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How to Choose a Church: A Practical Guide for IV-CCF Students *For the most directly applicable portion of this paper, skip to the section on Practical Considerations go ahead, it’s ok!  as long as you promise to read the rest too.* I must have hit snooze about 6 times already that morning. But too groggy and mad at my alarm clock for interrupting my sweet slumber, I decided over and over that "I have more time. I have more time." Finally, I rolled out of bed on Sunday morning I looked at the clock 9:55 Egad! Why, oh why did I chat online until 4 in the morning? I shouldve gone to bed earlier. I shouldve done my homework earlier. I shouldnt have had that third Red Bull At least I had the sense to iron my shirt and pants the night before. And above all, thank goodness that my church was only one building away I dont know how those other students ordered their lives so that they could get to the off-campus churches, but I was darn sure that it wasnt for me and that I

couldnt do it. Those churches were boring anyway Stand up sit down stand up and so on. I mean, come on! And so I rationalized for the next three years not settling down at any church. In fact, at one point, I was attending two churches on Sunday mornings. Trust me, my halo didn’t glow any brighter Know anyone who is going through the same thing? You, perhaps? Well, I hope to address this and many other issues in this paper. My goal is to help us understand Christs Church better. In understanding the Church better, we will appreciate the good churches we go to all the more, and we will search all the more urgently to find one if we havent already. Jeff’s church history: Now, let’s travel back in time to see if my experience is in any way similar to yours. If it is, maybe we’ll understand each other. If not, maybe you’ll understand where some of this paper comes from I grew up going to every church in existence. My schoolteachers and next-door-neighbors were taking me on Sunday

mornings in rural Oklahoma. Christian pre-school, Assembly of God, Church of the Nazarene, First Baptist, First Methodist Finally, we moved to the city and found a “nondenominational” Chinese Church. Over the years, I have found it typical for many that Chinese churches to have a huge, unbridgeable gulf between the Chinese-speaking congregation and the English one (a.ka youth) Even if you attend the Chinese service, the whole translation thing seems to make it tougher to pay attention and feel like this is for you! The best part of Sundays was youth group with my white (for lack of better classifications) youth pastor. He was a seminary student, and graced us with his presence for meager compensation We began to grow spiritually by leaps and bounds in our understanding of and engagement with Jesus. The language barrier was gone but the cultural one was still there. Many parents had a hard time trusting the youth pastor’s activities and guidance of the youth. Years later, I set

foot on campus at U of M and I encountered what seemed to be thronging masses of Asian Americans worshipping uninhibitedly and in English! Finally, THIS was for me! I know that this is a similar experience for many but if not, try and see if there’s anything you can learn about folks who have had this experience. Answer the following: • • What, would you say, are the effects of such an experience? Which Christian groups on campus might have been defaults (fellowships or churches where I’d most likely end up) for me as a result of how my past shaped me? • • How has your past shaped your defaults? (Take about 10 minutes on this question to think through your past and invite the Holy Spirit to show you around.) What has God said in his Word about how I should’ve made my choices? What is the Church? As with most things, this question cannot be answered with a simple one liner like, “Church is where you get fed!” or, “Church is where you build relationships!”

These things are true enough, but those kinds of lines don’t produce the deeper understanding that truly motivates us to thankfulness and zeal for life in the church. So, let me offer a different solution I will attempt to explain what God intends for His Church to be and do. For that, let’s walk through the creation, fall, and redemption motif to explore this issue. Creation: Genesis 2:18-25 makes clear to us that humans are created for relationship. God’s people were meant to live in harmonious relationship with God, creation, and one another. They were to live this way and reflect the very image of God in the world and we will experience it fully in the Consummation of all things (i.e the New Heaven and New Earth) Fall: But in Genesis 3, humanity goes awry. Sin enters through our first parents and now, all of the sudden, there is no harmony in any of those three aforementioned ways. It’s no wonder that people don’t get along and I daresay that because of this even churches

and Christians don’t get along. The effects of the fall reach deeply into every Christian in the Church. Redemption: But God is at work to set things right!!! He chose a people, who he named “Israel,” and decided to save her and carry out his saving acts through her. That is the key God’s chosen people are those to whom he has tied himself by his own promise. Out of all the earth, God chooses a special people with whom to make a covenant (a promise) relationship. Dear friends, if you are “found in Christ” (belong to and follow Him), then you are a part of the chosen people of God the Church of Jesus Christ. Therefore, God, in Christ’s work on the cross, has tied himself to you as a bridegroom marries his bride. So, Christians (those who are found “in Christ”): are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a

