“Then He asked them, ‘But who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘You are blessed, Simon son of John, because My Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.” (Matthew 16:15-17 NLT)
In the following verse Jesus declares that Simon will now be called Peter, which means “rock,” and Jesus said: “Upon this rock I will build My church, and all the power of hell will not conquer it.” Was He speaking of Peter? Of course not! Peter’s faith and assurance of the true identity of Jesus was foundational, but it’s upon that Truth itself, that Jesus is “the messiah, the Son of the living God,” that Christ’s Church is built, never on a person, except the Person of Jesus Himself.
Recently I had a series of cognitive and physical tests to see if I would qualify for a new drug trial that’s proven effective in treating Alzheimer’s. In the course of those procedures I met two young assistants who were taking my blood. During the course of conversation I asked them if they’d found a good church since being in Las Vegas.
They both said they had, so I asked them what it was about their church they loved the most. They both said, “My Pastor.” Having been a Pastor I flinched, not because I didn’t want to be liked, but no one should attend a church solely for the Pastor. What happens when that Pastor dies or moves on? Regardless of how good the Pastor is, no congregation of God’s people should be built on the personality, charisma, or even the teaching of a Pastor. Why not? Because the Great Commandment (Matthew 28:18-20) doesn’t direct us to make disciples of our pastor, but of Jesus.
If you’re looking for a great church look for these four qualities. First, they must magnify Jesus, not just in their worship, but in their teaching and preaching. If Christ isn’t preeminent in everything that’s preached, taught, and followed, keep looking.
Secondly, do they have a heart for the lost? If helping lost people find Christ isn’t a priority, keep looking. And here, I’m not just suggesting they have a “soul-winning” team(s) that goes out occasionally or that pass out flyers or invitations to church in neighborhoods. Are they teaching their people how to love others to Jesus? Are they giving them instruction and tools to help them feel confident, so they know how to lead someone to the Lord?
It’s never enough to “sit and soak” in a church. I love our Pastor’s messages, but what I love more is their heart for the lost. Every service they give, not just an “invitation,” but an explanation as to what they’re inviting people to do and why it’s so vital. But, again, it’s not enough for the Pastor to invite,” it’s every saved person in the pew’s responsibility to be inviting as well.
Thirdly, Discipleship is a must! If new believers aren’t being Baptized, then taught what it means to be a child of God as they’re walked through some meaningful and informative process of learning how to become a disciple, how are they going to grow? Why are they saved? Simply so they can go to heaven? The New Testament certainly doesn’t teach that. If the church isn’t discipling believers, keep looking.
Then fourthly, what is the church’s strategy to reach the world? Every year we send out multiple teams all over the world to help our missionaries spread the Gospel message to those in their spheres of influence. Additionally, we send dozens from our church out as missionaries to various places where the Gospel needs are great. EVERYONE in the church can be a “Goer, Sender, or Prayer supporter.” If the church you’re attending or visiting doesn’t have a heart for the nations, keep looking.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 