How To Find A GOOD Church? (Part 1)

[@dlewis72956]

Y’all are spot on. I was a member of a Church for 30 years. I only knew 1 associate pastor personally. He left in my fourth year and never knew any other pastor personally. Church didn’t feel like a Church family. I went back to the Church I grew up in and it feels like a Church family. I know all the Pastors personally and am engaged. Now that said, the 2000 member Church with multiple services, I could have done more to engage, but it did feel uncomfortable.

[@brookelindsey3792]

I really appreciate different perspectives and I can definitely see some of the points made on having different services. However, our church doing Saturday and Sunday service has allowed us (as a first responder that works 24/48’s and a nurse that does 3 12’s in the ER working holidays and weekends) to attend whichever day that works best with our schedule. Our church also really encourages small groups to get to know other brothers and sisters in Christ well. Also, a genuine question? How is getting so large as a church and “breaking off” to plant another church in a different location any different than creating a new service time? Thanks again for the thought provoking topic. Newer Christian and I love growing in knowledge!

[@ErinLogan-y6l]

I personally understand why churches have multiple services. A certain church may or does hold only so many people in one service. The goal of the church should be too save as many lost souls for the Lord. ❤❤ I thoroughly enjoyed this podcast. Thank you Granger and Marshall

[@KassidyGinn]

Goal of the church would be to bring more people to be believers and grow spiritually ourselves.

[@debrathomas3925]

The church we attend has 3 services in the morning…we mostly go to the same time slot, and we see the same people. Our old church had 3 services on Sunday, 2 morning and a completely different message and worship style at night. I liked that there were 2 in the morning, because Sunday school was in the first service, and I was a teacher. So I could go to 2nd service for the message after I was done with Sunday School. It was helpful, because we had trouble getting teachers so I felt I was on Sunday school most Sundays. I needed scriptural nourishment too. We also had a Saturday night Youth service, that was intended to reach out to un churched kids. I don’t think it was every Saturday, but a couple times a month. I also think in addition to Church, one needs to included I. A small group too. We had a very successful small group system .

[@torrestreeter2563]

My husband is the pastor @ Grace Life Church of Fort Scott, KS. His sermons can be found here on you tube. We have 1 Sunday morning Worship service, and 1 Wednesday night Bible Study. I agree with everything ya'll said, Thank you for bringing Glory to God with your pod cast. The Goal of the Church is to spread the Gospel & to build up and encourage it's members as we anticipate Christ's Return.❤

[@Kristin-w2w]

❤ Pittsburg KS here

[@Drg24800]

My church has identical 9:30 and 11:00 services with “connect groups”/Sunday school during each time as well. At one point we had three services a few years ago but we are back to two. We also have two other campuses, one being in another town nearby and our español campus. I will say for my college group, we all attend the first service then during our connect group we unpack the sermon which I think is better than having a different message from the sermon. Also, our two “mottos” are “Transforming lives with the Truth of Jesus” and “Connect to Jesus. Grow in Jesus. Multiply for Jesus.”

[@jeangully2077]

Agree! you have a lot of wisdom Granger at your young age! Keep preaching truth!!

[@christinahallmeyer832]

A member having a place to plug in a serve... this is SO important!!! For believers to be humble enough to serve, because there is a need, AND humble enough to BE SERVED... Relationships are developed so much faster and deeper by working alongside one another. Churches should have opportunities for members to roll up their sleeves and get busy.

[@fields-n-feathers]

Yes!

[@starlenekalinski5633]

I have social anxiety so I need a small church and the church I go to is a small church. We do have Sunday School, then the sermon. When I first joined the church, our pastor went to plant a church in a strong anti Christian community. We had 2 interim pastors. Last October we were able to have a wonderful permanent pastor who is really hard working for the church. Our church is involved in the community. He has been training deacons because we only had one deacon. When I first moved here, I started looking for a church, with my social anxiety I was having a difficult time visiting a church and I was praying for direction, I kept feeling Friendship Baptist Church, so I went into the Friendship. As soon as I came, people came over to me and hugged me and welcomed me. I felt that was where God was calling me. That next week my daughter came and she approved the church so we both joined the church. The pastor we have visited me in the hospital when I had a vertigo attack that kept me in the hospital for three days. He is very active visiting people, he visits people who are members that are home bound or in nursing homes. That is what makes a good church. He encourages the members to be active in the church.

[@c.e.martin9326]

Multiple services are needed for people who dont have a 9to5, Monday Through Friday job... or people who want to attend a different church with a parent, but also attend "their church".

[@brendabrinkmanpasichnyk3500]

Small Cell Groups during the week to connect with is the answer, along with Worship service.

[@mrrs8118]

Interesting discussion, good points! The church I am attending (Baptist) just changed back to one service instead of two. They had gone to two services back during Covid (instead of closing) but decided we all need to worship together.

