As we are about to leave out church and move across the planet, this has been on my mind a lot again lately.

And right now, I think the only thing that’s truly non-negotiable for me (there’s that word) would be a non- spiritually abusive environment.

But even then…can I ever really ensure this?

Just makes me remember I need to put all my trust in where God is sending us, and to realise it won’t be perfect…cos the work He wants me to do hasn’t really got a lot to do with my needs – He’ll meet them as I go about His wants.

Side note : I like the fact that questions post is about Ballymoney…a cool little town in N.Ireland that will soon be just up the road from where I live. Small. world.

If we never, ever, ever open the Bible at a church, I’m out. That one’s a no-brainer for me. And sadly, I know that happens at churches.

A designer church? Just for me? Where do I sign up?

In yesterday’s post about numbers, you discussed social media numbers. Church can be that way too! I cannot fathom a church service where the sanctuary (auditorium in many) holds 5000 people. Or 10000. Why? For a shiny smile? Super Bowl tickets? A pony? Celebrity status? Superficial people?

None of the above makes a church. It is NOT about me. I need to remember that sometimes. The only me thing I want is a church that makes me want to move my feet the other 6 days of the week. It takes action on my part to make it work! It is about carrying the message. 24/7. It’s about community. Because most of us aren’t employed by the church. But, we are an extension. Again that action thing. It’s not about being politically correct either. Can you imagine the world if Jesus had been politically correct? If He had the strength, I should have the humility and strength, too.

When did the size of the church become an indication of our internal selfishness?

Got myself in a hard place. In my mind it sounded right! I’m thinking about those places where numbers is the reason for their existence, not the message. I would love it if that many people walked out each Sunday and kept up the action every day until the next Sunday. The reality is that that isn’t the case in many of the mega-church environment. I know not everyone is going to feel the same level of enthusiasm that I(bold print, but I don’t know how to do that) want them to feel! But, I want people to feel something. Not a fake something. The razzle-dazzle doesn’t do it for me. And it’s not about me. Really! But, I need to know that the person to my left (or right or behind me) has my back as we walk back into the world around us the rest of the week.

gotta love satire!

i’ve visited a few churches here and there (just to check out the body of Christ)… and i have a spiritual family that i’ve belonged to since i’ve become a christian.

here’s 3 things that i look for when i visit other churches that still make me feel like im at “home”.

1. they must believe that Jesus & the Holy Spirit is Lord.
2. i must be able to worship freely (meaning lifted hands, clapping) coz if im at a worship service and im not allowed to lift my hands to my King with fellow believers, i feel like my worship is not complete.
3. the bible has got to be opened atleast once. dont wanna hear about a pastor’s experiences all the time. i wanna hear God’s Word preached.

That makes sense, thanks for explaining more.

Sometimes you just know. It’s more about intangibles than anything you can quantify or describe. But for me it would be teaching that is deep but also applicable. People that are real, transparent, authentic. An atmosphere that is laid back, but the service is obviously the result of some forethought.

When you’ve got elements like that going, I could care less if the music isn’t studio quality, or if it’s not my particular style.

And I’ve continued overthinking while driving to a 12 step meeting & back (45 min each way-lots of time to think). I don’t want to, in any way, discount the people who go to this church or that one because of status. They are all still children of Christ and need what He has to offer 24/7. I try to love each person for what they are in God’s eyes. I don’t always like everyone, but I do love them. It’s hard to be so selfless sometimes. But, I still think there is strength in numbers.

1. Convicting, good, practical sermon that I can use everyday. I went to a church one time and the pastor went on and on about the significance of Nebukadnezar’s 19 talents of bronze on his chest (or something like that)…not good.

2. Normal, friendly, genuine, and nice people, not overly religious, judgemental, petty about rules, or self-righteous.

3. Good mix of music

4. Nice coffee and doughnuts (or donuts whichever the correct spelling is).

5. How the church is involved with the community and world ministry.

Been thinking a lot lately about “commuter church,” where people drive to the best show in town (meaning, the church that delivers the most benefits to them), and then when that church stops delivering, they move on to the next place that will.

When we moved to Portland a couple of years ago, we chose our (Christian, obviously) church based on where our tithe money and skills/experience could best be put to use.

Love it. How many times do people choose a church with that criteria? Mucho kudos.

One of the hardest things for my wife and I when we first got married was finding a church. We were newlyweds, no kids, and wanted to find a group of like-minded folks. We went to various churches, but couldn’t really connect with folks because there weren’t many people in our same life-stage (young married, no kids, etc).

So that would be what I would say — a church that has people in a similar life stage. When we eventually found a church where we felt welcomed/safe/etc, it was with people in the same life stage.

But of course, it can be different for anyone…