How Do I Find A Good Church?
Questions everyone should ask their perspective new church or existing church family!
The following email was forwarded to us as an example of the responses people are receiving when they ask some very basic questions concerning church teachings.
"...Tonights service was great. I didn't know what I was looking for in a church since I have never regularly attended a church since both my parents were scientologists, but I know that the Word tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together; Hebrews 10: 25.
Cornerstone Bible Church definitely seems to be committed to the true Christ of the Bible and not the watered-down "non-offensive" politically-correct buddy Jesus that I have heard preached on TV and at other churches in Tucson.
I thought you might like to read the email that my brother sent to "Way of the Master Radio" concerning how to find a good church and the response he got from another Pastor."
From: XXXXXXXXXX
To: studio@wayofthemasterradiocom
Subject: How to find a good church
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2007 10:09:34 -0700
Todd,
I emailed a local pastor and included the questions from your document about how to find a good church. I included our very short email chain with the Pastor's response. It sounds incredulous, but I'm not making this up.
I've decided not to attend this church.
Here is the church's website
http://www.XXXXXXXXX.com/
My initial email:
I was thinking about attending your church and I had some questions that I was wondering if you would be so kind as to answer before I attend. There are not that many questions and it shouldn't take too long to answer. Thank you very much for your time and your answers!
What is the biggest problem confronting man?
What must man do to inherit eternal life?
How hard is it to become a Christian?
How do you deliver the salvation message?
How often do you talk about sin, righteousness, and judgment?
How seeker sensitive is your church?
Is Church for seekers or for members?
Do you dumb down the sermons?
What is your view on topical versus expository preaching?
Do your sermons emphasize theology or are they just relevant?
Please describe your youth programs?
Describe your evangelism programs?
What church growth model do you follow?
How much does the church give to missions and the poor?
Do you believe the Bible contains errors or contradictions?
What is your position on the whole Creation/Evolution debate?
Do you believe in a literal Hell and eternal punishment?
When you distribute the Lord's Supper, do you emphasize the need to examine yourself?
Can a person who is living in a persistent lifestyle of sin inherit eternal life?
Does your church exercise church discipline?
Do Sunday school teachers, nursery, and youth volunteers fill out an application to answer questions about their core beliefs and salvation, or are all volunteers accepted because of a lack of volunteers?
What are the essentials of the faith?
Do you have a cross in your sanctuary?
Again, thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
XXXXXX XXXXXX
The pastor's first response:
"You've got to be kidding...."
My second email:
Oh no! I'm sorry if I asked too many questions. I just wanted to ask some questions about your church because as the spiritual leader of my family I wanted to make sure that your church was appropriate. I have shortened the list of questions from 23 down to 13.
1. What must man do to inherit eternal life?
2. How do you deliver the salvation message?
3. How often do you talk about sin, righteousness, and judgment?
4. Do you dumb down the sermons?
5. Describe your evangelism programs?
6. How much does the church give to missions and the poor?
7. Do you believe the Bible contains errors or contradictions?
8. What is your position on the whole Creation/Evolution debate?
9. Do you believe in a literal Hell and eternal punishment?
10. Can a person who is living in a persistent lifestyle of sin inherit eternal life?
11. Does your church exercise church discipline?
12. What are the essentials of the faith?
13. Do you have a cross in your sanctuary?
XXXXXXXXX
The pastor's second and final email:
"Let me save both of us some time -- no thank you."
Compare that to your response below to the same questions and it is like night and day:
Brett,
Thank you for your inquiry into Cornerstone Bible Church. Please forgive my delay in responding. I am also currently working on my Master's degree and was feverishly working on the last week of a class that just finished yesterday. I appreciate your understanding.
It is refreshing that there are still believers who are willing to take the
time to seek Biblical answers. Unfortunately, there are far too many who have abandoned Biblical methodology in how to conduct the church meeting. We do not claim to be "doing it right", only that, as far as we can, are trying to remain true to a Biblical framework.
I hope these answers are able to give you insight into the Lord's direction in your life as far as your family's church attendance is concerned.
