For all of my life, I’ve been going to church. Mostly as a minister’s kid, missionary kid, or preacher’s kid. Growing up on the mission field, I’ve seen churches meeting in a converted gas station, under a canopy, or in someone’s home. Sometimes churches are big, fully staffed, and fully furnished. But how do we find a church that is seeking God’s heart and will, regardless of how it looks? How do we find a church that preaches from the word, not the world? How do we plug into a church that promotes fellowship regardless of background or status? How do we find a church where we can pursue spiritual growth, friendship, and encouragement?
The New Year brings about time for reflections on the past and resolutions for the future. Maybe you’re trying to find a new church. Maybe you’re trying to identify a good church. Maybe you’re trying to build up your church. Finding a healthy church can feel challenging when there are many options to choose from. But by learning from Acts 2:42, we can look for a church that allows us to learn, fellowship, break bread, and pray.
Acts 2 describes the “birth” of the church and the conversion of 3,000 people in one day! Afterward, they continued by being devoted to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. The Oxford Dictionary defines devoted as, “very loving or loyal.” From the beginning, the church was designed to build the body up. Sometimes, we have to step out in obedience and take the first step. Yes, it’s hard to get out the door on a Sunday morning. Yes, it’s hard to be vulnerable and share your heart with others. Yes, it’s hard to visit a new church. But we should be loyal and loving to our church for God’s glory and our good. Church is a weekly reminder that we need the gospel to permeate every aspect of our lives. Here are four things New Testament believers were devoted to that we should seek out as well:
Biblical Teaching
John’s Gospel says that the enemy comes to “steal and kill and destroy.” On the contrary, Jesus came so that we “may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Life is full of lies and we regularly need eternal truths. Look for a church that proclaims biblical teachings, instead of current trends.
Does the church encourage members to be like the Jewish community in Berea? Acts 17 tells us Paul and Silas travelled to this region, visited the synagogue, and told people about Jesus. Upon hearing the message, the Bereans, “received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Look for a church that encourages members to pursue regular Bible study, along with Sunday morning teaching.
Fellowship
The Greek word translated as fellowship in Acts 2:42 is koinonia and is defined as “the unity of the Spirit that comes from Christians’ shared beliefs, convictions, and behaviors.” We have a special connection with other believers because of our faith in Christ. Yes, it may be hard, but we are called to build each other up for the kingdom of God. Seek out a church that has ample opportunities to fellowship with others.
Breaking of Bread
Christ gave his body for us. When we take bread with believers, it’s a physical reminder that he died for us. When we take the cup, it reminds us that he shed his blood for our sins (1 Corinthians 11:24–25). In this passage, Christ asks us to do this in remembrance of him. Not for our salvation, but for our sanctification. Communion is a regular reminder that our sin deserves death. The bread and the cup are tangible reminders that he willingly paid our debt. The churches we attend should participate in offering believers communion. Look for a church that remembers Christ’s sacrifice for us.
Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool to praise the Lord, ask requests, and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord. Look for a church that regularly and intentionally includes corporate worship in its services and offers opportunities for congregants to pray together. God invites us to bring all of our requests to him, instead of being anxious (Philippians 4:6).
No church is perfect, but we do have a perfect high priest who wants to help us in our time of need. He’s waiting for us at the throne of grace so that, “we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). We can confidently share our desire for a church with God. He knows what we need. Furthermore, I’m so thankful for a churchbody that encourages, equips, and edifies my soul in times of need. Most importantly, I’m grateful for the Good Shepherd who created the church for my good and his glory.
This New Year, we can take our requests and resolutions to the Lord. We can ask him to shape our hearts and desires for finding a church. We can ask him for wisdom about how to pursue our goals. We can praise God when he hears our prayers and provides us with a place to meet with other believers, even if we meet in a converted gas station.
Application/Further Study:
- What is something that holds you back in your search for a church?
- Read Acts 2:42-47. Ask God to help you find a church that’s devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. After spending time in prayer, consider asking local friends for advice.
- Jesus is our Good Shepherd and he wants to lead us to green pastures where we can grow. Read John 10 and reflect on the differences between the thief and the Good Shepherd. Better yet, invite a friend from church to study with you!
Photo Credit: Logan Glennie
Grace Thomas is a Christ-follower, wife, and mother. When she’s not playing with her son, she serves at her church, and enjoys living in sunny California. Her writing has been featured on Risen Motherhood & Momma Theologian. You can connect with her on her blog, Instagram, or email.
