Church Triage
Some of you might remember that my family and I searched for a new church at the end of last year. Do you ever wonder how people like us make that decision? We triaged churches until we found the one ended up choosing. Here is how we did it.
First, we eliminated certain types of churches right off the bat. These were churches that we could not agree with on essential matters such as the person of Christ and salvation. We would not even be able to consider these type of churches Christian. This is probably the easiest stage of the process.
Next, were churches that we simply disagree with on certain non-essential matters. This could be something like infant baptism. I can consider these people brothers and sisters. I could join with them in something like an occasional community service, but I would not able to regularly attend or join their church. I wish them well in their pursuit of Christ.
We move on next to churches that we share the same basic beliefs regarding essential and non-essential matters. Perhaps the only difference in these churches would be worship style. We went to one church that is doing great things, but we were not comfortable with the music. I see this as boiling down to preference. We simply preferred another type of music.
Finally, we boiled it down to two churches. Both would have made good churches for us. What tipped us over to the one we chose? It was simply a connection. We visited both multiple times. It was the relationships in the one we chose. The relationships came easy in it.
We triaged the churches in our area and those we visited during our church search. We ended up at the church that God led us to.
What do you think? Would you triage churches if you were going through a church search?
We haven’t church-shopped before. Jana grew up in the church we attend now, and I like our pastor, so when we met, the transition for me was an easy one. Glad you found what suits you best!
I would prefer to never have to do it again. Hopefully we will be in our church for the rest of our lives.
Most definitely would triage. (Gotta look that word up in the dictionary). I think what you did was the right thing. You prayed and thought about it and then chose those that fit your criteria.
Bill, it’s my new favorite word…I have another post that I’m submitting as a guest post that uses it as well.
That is exactly how we chose our church home!
Walk daily with God at your side!
Ed
Thanks Ed!!! Have a great day!
“We ended up at the church that God led us to.” I think that’s it… I enjoy hearing stories of people following God’s calling to a church to serve and give themselves to.
Sometimes when we talk about church “shopping”- it becomes about what “product” we are hoping to have delivered to us, rather than seeking out how can we join in the work of serving the church and spreading His good news most effectively. It sounds like you’ve done the latter, and I commend you for that!
Nice post/move/decision.
Stephen, My initial thought when I started thinking about the church we would end up at was that we would find one with a strong pastor, certain type of polity and strong teaching. We ended up ag a church that, I believe, where my gifts will be used to help the Body. That’s what I want most of all.
We rolled dice to narrow the search down to two, then drew cards for the winner (hi-card wins). no, no! Just kidding. About a year and a half ago, we went through the same painful experience (newness always is). We pretty much traversed the same path as you, with the fellowship of our current church being the deal maker. Good info for those looking… God bless.
Yeah, it would have been easier if we had the Urim and Thummim like in the OT.
I would. I think you hit the nail on the head, when you mentioned “We ended up at the church that God led us to” so important right? It’s important to follow God guidance when searching for a home church.