Why is my faith dwindling? Why does it feel stagnant? Why do I feel as if I no longer have any faith in God? These are the questions that many Christians, including myself, face at some point during their walk with Christ. Sometimes we feel absent from the joy we once felt during our highest and closest time with God, and it can be disheartening. While there are many reasons why we might feel this way, such as a lack of prayer or Bible reading, one often overlooked reason stands above them all. We may say to ourselves, ‘All I have to do is read my Bible!’ or ‘It’s all about prayer time with God,’ but we’re missing out on one of the most significant and best parts of Christianity: the Church. By being part of a community of believers, we can find support, encouragement, and accountability. We can worship together, learn from one another, and grow in our faith.
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There are no Rambo Christians!
I vividly remember a pastor – unfortunately, I cannot recall his name – who once said, “There is no such thing as a Rambo Christian!” The character of Rambo is often portrayed as a lone soldier, capable of accomplishing tasks single-handedly. However, the quote about the non-existence of Rambo Christians suggests that being a follower of Christ is not a solo endeavor. This idea is reflected in the Bible, where Jesus sends out the twelve disciples in pairs, as described in Matthew 10. Despite this, many of us find ourselves isolated, without the support and fellowship of other believers. It’s worth asking ourselves why we’re not joining a group, making friends with other Christians in our area, or being part of a community that can help us grow in our faith. We need each other to fulfill our purpose and calling as Christians, to love and support one another, and to be a witness to the world of the transforming power of Christ’s love.
The Body of Christ
If the Rambo quote doesn’t resonate with you, another way to think about the importance of community for Christians is through the phrase “The Body of Christ.” This term is often used to refer to the Church as a whole, but it’s also relevant to each individual believer. The phrase suggests that, as members of the body, we all have unique roles to play. Some of us might be like hands or fingers, while others are more like feet or ears. Each part is important, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Just as we feel the pain of a stubbed toe or scraped knee, we should also feel the pain of our fellow believers when they’re hurting or broken. We can’t be the body of Christ if we’re on our own, and we need each other to function as a healthy, thriving community. When one of us is missing, the body is incomplete, and we can’t fully live out our purpose as followers of Christ.
Stop Stalling!
If you’re still asking yourself, “Why is my faith dwindling? Why does it feel stagnant? Why do I feel as if I no longer have any faith in God?” it’s time to take action. One of the most effective steps you can take to revitalize your faith and build a sense of community is to join a Church. Don’t wait any longer to find a group of like-minded believers who can offer support, encouragement, and accountability on your journey of faith. Whether you’re struggling with doubt, feeling disconnected, or simply searching for more meaning in your life, the Church can be a powerful source of hope and transformation. It’s time to stop making excuses and start prioritizing your spiritual health. So what are you waiting for? Take the first step today, and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of a community of believers who share your love for God.
Finding A Church
If you’re at the point where you’re asking yourself, “How do I find the right Church?” then you’re already on the right path. Acknowledging your need for spiritual community is an important first step. But how do you go about finding the “right” church? It’s a valid question that many people struggle with, and one that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. To help you, I’ve put together a basic list of questions to ask yourself when visiting a church, as well as some advice I’ve picked up along the way. It’s important to note that I won’t be getting into denominational politics or other forms of Christian tribalism. Instead, my goal is to provide you with practical guidance that can help you find a church that aligns with the truth. By taking the time to ask these questions and explore different options, you’ll be well on your way to finding a church that feels like home.
Statement of Faith
One important question to ask yourself when searching for a church is, “What is the church’s statement of faith?” This is a great starting point, and one that can often be answered simply by visiting the church’s website. Take the time to read through their statement of faith and see if it aligns with your personal beliefs and values. It’s a simple question, but one that cannot be overlooked. Understanding the church’s beliefs and doctrines is essential to determine if it’s a good fit for you. Keep in mind that even if you agree with the statement of faith, it’s important to attend a few services to get a feel for the church’s culture and community. By doing so, you’ll be able to determine if the church is a good fit for your spiritual journey.
Spiritual Opportunities
Asking if a church offers opportunities for spiritual growth and development is an important question for any Christian, regardless of the size of the church. However, it becomes even more crucial when considering larger churches with thousands of members, commonly known as mega-churches. In these types of churches, it can be easy to get lost in the crowd and feel disconnected from the body of Christ. Therefore, it’s important to look for small group opportunities, Bible studies, and other programs that will allow you to connect with other believers and grow in your faith. So, when considering a mega-church, make sure to ask if they offer these types of opportunities to ensure that you will be able to find community and spiritual growth within the large congregation.
Biblical?
It’s crucial to ensure that the church you attend is not only preaching the Bible but is also structured around it. Does the church emphasize reading and studying the Bible during its services and in other gatherings? Do they have classes or courses to help you better understand the Bible and apply it to your life? It’s also worth considering if the church has a history of following biblical principles in its decision-making and operations. Attending a church that isn’t founded on biblical principles can lead you down a path that’s not in line with God’s will and could even hinder your spiritual growth. As such, it’s essential to ask yourself whether the church is truly a biblical church before committing to it.
Lists
My List:
- What is the church’s statement of faith?
- Does the church offer opportunities for spiritual growth and development, such as Bible studies or small groups?
- Is the church a biblical church?
- Does the church prioritize the gospel?
- Does the church have a heart for the lost and actively evangelize to them?
- Does the church practice church discipline? (More on being Biblical)
In this part of the article, I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite pastors, Mike Winger from BibleThinker.com. He has made a list of some awesome questions to ask yourself when looking for a church. These questions include:
- What do they believe?
- How is the teaching?
- Does the worship glorify God?
- Does the children’s ministry disciple or occupy?
- Do they follow Jesus?
- Do they outreach?
- Can you fellowship there?
- Are they weird?
- Can you serve there?
- Are they your best option?
These questions are excellent for assessing whether a church aligns with your beliefs and values and can help you find a church that is right for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when we feel our faith dwindling or stagnant, we often overlook the importance of being part of a community of believers. By being part of a church, we can find support, encouragement, and accountability, worship together, learn from one another, and grow in our faith. The phrase “The Body of Christ” reminds us that we all have unique roles to play and are important, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. We need each other to function as a healthy, thriving community. If you’re struggling with doubt or feeling disconnected, take action and join a church today. When searching for a church, ask yourself important questions such as the church’s statement of faith and spiritual opportunities. Don’t wait any longer to find a group of like-minded believers who can offer you the support, encouragement, and accountability you need to live out your purpose as a follower of Christ.
Authors Note’s
Here is a link to Mike Winger’s “How to Choose a GOOD church! 10 TIPS!” post on his website.
Also, we now have a Facebook page that you can follow if you would like. (FACEBOOK PAGE)