[@kathy790]

The only problem with a Sunday morning single service is that all the first responders and medical personnel that have to work then can't ever get to worship service (and also those like my youngest who works all night dispatching for 911).

[@robinkuhl6683]

I was going to say the same thing. I'm an EMT and in nursing school so I'm rarely at church because I'm working or at clinicals most weekends.

[@joshshellymccoy9402]

We have 2 services at our church and it works amazing. It does naturally sort of work where a lot of the older people come to the 9 am service and 11 tends to be younger. We have the same band that runs both services. It works for us but i loved the conversation in the podcast

[@lindapoli4057]

I have a wonderful church and pastor, Happy Gospel Church with Pastor Bill Bailey.

[@alliiejustiine]

I actually completely agree. I went to a mega church called crossroads. It had over a thousand members and delt with it by having multiple services. It was nice at first but never felt connected to the pastor or the members. I now attend a small church with about 30 members. Very small, however I have friendship with every member. We stay connected on a group text for prayer and other communications. When the pastor preaches every Sunday it's not about me but yet I get a personal feeling that God gave him the message just for me. I'm sure others in the church feel the same. This church has become family and I've only been attending about three years. It's a beautiful thing.

[@alamryfarms754]

Our church is a church plant and as soon as we opened our building and almost from day one we were busting at the seams. And this was not for lack of building a sizable meeting space. We just moved to 3 services on Sunday. A big issue for us is that we have so many new Christians who don’t know about giving. So adding on starting new plant becomes difficult. And we certainly don’t want to turn people away. I hear what you are saying about caring for all of the flock, but growing that fast doesn’t happen overnight. We are in a space that our community itself has massive growth of homes and apartments. The people are coming faster than the churches can stand up.

[@foresthiker6707]

"The people are coming faster than the churches can stand up". What a blessing, and Praise God for that!!

[@alamryfarms754]

@@foresthiker6707 it for sure is! But, when I hear thoughts like more than one service is dangerous, it makes me a little sad. You can’t build meeting places that fast.

[@sevygalati1036]

Very well explained! It actually opened my eyes to an angle I had never considered before.

[@Delcorewoodworks]

The goal of a Church is to glorify God. Colossians 3:16 - “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

[@HappyToBeKLB]

We’re in a multi campus/satellite church and we’re definitely feeling the corporate/business model lately. We’ve been members for 17 years and have definitely seen it morph from personal to impersonal. 😢 The head pastor feels unreachable. We have a campus pastor, but CP’s rarely ever preach. I guess they’re mainly as a point of contact since the head pastor can’t shepherd us all. We’re praying about whether we stay or go. It’s also in a different town, so we’re feeling the pull to worship/serve closer to where we live. This podcast gave me great points to consider and pray about. Thanks for your faithfulness to Scripture and what God has revealed to us therein.

[@ErinLogan-y6l]

Having several different care groups for God's children is very essential for one's own specific needs . That could be anything from a recent divorce or just needing the basic spiritual discussions related to their spiritual growth. ❤❤ Nicky Gumbel is excellent 👌👌

[@alexjohnson668]

This is conversation is spot on granger probably one of the best podcast to date. I’d preferred topic driving podcast over random question and answer podcast.

I agree with your discussion. I feel like if you have multiple services or recorded services that are replayed, you may take away what God puts on ones heart to say because I know that there have been many times that my father n love will have a sermon ready and after he gets to church,the Lord led him in a total different direction and you can’t let God be God if you are playing recorded or scripted sermons. We have maybe 30 that comes faithfully to our church every Sunday but the spirit is so powerful and I would not trade to attend a service of thousands for anything. Just my thoughts. Love the podcast and His work that you’re doing.

[@katemoo9581]

Hi Granger, I love your podcast. It makes me feel closer to God and Christ.

[@marcos7761]

Leeeet’s Goooooo!!! 🤠☕️

[@ChanceGilCopper]

The church I attended has two services Sunday morning. Where I think it’s a little different is that between the two services we have an hour long Sunday morning bible study that both the first service and second service people can attend so we we have a chance to gather as one every Sunday. There’s even a little bit of time between bible study and second service to meet in the foyer to drink coffee and socialize. I’m curious to know your thoughts on this setup.

[@pacharbeneau]

Hey, Granger & Marshal, it’s Pamela. I asked you about “Christian music” a few weeks ago & I appreciate your response. This is also about music in the church setting. First of all, I love music. I don’t mind loud “concert” music. I attended the REAL Woodstock, for Pete’s sake! I have do a real problem with the music being so painfully loud that I must put a sound muffler on my service dog but then she isn’t able to alert. It’s not just me! There are several of us! I’ve tried 4 other churches in my town with the same result. I just watch one of the 3 identical services online now. It’s sad, really.