1. What is the biggest problem confronting man?
Man's sinful nature and unwillingness to repent is the underlying issue of all problems concerning mankind. (Romans 3:9,23; John 16:8-9)
2. What must man do to inherit eternal life?
Repent of sin, confess with mouth and believe in heart in Christ alone for salvation. (Romans 10:9-11; 2 Peter 3:9)
3. How hard is it to become a Christian?
See answer to # 2.
4. How do you deliver the salvation message?
If you are referring to what has come to be known as "altar calls", we do
not practice that as there is no indication in Scripture that this type of methodology is necessary for someone to come to know Christ. These types of methods came from Charles Finney's 19th century revival services.
I preach Christ crucified, based upon the above scriptures and others pertaining to salvation. The Word of God is the final authority on all things pertaining to soteriology (Doctrine of Salvation).
5. How often do you talk about sin, righteousness, and judgment?
As often as it occurs in the course of normal expository teaching and preaching.
6. How seeker sensitive is your church?
How one would define "seeker sensitive" would have a bearing on the answer to this. If you mean that church is reduced to the most non-offensive, lowest common denominator so as to be attractive to the world, then no, we are definitely not seeker sensitive.
We do not believe the gospel is ours to change to make attractive. Jesus said the message would offend. We obviously don't intentionally attempt to offend, but if hearers are offended by Jesus, the truth, or convicted of sin, they might be offended. In saying all of that, anyone is welcome to attend.
7. Is Church for seekers or for members?
The Scriptures indicate that the purpose of the church is biblical teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer. (Acts 2:42)
8. Do you dumb down the sermons?
By "dumbing down" do you mean am I just trying to entertain? No. I attempt to include theology, history and application, and as much as possible exposit what the text reveals.
9. What is your view on topical versus expository preaching?
I do expository teaching through books of the Bible. I am not opposed to topical, but believe that expository allows for more in depth study. From time to time, we will have a topical teaching.
10. Do your sermons emphasize theology or are they just relevant?
See # 8
11. Please describe your youth programs?
We have no "programs" designed for youth, as we do not find programs to be the Biblical model of carrying out Acts 2:42. We do have, however, about 20 fathers who are very involved in the lives of their children and who are stepping up to the leadership roles and responsibilities in their home and in the church fellowship.
12. Please describe your evangelism programs?
We believe that Scripture instructs all believers to go out and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19-20). Evangelizing is part of the responsibility of all believers (Acts 1:8). We strongly encourage active evangelism at all times, on the job, at the market on the street and whatever situation someone might find themselves in. A "program" often limits evangelism in that those who are not involved in that program feel it is not their responsibility or calling.
13. What church growth model do you follow?
We trust that God will bring whoever He desires to our fellowship. Our desire is not to follow a "church growth model", but rather to preach the truthful Word of God to create mature disciples for the glory of God.
14. How much does the church give to missions and the poor?
The church has several ministries and mission minded organizations we support on a regular basis and we also give to other ministries on an
occasional basis. The percentage varies based upon the month and the needs that arise through our benevolence.
15. Do you believe the Bible contains errors or contradictions?
Based upon over 20,000 pieces of manuscript that have been found, the Bible is the most consistent History book ever written, if one were to only see it as a history book. Scholars estimate that it is 99.7% accurate in its representation of the original autographs.
God has given us exactly what we need in Scripture to know Him and how to serve and worship Him, and in His sovereignty, he has protected His word so that we have the inerrant, inspired Word of God, without error and without contradiction.
16. What is your position on the whole Creation/Evolution debate?
The Hebrew word for day is "yom", which throughout scripture indicates a 24 hour period of time. Evening, morning-first day, etc. If we take Scripture at face value (which we do) there is no indication that God used "Gaps" or "Long Days" to carry out his creation. He could have done it in less than 1/100,000,000,000,000 of a microsecond. He certainly can do it in 6 days.
These theories are, for the most part, "scholarly" attempts at Biblical synthesis with science in an effort to be seen as "credible" in the eyes of humanistic scientists. Evolution is not a theory, it's a myth. A myth of grandiose proportions.
17. Do you believe in a literal Hell and eternal punishment?
Scripture would seem to indicate that.(Rev. 20:14; Jude 6-7; Mark 9: 43-48)
18. When you distribute the Lord's Supper, do you emphasize the need to examine yourself?
Yes (1 Cor. 11:27-32)
19. Can a person who is living in a persistent lifestyle of sin inherit eternal life?
If they are defiantly and scornfully rejecting Biblical morality, then the
answer would be no. "No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." (1 John 3:9)
People continue to struggle with sin even after conversion. Do people desire to please God and walk in His will? Do these people fight the good fight and not lose hope in the power of God for salvation? I believe someone like this will inherit eternal life.
