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Church Questions
What Should I Look For in a Church?
Practical Insight into Finding a Healthy Church Looking for a new church can feel overwhelming, and it’s often difficult to know what aspects to prioritize. In this addition to the Church Questions series, Alex Duke provides criteria on what to look for in a healthy local church. Using personal experiences and biblical principles, Duke identifies important elements within the church―the gospel, the Bible, and the community―as well as specific questions to ask. He also reminds believers that they should not be looking for a perfect church, but a biblical and faithful one. This booklet is perfect for those who are looking for a new church and unsure where to begin.
64 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 9, 2025
A short, practical book on what church-seekers should look for in a church. I'm always interested in getting a new perspective on this age-old question. While I don't disagree with any of the conclusions in the book, I felt the author to be a bit condescending and out-of-touch, sometimes looking down on the typical church-goer and the church they attend. Duke also frames his arguments in ways I'm not the biggest fan of personally, such as spending many pages emphasizing the importance of a church that reminds us of our imminent death. While there are many lukewarm believers out there who need a reminder, I would find it more compelling to speak from a position of humility. I believe there are better resources for answering the title question of the book.
August 22, 2024
3.8 Good
May 21, 2024
There are some good point made in this book, but it took awhile to get there. It seemed like the author was more concerned with being cute with his jokes rather than get into the meat of the subject. The first of three points to look for in a Church doesn't occur until page 15 of a 48 page booklet. That's too long.
As for the points themselves, they are good points.
1. Look for a Church that knows You're Gonna die.
2. Look for a Church where the Bible Isn't just for the Super-Serious, Super Christians but for everyone.
3. Look for a Church That's More Than Just a Preaching Station.
4. Don't Look for Perfection.
All good points with good insight.
There is however, one serious problem with the booklet. Page 42 says, "A Church is a people who have committed themselves to help each other get to heaven."
WHAT?! No one "helps" me get to heaven. That work was accomplished on the cross. I have heard Church of Christ preachers say this for years and it is just flat wrong. No person, other than Jesus Christ, has anything to do with getting me to heaven.
The first thing people should look for in a Church is one which is faithful to the gospel. If this statement doesn't mean what it appears to mean, then there is some serious explaining to do.
As for the points themselves, they are good points.
1. Look for a Church that knows You're Gonna die.
2. Look for a Church where the Bible Isn't just for the Super-Serious, Super Christians but for everyone.
3. Look for a Church That's More Than Just a Preaching Station.
4. Don't Look for Perfection.
All good points with good insight.
There is however, one serious problem with the booklet. Page 42 says, "A Church is a people who have committed themselves to help each other get to heaven."
WHAT?! No one "helps" me get to heaven. That work was accomplished on the cross. I have heard Church of Christ preachers say this for years and it is just flat wrong. No person, other than Jesus Christ, has anything to do with getting me to heaven.
The first thing people should look for in a Church is one which is faithful to the gospel. If this statement doesn't mean what it appears to mean, then there is some serious explaining to do.
January 17, 2025
A really insightful little booklet, especially as we start to potentially look for a new church!
September 9, 2022
This book urges readers to find a church that 1) acknowledges our forthcoming death as a consequence of sin and where the gospel is preached clearly every week in light of that truth, 2) emphasizes the importance for all Christians to know their whole Bible rather than a select few super Christians in optional church activities, and 3) practices real community membership where all members of the congregation love one another and can speak truth to call each other to repent from sin.
While the content more than adequately answers the question, the author uses a significant number of Biblical references and theological terms that will likely be entirely unknown to non-Christians. Further, the author clearly assumes all readers are Christians by referring to himself and the reader as "we Christians." As such, this is not an ideal resource to give to a friend who says to you something like, "I want to get right with God so I think I should start going to church. What should I look for?" I suspect that friend is the primary audience who would ask this question, in which case this book fails to address the target audience.
While the content more than adequately answers the question, the author uses a significant number of Biblical references and theological terms that will likely be entirely unknown to non-Christians. Further, the author clearly assumes all readers are Christians by referring to himself and the reader as "we Christians." As such, this is not an ideal resource to give to a friend who says to you something like, "I want to get right with God so I think I should start going to church. What should I look for?" I suspect that friend is the primary audience who would ask this question, in which case this book fails to address the target audience.
February 23, 2023
Short, sweet and practical. The personal stories hit home too! This author must be a great dude…
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews