How did you select the church that you currently attend?  As I have surveyed Christians with this question most quickly respond with “after praying about it.”  But after inquiring further I find that the factors were one or more of the following:  Friends attend, like the music, like the pastor, the children’s program, the youth program, the seniors program, singles or the church believes most with my theology.  Studies have shown when the majority of folks were honest,  the way they selected a church was by “what’s in it for me?”  Whether we like it or not, this is America and even believer’s have a consumer mindset. 

How would Jesus choose a church today?  Would it be based on if he had friends attending there?  Or would it be based on if he liked the music?  Would it be based on if he received personal recognition for who he was?  Christ made every decision in light of the Great Commission.  That was his purpose and He accepted that.  This is also our purpose and it is what brings glory to God.  The tension is that in day-to-day living, seeking God’s kingdom goes against the grain. 

Our renewed mind first shows itself in our day to day choices.  These decisions affect our contribution to the fulfillment of His desires.  Slowly, as we surrender our wills, we come to realize that God is not a “kill joy.”  Rather, in losing ourselves in Him, we find life.  Now let’s begin to look at how we would approach a few decision areas, and compare possible choices with kingdom mindsets.

CHURCH

I should choose a church based on if I have friends there, the music, programs or if I can receive recognition for using my gifts and talents.  Having my needs met is the most important factor.

or… I am willing to attend a church where God can use me to serve Him the most in working towards His worldwide purpose of reaching the lost.

I need to choose a church based on what they give to me spiritually so that I am fed.

or…I want to grow spiritually through my own personal time with the Lord and personal Bible Study vs. being a babe in Christ dependent on another for food.

I want to attend a church where I click with the people and have my social needs met.

or…establishing relationships with younger believers or unbelievers can be hard but it is worth it to be able to share Christ with them.

I thank the Lord that before my husband was a pastor, he had a kingdom mindset in choosing a church for us.  Some of the questions he always asked….where does God want us to serve?  What pastor could we be a blessing to?  Are there people present we could minister to?  What church is focused on reaching the lost that we could co-labor with?  Does the church have a kingdom mindset? More on this later.