On the other hand, those who justify their sin by trying to redefine Biblical mandates so they might continue in their sinful lifestyle (essentially spitting in the face of God) well, I think we might have to question whether real salvation has even occurred to begin with.
20. Does your church exercise church discipline?
At this point, we have not had any need to do so, but should such a need arise, we would follow the model and principles given in Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Cor. 51-5 & Gal. 6:1
21. Do Sunday school teachers, nursery, and youth volunteers fill out an application to answer questions about their core beliefs and salvation, or are all volunteers accepted because of a lack of volunteers?
All of the parents in our church hold to a Biblical model of having the family worship together (Joshua 9:34-35; Neh. 8:3; Matt. 19:13-14). Therefore, we have no "Sunday school program", no "youth program", and no volunteer applications, as we do not find any place in Scripture that gives us any indication that this is how God would have us conduct church services.
Sunday School and youth groups are recent inventions, and for the most part, have come about as a response to the growing government school model that arose in the early 20th century (If you are interested in the philosophical and practical agenda and history of the public school system, there is a great book called "The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America" by Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt. Most churches have blindly followed suit to the socialist methodology of dividing children into peer based groups, without even realizing the philosophy behind it).
We do provide a nursery for babies and we know the workers extremely well who work in there. If we can't get a worker, people will bring their babies into the service, but they always respectfully take them outside if they begin to cry.
22. What are the essentials of the faith?
For a thorough explanation of this, see our web site at http://www.cornerstonetucson.com/statement1.html
23. Do you have a cross in your sanctuary?
You know, Brett, I honestly can't remember right now. That might seem strange, but we rent a Baptist Church for our services and I'm not one to put a lot of emphasis on externals. I know there are 3 crosses by the front door, if that makes a difference.
**************************************************
I hope these answers offer clarification for you. Generally we have between 70-100 people attending service on Saturday evenings.
I realize that the way we do things might not be how most modern churches, especially mega-churches, do them. But we aren't concerned with trying to be "hip, cool and cutting edge" as we have found that this generally requires a dumbing down of the delivery and a watering down of the Word and, quite frankly, we are not interested in doing either of those.
We are interested in preaching and teaching the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that his disciples may glorify Him and enjoy Him forever!
Al & Angela Addleman
Cornerstone Bible Church
(520) 907-6375
In addition to the above, I have answered some additional questions recently submitted:
1. What is your educational background that contributes to your pastorate?
A. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Vanguard University, a Christian Liberal Arts college in Southern California that is affiliated with the Assemblies of God.
I was employed by Calvary Chapel of Tucson as an assistant pastor for over 11 years, during which time I received my ordination.
I also have post graduate work from Trinity Theological Seminary and I have a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix.
The “on-the-job” training I received by working as a pastor for over a decade gave me far more valuable insight into pastoring than any seminary degree ever could. My belief is that education is a continual process.
My theology has grown and changed over the years. Much of what I was taught theologically in Assemblies of God Bible College is different to what I have come to believe through private study in Biblical Theology and spiritual growth.
2. How do you see a couple like us in your church model when we are past the "integrated family" focus?
A. First of all, I would say that our church is first “God focused”. Our desire and mission is to glorify God, teach the word in truth, and love one another.
Family means everybody. It doesn't’t just mean a husband and wife with children. It should encompass all believers of all ages. Scripture calls us all brothers and sisters in Christ.
Unfortunately, I think the term “Family Integrated” or “Integrated Family” has come to a place of denoting something that is sectarian and negative.
But if you look throughout biblical history, children have always been part of the service. For 6000 years, families worshipped together. It was not until about 50-60 years ago that churches began to separate children from parents as a normative part of the worship service.
Also, as you look throughout scripture, you’ll find that on nearly every occasion when the people were brought together for the reading of the law or the teachings of Jesus, the adults and children were together.
So technically, there is far more support both biblically and historically to the methodology we are practicing rather than the practice of what most modern churches are choosing to engage in.
