A Note from Russell Johnson

A Family Moves Into Town Looking for a Church…

During the months of September & October, our church is working through the Joshua Harris’ book entitled “Stop Dating the Church” or now released as “Why Church Matters.”  It’s been a good read for everyone and has opened up many conversations that were worth having.

In Chapter 5, Harris gives a “Must-Have” list for everyone seeking a new Church.  I wonder how each of our churches would fare if a family came into our Church with this list in hand:

1. Is this a church where God’s Word is faithfully taught?  - 2 Timothy 3:16

2. Is this a church where sound doctrine matters? - 2 Timothy 4:2-5

3. Is this a church in which the gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?

            1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 2:1-9

4. Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the gospel?

            Mark 16:15; Hosea 11:4; Acts 15:19

5. Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity?

            1 Timothy 3:2-7; Matthew 20:25-28

6. Is this a church where people strive to live by God’s Word? - James 1:22-25

7. Is this a church where I can find and cultivate godly relationships?

            Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25

8. Is this a church where members are challenged to serve?

            1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 4:11-16

9. Is this a church that is willing to kick me out?

            Matthew 18:15-17; I Corinthians 5 & 2 Corinthians 2

10. Is this a church I’m willing to join “as is” with enthusiasm and faith in God?

It might be worth the time for each of us, as Pastors, to examine our Church in the light of these questions.  It might be interesting (and scary) to have our people evaluate our Church by the same scale.

May we all strive to have Churches that God could trust with His chosen people!