How to Select a Church
Church size, denomination, theological tradition, worship style, pastoral leadership, opportunities for college-age students, and distance from campus are just a few of the many things to prayerfully consider when selecting a local church. Students also often ask about which churches are ‘safe’ in terms of promoting healthy, Christ-centered relationships. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the decision-making process:
Some Signs of a Healthy Church
- Visionary, empowering, and accountable leadership
- Positive relationships among pastoral staff and leadership
- Missional focus that embraces community and global engagement
- Healthy process for conflict resolution
- Clear statement of beliefs consistent with historical Christian faith
- Relational connectedness throughout congregation
- Celebration in corporate worship
Some Signs of an Unhealthy Church
- Overly dependent focus on pastoral leadership
- Secretive or unethical leadership practices
- Lack of mission and vision
- Intolerance for differences of opinion or healthy conflict
- Dysfunctional patterns in congregational relationships (exclusive, emotionally fused, shaming, lack of connection, spiritually abusive)
- Does not value theological education
- Lack of spiritual vitality in corporate worship