The paradigm has only recently shifted (not always for the better) and we desire to shift it back to a more biblically based model.
So as far as a place for you in our “church model”, I think you have to ask, “What place have a husband and wife played in the body of Christ for the last 6000 years”?
The problem we are having in our culture is the fragmentation and dissection of a family into compartmentalized units within the body. We have also segmented ourselves into “peer groups” and are comfortably “unstretched” as long as we can relate to those we are with.
In other words, we have artificially created “ministries” with titles and committees and leaders and consequently people don’t move forward in actually serving the Kingdom until something “official” has been started.
Finally, what exactly do you mean by, “…we are past the ‘integrated family’ focus”?
If you are married, you are a family. We don’t become a family when we have children. God instituted the family when He gave Eve to Adam.
The integration aspect is having all types of believers within the fellowship of the church working together to glorify God. Young, old, middle aged, children, infirm, white, black, single, widowed, and the like.
People erroneously get it in their mind that the only thing family integration means is “young adults with lots of little children all sitting together in church.”
In reality, the whole age segregation model is a Darwinian based model used by public educators beginning in mid 19th century.
Educator G. Stanley Hall was influenced by the teachings of Charles Darwin and theorized that children’s growth and development mirrored the evolutionary periods of the development of man from ape to human.
Therefore they had to be put in age groups with similar aged children. For this reason, we categorically reject age segregation as a normative method of church orthopraxy. (We do realize there are some situations which warrant and merit putting similar ages together, but not as the norm.)
We don’t need officially titled “ministries” to be in place before we serve.
As far as the practical aspects of service, there is plenty to do.
- My family reads the bible to the elderly at the nursing home on Sunday mornings.
- There are mothers who would love help with cleaning or assistance in childcare.
- Some of them would love an evening away from their children for a date night.
- There is set up and cleanup for our fellowship.
- There is help needed in moving, with church improvements, etc.
- There is never a shortage of service in the body of Christ.
3. Similarly my son and his fiancée feel like there is not much of a peer group for them at Cornerstone but by the same token realize the value of seeing Godly marriages modeled. Comments?
A. I believe this fits in with the last comment.
4. Since your church seems to be independent, who holds you accountable to ensure you don't inadvertently take the church in a wrong or unbalanced direction?
A. This is a great question. I have made a concerted effort to surround myself with Godly men who don’t always agree with everything I say or do. While that can sometimes lead to discomfort for all, it nonetheless makes for good accountability.
We are not quick to appoint elders and deacons (as per scripture), but those who are moving toward that office are mutually accountable to each other.
My desire is to raise up and train men who are educated and well versed in scripture, so that if I was to go in the wrong direction, there would be enough unity in the body to make sure the church is self corrected.
Keep in mind that even those churches that are “accountable” to major organizations can still go awry.
Look at the acceptance of homosexuality into most of the mainline denominations. Who is holding them accountable? Who holds Rick Warren accountable?
I have been very disturbed by some of the unbiblical trends in the “purpose driven” churches.
What I ultimately mean is that all churches are full of people who are sinners and I have full faith that Christ will direct our path according to scripture. Ultimately, He will be glorified.
5. Lastly, my wife specifically wants to know if there are women's Bible studies.
A. I am going to let my wife answer this. She writes:
Women ministries. I think that it is important to understand what the word minister means. A minister or a Shepherd is a servant. . Biblically are there specifics in scripture for the roles of women.
Titus 2:3-5 (New King James Version) says,
“The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”
As servants of the Lord, women, no matter the age or childbearing experience, are to teach and model the above. I know my mind-set needs to be constantly renewed in this area.
Psalm 25: 4 says "Show me your ways, Oh Lord. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me your path for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long"
That is a wonderful prayer. We need to be teachable. It is my hope that I remain "teachable", and if we can come at life with an empty cup and help our children to do this also than our lives can be so much richer.
“Learning to work with our hands to bless others.” This seems to me a good way to work out in my life the admonishment in 1 Thes. 4:11. This has been done so we can impart concern of others to our children/friends/ associates/ grandparents also.
When we keep attending Bible studies where we hear and learn of the Lords goodness but we do not do the good we know to do, then it may be very likely that we are being disobedient.
