“The search for a church makes the man a critic when (God) wants him to be a pupil.” (C. S. Lewis)
So you’re looking for a church home. Maybe you’re a new Christian, or new to Marble Falls. Or maybe something’s happened to your current church, or to you. Or maybe you have found something attractive in a new or different church in comparison with your current church.
In America, we have the freedom to choose what church we attend, or none at all. We at Lake Shores Church certainly do not encourage “church hopping,” and we believe the default choice is to stay where you are. At the same time, we would rather you find a new church than to drop out of church altogether in disillusionment.
Lake Shores Church is here to help you find a church. We as pastors and church leaders do not see ourselves in competition with one another, but as colleagues in pointing people to God through Jesus Christ. What’s important is that you maintain the perspective of what C. S. Lewis calls a “pupil.” Humbly see yourself as one who needs to learn, grow, and serve in your commitment to Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. Be discerning, but be careful in your critique of any congregation, because each church is the Bride of Christ. He knows well our flaws and blind spots, but claims us as his own and continues to work through us.
As you pray and seek God’s direction in finding a church, we have provided some questions to consider and discuss with your family. The first set of questions is for those who are new to the Christian faith or new to Lake Shores. The second set of questions is for those who are already part of a Lake Shores, and are considering a change in your church affiliation.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Church
- Why am I “looking for a church home”?
- What is God doing in my life and how might a church family be part of that process?
- What would be missing in my life without a church?
- What is the purpose of belonging to a church vis-à-vis simply attending?
- What have been my positive and negative experiences in or about churches in the past?
- In what ways do I exhibit a “consumer mentality” toward choosing a church home?
- In what ways will my commitment to this church reflect a Christian spirit of service, humility, sacrifice, and submission?
- What expectations do I bring with me for my new church, and where do those expectations come from?
- What are the differences among the churches I am considering, and why do they matter?
- How involved and connected should I be in the life of the church before I decide to join?
Questions to Ask Before Changing Churches
- Am I moving from something or to something?
- Do I expect to be more committed or less committed to my new church than I was to the old one?
- Have I left more than one church over similar issues?
- Am I realistic in my expectations of flawed human beings (pastors, leaders, members)?
- Have I expressed clearly, fairly, and objectively to the pastor and/or lay leaders of the church I am leaving my reason for leaving?
- Have I made every effort to reconcile personal relationships even if I am convinced that it is time to move?
- Am I bringing any baggage with me that may affect my relationships in the new church, i.e., cause me to be less willing to form friendships?
- If the situation changed in the church I am leaving the day after I join my new church, would there be any regrets?
- If the pastor of my new church announced his or her resignation the day after I joined, would there be any regrets?
- What are the evidences that God is leading me to make this change?
Now that you have read these questions with your family, commit to spend time praying together about your next steps. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us with any questions you have.