Taken from United Christian Broadcasters Ltd (UCB)

The Word for Today Tuesday March 20^th 2007:

'...Understanding our lives together as a church...' 1 Corinthians 12:25

What should you look for when trying to find a church?

The first is Christ-centred worship, the celebration of God

for who He is and what He has done for us. A biblically sound church places a high priority on praising God.

Second is quality Bible instruction. Does the church you are considering believe, honour, and teach God's Word in

such a way that you understand the Bible and see how it applies to your life? Remember, you can't grow beyond

what you know.

A third characteristic of a good church is fellowship - the sharing of the life of Christ among the members. This goes far

beyond Sunday morning attendance or coffee and doughnuts in the fellowship hall. True fellowship occurs when we are

involved in each other's lives - caring, encouraging, correcting, loving and sharing with one another. The church should

provide us with a meaningful sense of belonging.

Fourth is the church's ministry of outreach. A church that wants to grow cannot be ingrown.

There's nothing wrong with being a small church - as long as you are not a small-minded church.

The church you identify with should provide you with opportunities to use your gifts and talents to touch other lives,

emphasising the importance of sharing your faith in word and good deeds. In other words, the church's impact should

extend well beyond its walls.

When you find a church where these priorities and experiences are regularly offered in an environment that's

saturated in grace and charged with faith, you have found the right church. Join it! And don't ask what your

church can do for you - ask what you can do for your church!

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Let’s love and encourage each other………… and BE this sort of church

Richard and Marion