[Here’s a piece of a project titled Our Hope Springs Eternal: Letters for Life and Death. If you missed the first, you can find it here and here. I’m writing letters to a man named Russ through all the stages of the Christian faith. Here’s a draft of the third letter.]
A Letter to Those Finding a Church
Russ,
Things have been hectic since my trip to Milwaukee. My favorite moment happened on the first full day when I preached at one of our partner churches. We’ve helped this church since its very first day of attempting to reach Milwaukee with the hope of Jesus. I remember walking through the property with the pastors before they even owned it. I find great joy in helping other churches. It opens my eyes to the beauty and expanse of the kingdom of God. I loved the trip, but my schedule was chaotic when I returned home. Our conversation is important to me. I don’t want to dash off quick responses but want to give your letters my full attention.
I’m jealous that you made the trip to Wrigley Field. I’m on a quest to see every Major League ballpark. I’ve been to six; I’ve got a long way to go. My favorite is Fenway in Boston. There is nothing like the Green Monster and the atmosphere of a park built in 1912. You went to Chicago for work, right? You mentioned a trade show. I’ve never known someone in the solar energy business. What is your role as a project manager? Tell me more.
Keep sharing your experiences of attending church. It sounds like you’ve attended drastically different worship services. I understand your frustration. There are a lot of churches and it’s hard to find the right fit. But don’t give up. You asked, “Can’t I just read my Bible at home?” Of course, you can! Never stop reading the Bible for yourself! But church is essential.
You might not see it now, but Christian community is crucial for spiritual growth. The New Testament does not describe following Jesus as a solo adventure. Following Jesus is designed to be done in community. Through the church you walk beside fellow Christ followers who will provide encouragement, and sometimes correction. Remember when I shared about the impact Marshall and Dennis had on me coming to faith in Jesus? They also had a pivotal role in helping my newfound faith grow from infancy to maturity.
Keep searching for a good church, but don’t get stuck searching forever. At some point, you’ll need to choose a church and commit to being part of it. Find a church that preaches the Bible. There are some key indicators. Does the service center around the character or work of God? Does the pastor’s sermon come from a passage of Scripture? It’s easy to be fooled on that last one. Some pastors read a passage and then use it as a trampoline to talk about something else. The question is whether the sermon explains and applies the passage. A pastor’s sermon should be shaped by Scripture, not simply decorated with it.
Find a church that focuses on worship. You’re not looking for entertainment, production, or personal preferences. Lighting or styles of songs aren’t necessarily wrong, but they aren’t the point. The service should guide you to worship God and draw closer to him.
I’d also suggest that you pick a church with several generations represented in the pews. Many young people will seek a church filled with other young people. Be careful. Find older believers and sit next to them. Ask questions. Get to know them. When they ask you to have lunch in their home, say, “Yes.” You’ll eventually get married, experience success, face spiritual conflicts. You’ll want wisdom from people of faith who have traveled those roads.
Don’t expect to find the perfect church. People who search for one often grow frustrated and quit. Churches are made of imperfect people. And you’ll discover their faults soon enough. But a healthy church brings together people from different backgrounds and upbringings, people with bumps and bruises, failures and victories. What unites them isn’t their perfection but their common Savior.
In a letter down the road, we can discuss good books. For now, here’s a quote from C.S. Lewis, “Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?” Our letters are a source of encouragement and fellowship, but you need Christian community.
