This past week I asked some people that I have never met to tell me what would be their ideal church. Their answers were very interesting to me as a pastor and "practical theologian".
Christine Daltillo wrote:
The church would have sound Biblical reformed teaching. Each Sunday I would walk out and know that the Gospel was preached. This is the foundation! From there I would look for a maturing congregation. Evidence of discipleship. I want to be part of a "growing in the knowledge and love of the Lord" congregation. Active church discipline and discipleship are hallmarks. People that pray and care for each other. I could go on and on... but let me also say - I'm looking for community.
Bowden McElroy wrote:
Three words: missions, discipleship, and community. I guess it's the Southern Baptist in me, but I can't imagine being part of a church that isn't strongly focused on missions and evangelism...The other side of the coin is discipleship: I want a church that's equally committed to strenthening and maturing believers...I think what I miss most is a sense of community. A friend of mine suggests that we Baptists should stop complaining about church splits and just admit that it's our preferred method of church planting. I'm not quite ready to embrace that philosophy...
Mike Russell wrote:
...the people are grounded in sound doctrine, evangelistic, and seek to make a social difference in their community. The fellowship is genuine and the people seem to enjoy one another. (Plus, they have an annual dance that is just for fun!) The preaching is excellent, a blend of the cerebral and the visceral...
Pete from Canada wrote:
That church I wish to be a part of should have a strong sense of mission or calling. It needs to see that's its primary task as a community is to help bring the Kingdom of God into this world. This must inform the worship, which should be liturgical, structured to reveal its purpose (intentional), and meaning-full. The worship should also be confessional, reflecting the talents of the congregation (Lord’s Day 21, Q&A55), and the nature of Christ's church-gathering work, from all times and all places...This sense of calling should also inform the preaching, which should be scriptural, relational, and cultural.
So let me ask you, what is your ideal church like?
I'll leave this up through the weekend and then see if we can find some common themes together. I hope many of you will comment.
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