W
e have looked at the foundational, structural, functional, and environmental components of a vital, healthy local church. Now look at yourself and ask, “Are there opportunities here for me to serve and exercise my spiritual gifts? Does this local body have a need that by God’s enabling I can meet? Am I willing to give of my time, money, energy, and prayers to contribute to the success of this church?” (Mark 12:30; Rom. 12:1).
A house is not a home until all the members of a family contribute to its success. The same is true of a church home. Only when you exercise your God-given gifts will you feel “at home” in His church.
The decision you make about what church to attend will greatly affect your spiritual life and the lives of your children. In fact, the decisions you make now will affect your grandchildren and the generations to come, for your church home will help shape and mold your children’s beliefs and values. That’s a sobering reality.
Choosing a church home is one of the most significant decisions you will ever make–one that reaches into eternity. May we all spend at least as much time and effort making that decision as we do deciding on our earthly dwelling