Let's get something out of the way right up front. You will never find the perfect "church"! Why? Because "churches" are made up of people just like you and me: people who make mistakes, hurt each other's feelings, judge each other and all those other things we humans do to each other from time to time.

Before we talk about choosing a "church" to attend, let's look at how God defines the real church in the Bible. The Greek word translated church is ekklesia. It comes from the verb meaning "to call." It's most direct translation is "those who are called" or "the called out ones." In the Biblical context (115 of 118 uses), ekklesia refers to those who have responded to the call of God on their lives by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

Ekklesia always refers to people, not places. Even in the secular context it refers to those who have been called to a meeting, not to the meeting place itself. It is only through sloppy usage over time that "church" has come to be seen primarily as a building rather than the people who were called, but this is wrong. The church, God's church, is made up of every person who has been born again, and only those who have been born again. The church is not a building and it is not a denomination.

As born-again members of God's church, why should we meet together? The writer to Hebrews tells us.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).

These verses apply to far more than attendance on Sunday morning. God made us for relationship — first with Him and then with each other. When we begin to understand His never ending love for us, His love begins to spill over into our human relationships. We begin to serve one another in love.

By definition, every believer is a minister. Each of us is called to serve the Body of Christ as the Holy Spirit enables. Each of us can proclaim the good news of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. We don't need special permission or education or anything else.

So, how do you decide which local group to attend?

First, where is God leading you to attend? He may be sending you into a situation in order for you to connect with someone He wants you to help. I know this is true, because God did that for my wife and me. People who had no reason to attend our "church" came because they were following the Holy Spirit's leading in their lives. They showed up at exactly the right time in order to answer questions we had that no one else would or could answer. They were properly concerned with serving the Body of Christ rather than in being served. This is a special case. Don't expect it to be this way every time. Simply respond to the Holy Spirit's leading when He gives it.

Second, are there people in that local group with whom you share common interests? This could result in starting a home Bible study, getting together to ski, play golf, make quilts or any of a million other things that help build relationships.

Third, what does the organization teach? Notice that this isn't what's printed in their statement of beliefs. Many groups have "grace" in their name, but don't have any idea what grace means.

Some groups are easy to figure out. If they're namin' and claimin', messin' around with various wildlife, involved with "New Age" junk, etc. just keep on searching. Unless God has sent you specifically to rescue someone, stay away. If they are teaching the pure gospel — Jesus' death, burial and resurrection — without reservation and with clear exposition, you may have found a home.

However, the reality is that most organizations continue to mix law and grace, so it will be difficult to pin down their actual belief structure. If Steps 1 or 2 are true in this situation, then bloom where you've been planted and for as long as God has you planted there.

Personally, I would avoid "joining" an organization in any explicit way. Quite often, they use the joining process to exert undo control on their members, especially with regards to giving and participation. All you need to do is attend, find people with whom you can share your life, and then minister to those people as God leads.

Another common misconception is that church exists to feed me. Wrong. If you go to church to be fed, then you will become a parrot of whatever the pastor or Sunday School teacher says.

It is the Holy Spirit's job to feed you; that is, to teach you what the Bible means, not just what it says. It is your job to listen to the Holy Spirit. There simply is no substitute for personal Bible study. When you've been taught by the Holy Spirit, then nothing a pastor, Sunday School teacher or anyone else says will be able to shake your faith.

Finally, if there is no local congregation in your area where you can serve the Body of Christ, but you do have a computer, then consider listening to or watching our Metro Bible Fellowship internet streams (check out our website: http://www.metrobiblefellowship.tv). You will at least hear truth every Sunday, but if this is all you have you'll miss the joy of serving and being served by other brothers and sisters in Christ.

Everything suggested above with regards to a "church" can be applied within your job, your recreational pursuits, the schools your children attend, etc.

Don't worry about finding the perfect church. You ARE the church. Allow Jesus' love to overflow in your life, and you'll find people with whom to worship.

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