(return to the shelter)

Choosing a Church.....

Any church that teaches the Bible as the complete Word of God, and treats it as the final authority is a good church.  Of course, a true christian church will teach that salvation is through faith alone and not of good works.  When choosing a church, look at that individual church to see if it teaches the truth.  For example, do not assume that all Baptist churches (or all of any other denominations) teach the truth.  Some churches will be more liberal and some will be more conservative.  It is almost always better to attend a church that is more conservative, but at the same time you do not want to go to the conservative extreme, because extreme conservatism can actually prevent you from worshipping God.  You will want to find a church where you feel at home and where people care about you.  Do not put your pastor on a pedestal.  Pastors are human and make mistakes.  When they mess up (and they will) encourage them to do the right thing.  Remember, operate by what you know the Bible says to do- not by the way you feel.  Feelings are deceptive!

You can find true christian churches that have contemporary worship and traditional worship.
God will know if you are seeking to worship him, so do not worry about being pressured by others into attending one particular type of church.


Churches to avoid...

It is wise to avoid churches that perform highly structured routine worship services and use a lot of religious costumes.  These are usually attempts to look religiously powerful and sometimes are attempts to keep followers under control.

Avoid churches that marry and ordain people who practice homosexuality.  People who practice homosexuality should be allowed to attend church, but homosexuality should not be encouraged.  Remember...love the person, but hate the sin.
Be advised that some Methodist churches and Episcopal churches have begun ordaining homosexual ministers.


Look out for Counterfeit Christianity!!!
Here are a few churches that appear very christian, but have altered the Word of God. Each one of the churches above teach good works for salvation and have created their own "Word of God". Avoid churches that change the Word of God.
There are some very nice people in the churches above, but remember, being nice will not send anyone to heaven.  Pray for the people trapped in these religious organizations.

Let no man deceive you...beware of fake ministers!
"...let God be true, but every man a liar..." (Romans 3:4).
There is one man in particular who claims to be a "Rev." who spends a lot of time stirring hatred between the races.  He tries to influence politics and he sympathizes with the homosexual community.  He teaches an all-accepting gospel that tolerates sin and idolatry, which will lead to the destruction of our country, the family, and ultimately, the destruction of souls.  Expose him and pray for him.

Worship no man!
The Roman Catholic Church claims that the Pope is God's representative on earth, and should be treated as God.  The Pope is just another man in need of Jesus.  Do not bow to him!  Pray for him.
For more information on the Pope click here.