looking for a new church. Over the past several months, since we began a sabbatical from full time Pastoring, we have visited several different churches. All whom have wonderful musicians in place and where powerful preachers are preaching God’s Word. Unfortunately, in our quest, we have yet to find where God would have us settle.

Going thru this journey has brought to my attention that many Christians are still unsettled and perhaps, they too, are searching for a church to call home. Perhaps, even those of you who are reading this are searching or at one time, spent time looking for a church.

What do you look for when looking for a church?

If you have children still at home, a good Children’s and Youth ministry is probably important. You may be looking for a church with anointed musicians. Or a church with no musicians at all. Perhaps you are looking for a friendly church, one that welcomes you and knows your name. Or you may want a church where no one knows your name. A personable Pastor is probably important, at least one who can preach well and is somewhat knowledgeable of the Scriptures.  Or you may like a Pastor who doesn’t meddle into your affairs and only preaches what makes you feel good.

I suppose we all have a list in mind of things that make a church acceptable for us to attend. I’m kind of an old school, former Pastors wife. While all the new, high tech bells and whistles sound nice, just give me Jesus and a mighty rush of His wind to make me happy. I grew up in a small church where the Holy Spirit moved and church could linger for hours and many times it did. While momma was up in the altars, often times I was asleep under the pew.

Whatever you may be looking for in a church, you are not alone. God, Himself is looking for a church too, one that is without spot or wrinkle.

Paul writes in Ephesians that the church is the bride and Christ, Himself is the groom…

“and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but Holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:27)

Paul notes that it is the goal of Christ for the church to be presented radiantly. Much like a groom waiting at the altar on his wedding day, expecting his bride to make a grand appearance, Christ also wants the church (His bride) to look it’s best for Him when that day comes.

It is so easy to place great importance on what the church should look like. But Paul is not talking about a physical appearance when he suggests that the church be without blemish. He is suggesting that the church be set apart and fully prepared for His return.

Stained glass windows and padded pews and a full orchestra band can be impressive but the most important quality a church can offer to those seeking a church is simply Jesus. If you take away all of the bells and whistles and you still can’t find Jesus, you probably just found a building with a sign out front.

God is looking for more than a building. He is looking for His church and He is looking for us to be the church that He needs us to be; without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but Holy and blameless.

May we all find what we are looking for.

BLESSINGS. Laurie

@copyright2019 laurieadamsdevotions

*find more devotions posted on my Facebook devotion page: womentakingastand

Enjoyed the Post? Share...

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Linkedin

email

Digg

Reddit

• ← A New Beginning?
• Do a Little Good – and help end human trafficking! →