people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.1 (1 Peter 2:9-10; emphasis mine) This is the essence of being a part of the worldwide Church – God’s people. Through the Church, God is working things out so that everything returns to “normal” or, the way it was supposed to be in the beginning Consummation! But what about the local church? I hope you can see the connection. Any church needs to know pretty clearly what it means to be a part of God’s ancient, chosen people. Having said that, let’s think about what it might look like In Paul’s teachings, you should be able to notice threads of God’s original design for his chosen people, Israel only now it’s for the Church. The Holy Bible : New Revised Standard Version. 1996, c1989 (electronic ed) (1 Pe 2:4) Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 1 The book of Titus offers us some very important insight. Paul was writing to Titus who had been left behind to finish some work

that Paul had started at Crete. Basically, Titus was to establish the church there. He had his work cut out for him Paul quotes a Cretan prophet in 1:12, saying, “’Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith.” So, Titus’ task was to raise a church that is both sound and productive instead of lying and lazy. We can learn a few lessons here Take a few moments to read Titus 1 and 2 carefully First, notice Paul’s emphasis on teaching. The word “teach” occurs five times in chapter 2 The church at Crete needed some good teaching. The same goes for the present day church Consider: How do you evaluate the teaching at the church you’re going to? DO you ever stop to evaluate it? Is it sound? Evaluating the teaching of your church is a must for any responsible Christian. Yes, you as a college student can do this and make a contribution to the life of your church! You may

think that, young as you are, you have no place to say anything. But this isn’t true. If your pastoral team is graciously open-minded, they will welcome your feedback (another good criterion for church selection). Is there room at your church for discussing what is taught from up front? Notice also that Paul tells Titus to teach doctrine. Titus isn’t simply trying to get the Cretans to behave a certain way. He’s trying to help them understand WHY they should live godly and productive lives. The truths about Christ are the origin for the church’s belief and behavior Consider: Any church that only preaches behavioral conformity (many people call this “practical” preaching), is missing an integral aspect of preaching. Observations and interpretations are just as important as applications. Take STS, or Mark 1 to find out why! Thirdly, Paul runs through the list of relationships. His instructions to Titus are to teach people to love each other. He talks about relationships among

men, among women, within families, etc Remember that God wants his people to live harmoniously with one another. That was his initial design So, our churches must have warm, kindly, loving families and singles who reflect this harmony. Consider: What’s the community like? Are the families and working adults reaching out to you? Are you reaching out to others in your church family? Do you spend time with your church family? Or are you just going on Sunday mornings with no other commitment to this portion of the family of God? Fourthly, the Apostle demands godliness from this people. Instead of their reputation for laziness, drunkenness, and lying, Paul wants them to have a transformation of behavior. He wants Christians in Crete to be admired, to reflect God’s very image – to behave in such a way as to “make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. 2 Our churches must help their members to behave in a godly manner That’s right, our behavior is subject to the scrutiny of

church leaders. We submit to them, for they, like Titus, are supposed to help us live godly lives. Consider: What do your church’s members do to shine Christ’s light into their respective communities? How are they an example to you? How are you an example to them? Are there people from whom you can learn? Or is it the proverbial “blind leading the blind”? Fifthly, church leaders have to exercise discipline when members fail. As an example, Paul mentions “self-control” four times in Chapter 2. Clearly, the Cretans weren’t naturally inclined to live this way (neither are we, really). Titus, then, must demand godliness from people as well He is to teach with authority and to rebuke. And if people quarrel with him too much, Paul instructs Titus to have “nothing to do with them.” Churches must lovingly discipline members who resist godliness The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed) (Tit 2:10) Grand Rapids: Zondervan. 2 Consider: This is

way way WAY out of vogue. I bet that even as you read this, many of you are finding it unthinkable to say something to someone else about his or her sin. And even if you intellectually assent to the necessity of doing so, your gut tells you otherwise. How does your church pursue holiness with the same passion and zeal that God does? Sixthly, churches are to eagerly anticipate Christ’s return and heaven. Paul asserts that it is the grace of God NOW that helps us live godly lives NOW while we wait for the FUTURE. Paul ties these concepts together. There is something about the future that makes our present, godly strivings worth it Paul’s fixation, and countless Christians’ after him, is the future promise of Christ’s triumphant return to make everything right again, as it was in the beginning. Even our own InterVarsity Doctrinal Basis states that we believe in: The victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ, who will judge all people with justice and mercy,

giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation but receiving the redeemed into eternal life. Consider: Does your church understand God’s plan to set things right again? Is your church consciously involved in God’s plan to set things right again (seeking justice for the oppressed, caring for the poor, restoring the abused creation, etc.) and to make the truths of Christ known to all people? What things can you list that you know fall under this teaching? *A word before we leave this section. You may be discouraged about your church situation Let God teach you from the passages about what you might do, or what other church you should look into. If you feel the tension of leaving your church vs. working for positive change, perhaps you should talk to me OR You may think that I’ve somehow put too many conditions on a “good” church. This list is a very INCOMPLETE list of the MANY imperatives that comes from scripture. I urge you to study other books of the Bible and consider

what God wants his church to be like. Also, pick up a book about the church for you own study. * Practical considerations for choosing a church I hope that you’ve gotten a sense of all that the Church is meant to be. I hope it has filled you with grand visions of what kind of local church you want to be a part of, or how you want to help your church be more in line with God’s intent. But now, let’s turn our attention to student leadership in InterVarsity I’ll be very brief. What kind of church should InterVarsity leaders attend? This is a very sticky, emotionally charged, personal question. Please know that I intend the very best for CCF students, for Christ, and his Church. I shall now venture an answer to this controversial question The following items are also “problem areas” that I’ve spotted in undergrad life. (In no particular order) 1. A church the supports your involvement with InterVarsity If you’re really on board with InterVarsity, our values, our mission,

etc., then you should go to a church that affirms those things, rather than rejects them. I’ve encountered students who go to churches who actively oppose InterVarsity, IV’s doctrinal basis, or IV’s practices. I’ve also encountered others that believe that InterVarsity’s existence is unnecessary, or unbiblical. (If this is a tough issue for you, be sure to ask me about it) There are some other churches that are sort of duplicates of InterVarsity. That is, they do all the same things, and have many of the same structures as IV does. Your staff team has talked to the leaders of such ministries. They agree (last I heard) that the best course of action is to choose ONE and only one! We want you to be an integral part of our ministries. We’d rather you not straddle both (e.g if you get asked to be a leader in both groups and you try to “make it work”). So, make sure that the church you’re going to offers things that InterVarsity cannot provide (because we’re not a

church). Basically, you should NOT be content to be a bystander, but neither should you spread your efforts thinly across two very similar organizations. I need to pause here and be quite honest with you. When I write to you that you should choose ONE, I really do mean that. If God is calling you to another ministry, your peers really do agree, you’ve gotten wise counsel (perhaps even mine! And especially mine if you’re a current leader), and you’ve searched the scriptures and after all that, you think you should be involved in a ministry other than CCF, I bless and affirm that. I don’t know if I can be much clearer. 2. A church where you can truly be involved Simply attending on Sunday morning is not biblical. I think we all know that Yet, many of us feel, or have felt, like there’s nothing else for us to do. Well, as I just commented, the local church AND InterVarsity really do want you to be integrally involved in the life of our communities and our missions. IF you’re

committed to InterVarsity already, try to get involved at a church where there are other, unique things to do. Some examples are: • nursery help during worship services, • Sunday school classes that are interesting and challenging, • relationships with different kinds of people at different stages of life, • discipleship relationships with godly, older men and women, • teaching Sunday school classes for children or adults (yes, I know students who have done this in the past) • etc. Folks, sometimes these opportunities are hard to find. A good balance of older people initiating with you, and you taking initiative is important. To do your part, be sure to check the church bulletin for opportunities, talk to the pastoral staff, talk to other students who attend. For the congregation to do its part, if no one ever offers you ways to get involved, that is a fairly clear sign that this church is not a good fit for you. Recently, a friend pointed out to me (while reading a

previous version of this paper), that churches sometimes do things that InterVarsity already does, BUT that it would still be good for students to be involved in those things. For example, church-based • Outreaches to the University • Service projects • Training events • Mission trips are all great things to be involved with. I agree with this analysis But they may NOT be duplicates of what InterVarsity is doing. You have to exercise good judgment and think through your time commitments, and make good choices about what you’re involved with. Finally, consider membership. Membership is not for every college student, but some students have truly benefited from it. Membership is a big commitment At Knox Presbyterian, where Lisa and I go, membership means you submit to the leadership’s authority; you commit yourself to the welfare of the church; you care for the godly rearing of the children in the church; you vote on important issues that face the church; and many other

