What makes a good church?

[Lisa]

I have been ponders what qualities make up a good church.  I am refering here to the congregation one joins with on Sunday morning. 

What qualities do you look for?

Is it the character of the leadership?  How they handle their authority?

The prescence or abscence of bible based preaching?  New Testament only...or both Testaments.

The freindliness of the people and how they treat each other and the pastors?

The denomination or maybe even lack of denomination...oversight by a board or elders?  Who do the Pastors anwer too, if anyone?

The style/length of the song service if there is one?

Baptism of Holy Spirit and other languages...views on the gifts of the spirit... prophetc words.

( I know this last one could be touchy.  I am not trying to start a doctrinal debate...so please refrain and put those comments in a different discussion if you feel you must go there.)

Which of these qualities do you find important in a church?  Why?

 

[Dave Knauss]

What makes a good church?

Let me answer with the words of a first-time guest when she filled out her first-time guest survey:

"AH HAAAA, I finally found a church that puts people over itself!!!"

Think about her statement awhile and you'll surely end up at the Great Commandment.

But that doesn't necessarily answer the particulars of HOW to do the GC.

So let me ask this in particular:  What does attending your church LOOK and FEEL like to a visitor (guest)?  Can you "see" through your visitors' (guests') eyes?  To you, are they simply visitors, or are they honored guests?

Blessings, Dr. Dave

[Jack Frost]

Different sides have different views.  

Leadership folks often see a good church as one that has a lot of people and a good amount of income, with other folks wanting to copy what they do.  They have large buildings and plenty of them.  They have the latest in technology and music and multiple services.  New people will come every week.

"Lay leaders" often see one where they can fit into the system and be a part of this organization, using their talents and gifts for good.  

Folks with enough money for it to make a difference see a good church as one with great accounting skills and that Most Holy Writ, the Tax Receipt.

People with technical ability or musical skills see a good church as a place where they can use their talents, but not too much or they will feel taken advantage of over time....unless they, too, get paid.

People with kids will differ, but for the most part, will see a good church as one that takes care of their kids for them in a manner consistent with their preference: some for small, intimate settings for their kids, and others will prefer large, noisy, entertainment type of care.

 

Finding a good church will obviously depend on what it is you look for.  It will depend on what you need and desire.  It will depend on what you offer, or are willing to offer.