Q:
Does it matter what church I belong to? I grew up in a certain denomination, and I've always sought out that kind of church whenever we moved because I felt comfortable there. But now we're moving to a small town that doesn't have a church of my denomination. What would you suggest?
A:
The easiest thing for you to do would be to stop going to church—and it also would be the wrong thing to do!
You see, we need each other as believers, and God has given us to each other. The Bible says the Church (by which it means all who have truly put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ) is like a human body. Just as a body is made up of many parts that are all essential and all have a function, so too is the Church. The Bible says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).
Ask God to lead you to a church in your new town—a fellowship of believers with whom you won’t just feel comfortable, but where you can grow in your relationship to Christ. Seek a church where the Bible is preached and taught, and where you also will have other opportunities to grow spiritually (such as small group Bible studies). Look also for a church where you can serve Christ in some way—the choir, community outreach, etc.
Remember: God’s goal for you isn’t just that you will “enjoy” church, but that you will be challenged to grow in your faith and become more like Christ. Let the Bible’s command become your goal as you seek a new church: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).