The knowledge we learn from studying His Word is intended to be put to use for His Kingdom. Keeping from sin is not just abstaining from the "bad things" (i.e. bad language, bad movies, bad thoughts. etc.) but it is also knowing the good we ought to do and doing it.
Yes, the Lord always moves us into growth for His name sake. Take the time to use what the Lord impresses upon your heart. Be willing to learn something new that can benefit others....even when it may not be your particular interest. Do good to others with the fruit of your hands.
A friend who was attending an Adult Care Facility with us once asked: “When did this come about?” Meaning, when did we as a society stop caring for our own elderly? I thought this was a very interesting question.
Let me ask some questions:
* How can you best help your husband?
* What are his needs from us as helpmeet?
* Do we know how to manage a home as we would a job?
* Are there neighbors we could be helping with housework/errands?
* Do you have single mothers who may have need in your neighborhood?
* What do their children do when they are not home?
* What about a young woman whose husband has left her? She needs immediate care. Where are the older women?
I am very aware these things may not be to our liking. It is most definitely an inconvenience. But think what a different world we would be in if, as followers of Jesus Christ, we began to consider others above our own interests.
I am not saying that the studying of God’s wonderful Word is wrong. I do believe there is a time and a place.
We may at some point have a Bible study group. I have benefited greatly from a para-church study.
I was also taken in by an older woman and given personal studies in her home. This was a beautiful blessing from the Lord to a very confused young lady.
Yes, the woman who took me in was a homemaker with older children. She brought me to church as I did not have transportation and just included me as her “daughter” in the Lord.
I know many do not want to get involved in someone’s life. It seems to be a part of our culture. Yet, I truly believe that involving ourselves is what we are called as followers of Christ to do.
When I was single I was sent care packages from women in the church. They would stop by to visit. My elderly neighbor did “new visit” callings. They made pies to be sent to those who visited and then went with their husbands to visit the new families.
What I do see that disturbs me greatly is a spirit of “competition” that there seems to be among many women a wanting to be behind the pulpit to teach at the women’s ministries.
Women are striving hard to be teachers/leaders. Many are neglecting their home family and husbands. It seems they are climbing the church ladder of success.
I have even heard of people saying thing such as, “this woman’s teaching is not as good as this other woman’s”. We now have women celebrity teachers.
It seems everyone is trying to be more eloquent than the others. I have heard it. I have seen it. It breaks my heart. It confuses young believers as to what our roles are in the body of Christ and many a young person is turned of by the carnality of it.
The majority of women I know claim teaching as a “gift”, yet they refuse any little miniscule work that seems beneath them such as working in the nursery/or cleaning up the church/ trash when every one is gone and there is no one to see.
Yes, it is my desire to see a paradigm shift. It is not a natural desire; I would rather not be bothered. I would rather just do what everyone else is doing!
But it is given as a conviction and if I love Jesus I obey Him.
We live in an incredibly fast paced society. It is not my desire to see women negating their responsibilities to do what is pleasing to them. I do not desire to see them neglecting their families to study for a teaching and then drop the family off somewhere so they can take the day to teach.
Take the time to minister to your children or husband or neighbor. Make a difference. Be a servant. Put undying love into action. Pray for a spirit of nurturing, pray for gifts of femininity and how that gift of womanhood can be expressed in the fellowship that God has called you to be a part of.
No, we do not have a program to meet everyone needs. But there are certainly needs that you as an older woman in the Lord can meet among the body of Christ, that is, if you are a humble servant who is willing to give your life for others and to go by unnoticed.
In a book "Loving Your Husband" there is a quote by Charles Swindoll that states:
"Let me mention one more "cheap substitute" among Christian wives/women in our day. It is....learning about what is right rather than doing what is right.....It has been my observation that a large percentage of Christian woman know more--much more---than they put into practice. And yet, they are continually interested in taking another class, taking another course, reading another book, going to another seminar...learning, discussing, discovering (and, I might add, talking)....and what the result? Normally, greater guilt. Or, on the other side, an enormous blockage of theoretical data that blinds and thickens the conscience rather than spurs it into action. Learning more truth is a cheap substitute for stopping and putting into action the truth already learned." ----- "Loving your Husband" by Cynthia Heald-- page 103
Al & Angela Addleman
Cornerstone Bible Church
(520) 907-6375
