Where's a ''Good'' Church?

[alex73]

1) Teaching that is biblically based. - If a church doesn't teach the bible then I wouldn't want to attend.

2) The acknowledgement & welcoming of the Holy Spirit.

3) Focus on the cross & the fact that it is now empty. I think that one of the most important things for Christians is to remain focused on Jesus, our eyes on the 'prize'.

When you find it don't join you'll make it less than it is or could be.!!!

Life with a capital L away from the the man made traditions. (however I have nothing against churches that aren't lively or the people who chose to be part of it.)

Therefore the Spirit & the truth of the word.

I also think it is most necessary for a good church has good 'social' aspects. If the only things that ever happen at a church are a Sunday service then staying a Christian during the week is much harder. Youth groups, midweek housegroups and bible-studies, weekends away, holiday clubs, encouragement to meet in small prayer groups (prayer 'triplets etc.').

The less important things:

Do people agree/disagree? What are your thoughts?

& of cause FOOD---->

Have you noticed that when you have people round for a meal & you then ''move to a more comfortable seat'' the indepth conversation dies some what !!

[Larry 2]

1) Teaching that is biblically based. - If a church doesn't teach the bible then I wouldn't want to attend.

2) The acknowledgement & welcoming of the Holy Spirit.

3) Focus on the cross & the fact that it is now empty. I think that one of the most important things for Christians is to remain focused on Jesus, our eyes on the 'prize'.

When you find it don't join you'll make it less than it is or could be.!!!

Life with a capital L away from the the man made traditions. (however I have nothing against churches that aren't lively or the people who chose to be part of it.)

Therefore the Spirit & the truth of the word.

I also think it is most necessary for a good church has good 'social' aspects. If the only things that ever happen at a church are a Sunday service then staying a Christian during the week is much harder. Youth groups, midweek housegroups and bible-studies, weekends away, holiday clubs, encouragement to meet in small prayer groups (prayer 'triplets etc.').

The less important things:

Do people agree/disagree? What are your thoughts?

& of cause FOOD---->

Have you noticed that when you have people round for a meal & you then ''move to a more comfortable seat'' the indepth conversation dies some what !!

You might give mine a listen. We have no membership and nothing you can join. We have two different Sunday services with different messages. Wednesday night bible sthdy, Friday night prayer service, outreach prison ministries, Saturday Bible studies in the gym, youth groups, camp meetings, our own gym with basketball, racketball, weight rooms, steam baths, & whirlpools all inside. You can visit online at "Livingwaterstabernacle.com" - You may not like it at all

[alex73]

1) Teaching that is biblically based. - If a church doesn't teach the bible then I wouldn't want to attend.

2) The acknowledgement & welcoming of the Holy Spirit.

3) Focus on the cross & the fact that it is now empty. I think that one of the most important things for Christians is to remain focused on Jesus, our eyes on the 'prize'.

When you find it don't join you'll make it less than it is or could be.!!!

Life with a capital L away from the the man made traditions. (however I have nothing against churches that aren't lively or the people who chose to be part of it.)

Therefore the Spirit & the truth of the word.

I also think it is most necessary for a good church has good 'social' aspects. If the only things that ever happen at a church are a Sunday service then staying a Christian during the week is much harder. Youth groups, midweek housegroups and bible-studies, weekends away, holiday clubs, encouragement to meet in small prayer groups (prayer 'triplets etc.').

The less important things:

Do people agree/disagree? What are your thoughts?

& of cause FOOD---->

Have you noticed that when you have people round for a meal & you then ''move to a more comfortable seat'' the indepth conversation dies some what !!

You might give mine a listen. We have no membership and nothing you can join. We have two different Sunday services with different messages. Wednesday night bible sthdy, Friday night prayer service, outreach prison ministries, Saturday Bible studies in the gym, youth groups, camp meetings, our own gym with basketball, racketball, weight rooms, steam baths, & whirlpools all inside. You can visit online at "Livingwaterstabernacle.com" - You may not like it at all

><> ><> I had a looks much like ours with a different ''Acent''

Mine--> http://www.newfrontiers.xtn.org/

Local,to be updated.---> http://www.kingshastings.org/index_act_megamix.htm

[stormy612]

This is such an excellent question, and I don't have anything specific to answer with, except for a short story.

I wasn't born and raised anything. My mom took me to a couple of Babtist churches when I was young (eight or nine). I didn't care for the "hell fire and damnation" sermons and I didn't like the preacher yelling. (I'm not accusing all Babtists churches of this, just those my mom took me to at the time.) When my dad got custody of us, we attended my step-mother's Methodist church. Even at the age of 10 or so, I enjoyed listening to the sermon, but they never lasted long enough. A few experiences occured that made me question the authenticity of the believers (again, not accusing Methodists). So, when I had my daughter and wanted to attend church, I struggled with where we would go. We visted a Methodist church and it felt hollow. My husband suggested an Assembly of God where he had attended a few times as a kid. I agreed, but freaked out at the first sermon! People shouting during the sermon, talking in 'tongues', and then the 'falling out in the Spirit". I was adament (sp?). We were NOT going to this church. I wanted to leave as soon as the service was over, but my husband agreed to go to the lunch being served. While standing in line, I begged God to help me. He gently reminded me of our study of submitting to your husband. Seeing that God said to submit, I did. I trusted God through my husband's decision. I met with people who were truly open to learning everything about God as I was, and never tried to talk me out of what I knew to be true of God. I received real wisdom during my time there through these people. I hope I was able to give just as much. Not everyone was great, and in the end, during the worst moment of my life, those whom I had come to trust, abandoned me and my daughter.

It's okay. I grew that much stronger and wiser thanks to God's faithfulness. I also learned that denominations have nothing to do with it. It's the people. Trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He knows where you need to be.