Some Questions for the Pastor

Choosing a
Church

Some Questions
for the Pastor

Choosing
which Church to attend is not a simple question, because many issues are
involved.  To clarify – a good Church is
not necessarily what we might think, but it’s much more about what God thinks.  The Church is made up of His people and
leaders, and it goes on to reason that He has an opinion of what makes for a
good Church.

If
we were to find two Churches that He would approve of, then we are apparently
free to choose among them based on our preferences.  Churches, being made of people, will have an
endless variety of flavors and styles. 
And that’s great, because God loves the variety of people He has made to
fill His Churches.  We just need to make
sure we belong to a Church that obeys Him.

Church
leadership and their view of the Bible are two very important aspects coloring
a Church.  The Bible, and the Church’s opinion
of It, will dictate how they can be expected to handle everything under their
authority.  Knowing a Church’s leaders,
their character, and their direction is very important – because these are the
same people who will be in a place of authority over you, once you join.  You’ll want to be sure your leaders are
trying to do things God’s way.  Good
leaders will also be important to you if they are one day called on to help you
change course in your life.  Knowing that
your leaders do things God’s way is crucial.

The
following questions can help you identify the beliefs of the leadership of the
Church you are considering for membership. 
Consider Paul’s letter to the Colossians, and ask yourself if this
Church’s leaders are worthy, like Paul.

Colossians 1.25-29

I have become (the
Church’s; vs 24) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you
the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages
and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.  To them God has chosen to make known among
the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the
hope of glory.

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone
with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.  To this end I labor, struggling with all his
energy, which so powerfully works in me.

Purpose of the Church

What do you believe are
the main functions and goals of a Christian Church?

What role does God the
Father play in the world?  The Son?  The Holy Spirit?

What role does prayer
play in your Church?  Service?  Missions?

What is the Bible

What is your view of the
Bible?  Is it historical?  Inspired? 
Suggestive and/or authoritative?

How does the Bible play
into the direction and activities of the Church?  What about the leadership?

Is the rest of the
Bible’s contents as valid as Jesus’ own words?

What style of preaching
happens here?  Topical?  Expositional?

Jesus

Who do you believe Jesus is,
and what was His purpose in coming here?

What do you believe
Jesus’ purpose is now?

Do you believe Jesus’
birth was actually a Virgin birth?  Is
that important?

Was Jesus mother, Mary,
somehow special?  Was she without sin?

How is someone “Saved”?

Church Leadership

How is the leadership of
the Church organized?

How is leadership chosen
at your Church?

Do you believe there are
different leadership and service roles based on gender?

How do you believe a
Pastor comes to serve the Lord?

What does a Pastor need,
to do a good job?

How are corporate Church
business issues dealt with here?

What do you expect of
your Church attendees?

What is your position on
Church Membership?

Church Members

Do you have to be a
member to be involved with ministry at your Church?

If we attended here, what
ministries might we be involved in?

What attention does the
Church place on attendees’ growth or discipleship?  What avenues do you have available?

How is guidance and
discipline handled with Church members? 
Non members?

For an
excellent source of  more in-depth study,
see “Life in the Father’s House”, ISBN 1596380349