The Church You Need

By Javan Shashaty

When making chocolate chip cookies, you need certain ingredients. If you want the end result to be anything remotely close to delicious, you have to make sure the right ingredients are put into the mix. Some ingredients can be substituted for other, similar ones. But for the most part, you have to follow the recipe exactly. Or else, you’ll end up with a gross imitation of chocolate chip cookies that taste more like cardboard than dessert. 

One of the most important things you’ll need to do during the first month on your own is find a gospel-centered, Bible-teaching, Jesus-loving church. When it comes to finding a church like that, Acts 2 provides a great recipe. All of the ingredients listed are necessary for a solid church. I know this may sound exclusive, but not all churches are good. Some churches are harmful, preach a false message, and do more damage to people seeking genuine connection to God than they do good. So, it’s important for you to be able to spot a good one from a bad one, especially in this season of your life. Let’s look at the ingredients for a good church from Acts 2:42–45 in the form of questions. These should be questions you ask when looking for the church that you will call home. 

Apostle’s Doctrine: Is this church unapologetically committed to the true gospel message? Does this church faithfully teach the Bible? You should be able to determine both of these ingredients on your first visit.

Fellowship: Do the people of this church do life together? Do they enjoy being together in larger groups and in smaller groups? 

Breaking of Bread: Does this church partake in communion together, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross? 

Prayer: Does this church make prayer a priority?

Generosity: Does this church care for its members and for the community?

Each of these ingredients are an essential part of a solid church. No church is perfect, but the church you choose should have these components. The church you choose may not look like your church back home, and that’s okay! You can substitute minor ingredients like the style of the worship music and the color of the building. But you should never compromise on the recipe in Acts 2.

Lastly (this is important!), a good church is only beneficial for your life if you are a part of it! Hebrews 10 encourages the church not to neglect meeting together. You must remain a faithful and active part of your church in order to be the fruitful minister (a much better version of an influencer) of the gospel that Jesus has called you to be. The local church is the tool that Jesus has chosen to share the gospel message with the world! Find a good one and participate in the greatest mission of your life!