How to Choose a Good Local Church

One of the most significant decisions that we will make as a follower of Christ is what local church we will be part of. It is so important, that the bible instructs us in Hebrews 10:25(AMP), “Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching”. Why would we be so strongly admonished to have our lives so firmly planted in a local body of believers? God is pouring out His power in these last days largely through local churches. You have a supply of the Spirit available to you in the Orlando/Casselberry area at East Coast Believers Church. ECBC was designed by God as a Non-denominational, Spirit-filled church to be a place the believer can be strengthened and encouraged in their walk with God.

Now that you realize how important being a part of a local church is, what church should you plant yourself in? Should you attend the church your parents attended? One where the praise and worship suits your musical taste? Nicest facilities? Friends attend? The bible answers this question for us in I Corinthians 12:28, “But now God hath set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him”. There is a local church where it has pleased God to place you and as you are planted there the Bible says in Psalm 92 that you will have many positive results in your walk with God.

How do you identify where God has placed you?

The right way is to:

1) Ask the Lord. If you pray, the Holy Spirit will lead you. You might have a preference to attend a contemporary or Charismatic church but ask the Holy Spirit will he wants you planted.

2) Whatever church you attend, the preaching of the Word in the church must be a priority. You should actually enjoy the delivery of the Word from the Pastor.

3) You have the answer this question for yourself--can I walk in agreement with the vision of the church? According to Amos 3:3, for two to walk together they must be in agreement. It is important for you to align your life with the vision of the church.

Now that you have identified and planted yourself in a local church, what do you do now? Just attend? Keep a seat filled? The next step is as important as finding a church to attend. That is, once you call a church home, to make sure you are giving what the bible calls “your supply”. Ephesians 4:15&16 says, “…but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into him who is the head – Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by which every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” Now, this passage is referring to the universal body but it is also applicable to the local church. Every member of a local church has something that the body of Christ needs.

Your “supply” consists of three things: your time, your talent and your finances. As you bring your supply, this local body is able to fulfill its mission and vision to reach the community where God has called us--which include the Orlando and surrounding areas. As you give your supply, you will have the greatest impact for the kingdom of God. Bringing your supply is not reserved for only the most radically committed Christians, but for all who are planted in a local church. As you bring your supply, you will as a result experience a great level of blessing and increase in your life.

As you make yourself available for building God’s kingdom, you position yourself to receive the supply you need in your life. A committed believer joined to a good strong local church cannot be defeated! This is something that I have experienced in my own life. As you live this out, you’re going to experience God’s blessing in your life far beyond whatever you could have ever dreamed of.