Why so many churches? Where do I start?

When I was growing up, you usually went to the church that was closest to you, or by whatever faith your parents went to.  This day and age, that is not the story.  There is a church on every corner, and if you are not careful some that don't preach from the Bible but have their own doctrine and own beliefs.  Just look at the amount of empty churches or those with a small congregation.  Matthew 7:16 says: "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?"

There is an old joke that goes:  One balmy day in the South Pacific, the Captain of a navy ship sees smoke coming from one of three huts on an uncharted island. Upon arriving at the shore they were met by a shipwreck survivor.  He said, "I'm so glad you're here! I've been alone on this island for more than five years!"   The captain asks, "If you're alone why is there three huts?"   The survivor said, "We'll, I live in one, and go to church in another."   "What about the third hut?" asked the captain.  "That's where I use to go to church."

Its sad these days but that is the truth.  People get mad or convicted because they want to make God's word fit what they want to do and not do what God's word tells them to do.  This causes them to split off, leave one church for another, adopt their own doctrine, or much worse stop going to church and believing.

As Christians we must first realize that we are not perfect, Romans 3:23 says: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  The more we come to terms with that the more we realize we need the word, or a pastor, or sermon to make us conscious of our actions, to know that we did wrong.  God knows we are going to sin, it is in our nature.  It is when you accept the responsibility for your actions, ask for repentance, and THEN believe that he will deliver you from sinning again. 

1 Corinthians 1:10 says: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."  This means we as the church (the actual people are the church, NOT a building) should be of one like mind, forgiving of others even when they offend you, compassionate, and loving.

So with all that said, where do you start when looking for a church?   Well the first step is knowing you want to go and need to attend a church.   Hebrews 10:25 says: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."  Fellowship in a church that is caring and loving will encourage you and you can encourage others.  First start by going to churches you know someone that is a member if that makes you comfortable.  Try several if you have never been.  Find a church that fits your needs (maybe a good youth program, study program or age group), make sure their doctrinal beliefs are solid in the word, not just built on a verse or translation of a single line of the Bible.  Membership should be free, while as the Bible expects tithes, offerings, and giving, there should NOT be a fee to let you in the door.  Once you find one you are comfortable with, make a commitment, talk with the pastor, become saved if you have not already, and do what you can.  Remember while not all members are capable for filling a particular role you have to find what you can do.

Remember the key factors, it does not matter what denomination you attend so long as they agree on the primary issues and beliefs:
1.) There is only 1 God.
2.) There is only 1 way to salvation.
3.) The belief in Jesus Christ.
4.) That Jesus lived, died on the cross for your and my sins, and rose on the third day and ascended to heaven.

I hope this article has helped you in some way.  What a wondrous thing it would be if all churches could get together and think as one mind, co-operate, and be as one in the community!