We have looked at the foundational, structural, functional, and environmental components of a vital, healthy local church. Now look at yourself and ask, are there opportunities here for me to serve and exercise my spiritual gifts?
Does this local body have a need that by God's enabling I can meet? Am I willing to get what the church can do for me, but also what I can do for the Lord as I serve Him in this church? Am I willing to give of my time, money, energy, and prayers to contribute to the success of this church (Mark 12:30; Rom. 12:1)? A house is not a home until all the members of a family contribute to its success.
The same is true of a church home. Only when each member in the family of God exercises his or her God-given gifts will God's children feel at home in His church. The decision you make about what church to attend will greatly affect your spiritual life and the lives of your children. In fact, the decisions you make now will affect your descendants and the generations to come. That's a sobering reality.
Remember that no church will ever perfectly fulfill all these criteria.
There is no perfect church. Also, remember that every church is going to have its own special blend of the characteristics we have examined. The key is to find a church that has them in proper balance, not overemphasizing some or de-emphasizing others.
A balanced ministry is a Spirit-controlled ministry. If you find a church that possesses most but not all of the characteristics we've mentioned, don't immediately disregard it. Consider whether God wants to use you to help improve that local body as you exercise your own particular spiritual gifts.
Choosing a church home is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make--one that reaches into eternity.
May each of us spend at least as much time and effort making that decision as we do deciding on our earthly dwelling.
We invite you to visit us and see for yourself if this is where God would want you to make it your church home.