solemn oaths and grave commitments. As a personal testimony, I can’t explain how wonderful it is to stand in solidarity with other members of Knox and be committed to the same things. 3. Avoid church “shopping” Few metaphors are more antithetical to the Christian message than consumerist ones. Typically, when one is shopping, one looks for qualities in a product that appeal to our baser senses. Please allow me to respectfully point out how self-centered shopping can be That is, unless you’re buying a gift. So, rather than “church shop,” I think Christians should contemplate how they can be a gift to the church, or how their involvement at church is a gift to God, his people, and his purposes. What does this mean practically? Let me explain. Considerations like music style, preaching style, whether so and so is mean or nice to me, what time the service starts, how close it is, etc., are all more self-centered criteria Considerations like, what good things can I do here;

what spiritual gifts that I have would be useful here; what training can I get here that would make me more effective in the kingdom; etc., are good other-centered considerations 4. A church that is multi-generational I think that somewhere in the back of students’ minds (it was there for me) lurks the unconscious thought, “I’ve got CCF. I don’t need more relationships than that” Or perhaps, “I’ve got this exciting world of students. I don’t need people my parents’ age” In my experience and observation, it frequently leads to two things: • • Failure to realize God’s mission outside of our CCF, college, Ann Arbor, United States microcosm A rejection of what God has provided for our benefit – the diverse people of God Yes, I am advocating for you all to attend multi-generational churches. Just as CCF is inextricably tied with the other undergraduate chapters, and InterVarsity is tied to the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), each of

us needs to somehow live out our commitment to the rest of the body of Christ. And for university students, there is easily a drought of these kinds of important relationships. I realize that this fourth assertion meets many of you head on. Many of you do not attend multi-generational churches. So, of course, I realize that I’m really rocking the boat and stepping on toes. Therefore, I invite you to react honestly to this fourth assertion I also invite your feedback, and comments regarding this issue. 5. A sample church list: When I talk about this topic with others, they always want me to give examples of which churches I mean. Thankfully, many come to mind If you are going to investigate a new church home, I recommend trying this list. As you investigate, please keep in mind the message of the book of Titus, and the other considerations outlined here. Be sure to get wise counsel as you make this most grave and wonderful decision. a. Knox Evangelical Presbyterian Church: This is

the church that Lisa and I attend. If you are a student looking for a church, wed be glad to give you a ride! Filled with godly families and known for its excellent Sunday school classes, Knox is a good place to be. (EPC) b. Huron Hills Baptist Church: Many staff attend here. The college fellowship, FOCUS, is growing. Huron Hills evangelistic program is strategic and developing (BGC) c. Ann Arbor Chinese Christian Church: AACCC has been going through some change, but there are faithful InterVarsity alumni there who are working to build the English ministry. (SBC) d. Ann Arbor Christian Reformed Church: I have limited contact with AACRC. I do know that they love international students and university students. They have plenty of each and they support work in both areas. (CRC) e. University Reformed Church: Lovingly referred to as the "toaster" church because of its shape. URC is looking for a new head pastor In the meantime, InterVarsity students have a major role

in leading the church! (RCA) f. Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church: ACF is the student ministry of Cornerstone. Pastor Choi is a friend, partner, and alumnus of InterVarsity and a fantastic preacher! Lots of relationships exist between CCF and Cornerstone. (CRC) Closing remarks: This has been a very cursory treatment of a very important issue. I’m afraid that too many of us underestimate the importance of, or fail to properly evaluate this issue. But the Lordship of Jesus Christ compels us to submit every area of our life and devotion to God. Yes, the Lord certainly does care about your church selection and he has much to say to you through his Word. It is time for CCF leaders to critically examine where they go to church and why for the sake of future generations of student leaders, and for Christ’s church in the world. My dear friends, I want you to know that I long to say so much more to you about this topic. After all, the Church is Christ’s bride. He is coming to lead

her to her everlasting home and to perfection As a staff person, I feel keenly that my service is to you, a small portion of the bride of Christ. As student leaders, my invitation is for you to know the same satisfaction of serving Christ by serving your peers. Jeff Liou 2004 Revised Sept. 2005