[@kelseyDOD]

I went to a church for 10 years and I never spoke to the pastor. There were 3 services. It was HUGE!!

[@jeangully2077]

Very sad.

[@kelseyDOD]

@@jeangully2077it was my first church experience so I didn’t know any different. But yes, I go to a smaller church now and the community aspect is much better.

[@foresthiker6707]

Hmmm.....Please know this comment is intended with the utmost respect. What I'm hearing is a tone of 'too many members, not enough elders to see to them' over and over. My thought is, "Praise God that a church would be bursting at the seams, no matter what!!!" 😄Not only that, but to say it's problematic that there's 'only x amount of elders to tend to, and watch over them properly' puts a limit on God's ability and the Holy Spirit's ability to do a mighty work in those people's lives regardless of the elder/members, attendees ratio.

[@isaacrobbins2808]

Continuing the conversation on multiple services We have 2 services but only offer children's ministry for 1. Simply, this gives the children's ministry volunteers a chance to be fed as well as serving. But every month with 5 Sundays, we have 1 unified service only to bring the children in and then break bread together for lunch after. I guess I just wanna know your thoughts on this. Thank you for all you do with this podcast and the providing thoughtful biblically based awnsers to tough questions. Also, thank you for answering my question "red letters" in episode 196

[@kimbers1238]

I respectively disagree with yalls multiple services thing. We don't have to know all 2000 people that attend the same church. To me it's important to have small groups where u get to know each other, build each other up and call out sin where needed. I find ur point knit picking. When we r looking for a church this is a minor issue.

[@nathanthrasher9827]

I agree most the time churches do this for logistical reasons so they don’t have to turn people away due to lack of room

[@KassidyGinn]

I feel a message isn’t authentic once you’re repeating it multiple times a day.

[@nathanthrasher9827]

Are books of the Bible bad because it’s the same text that was sent to multiple people?

[@Mustbeaweasley97]

I really don’t think you guys hit it with the multiple services take. We work in a 24/7 world and shutting the doors to the church where others (law enforcement, military, medical field, etc) that need those other times. That should not be left behind by the church because they aren’t available at the 1 time the church has a service.

[@denisemartinez7644]

I do go to a big church, growing up I’ve been against it, because I believe in what you guys are explaining in this video. I still do believe in a smaller congregation, but my fiancé and his family have been attending this big church and have a community of people that they know that attend as well. But all these people that they know, have all been made from life groups and attending church events, created by that big church. Do you think that having life groups, events, worship nights, youth nights, etc…, does it still bring community and closeness? I do really love attending a big church, but I could agree of that the church could drop their Saturday service and maybe just have 2 services on a Sunday. I really enjoyed this video, cannot wait to listen to more! -Victoria M : Orange County, California

[@kimbers1238]

I pray I get the desire to go to church again. I read the bible daily and have a few Christian relatives where we talk about God. Tbh I probably need to go to church whether I feel like it or not. I just remember years ago I looked forward to church. My therapist is always pushing me to find a group of friends in the church. That may be what's stopping me. I suffered a real bad trauma episode 4 years ago and isolation was my best friend. I struggle with I'm not a good enough Christian to be friends with other Christians. And I've had church hurt. But if Jesus wants me doing it I should do it. Right?

[@alamryfarms754]

@@kimbers1238 I’m sorry about the church hurt. I’ve had that too and it’s hard but after the season of mourning and healing, you do need to get back to a church. Hospitals for Christians. We are all broken and need to rely on the Lord and others in the Lord to keep going.

[@KassidyGinn]

Don’t ever feel you aren’t good enough. Church is a place to fellowship with other believers as we all grow together in Christ.

[@jac03able]

thank you so much for ths video I am watching. It is 'How to fins GOOD CHURCH'PART 1), MYSITUAYION IS DIFFERENT, iN "MY""cchurch, there are 6 people who attend regularly. I am the adult SundayY sCHOOL TEACHER. If there are typos ;rahter WHEN I'm losing my vision, can't see well at all. Back to thr problem, haven't been in church service for 2 or 3 months. Of course there are many problems, like beer in the kitchen refrigerator, (by a deacin) 4 of the 6 who attend are deacons. I am 86 yearS OLD AND DON'T DRIVE ANY MORE. I appreciated Marshall's somment about thinking shephers, sheep, giving an accountfor theyr souls (Hebrews 13:17 My church's goal is growth, like so maNY CHURCHES AROUND HERE. I'll go when the LOTD GOD leads and where HE leads, mean time I stayin HIS Word, every day. Thanks for this video, I'm looking forward to part 2. Thanks for being therre/. sheep , shepherd

[@kristydavis4764]

I have been going to the same church for 10 years. I have been listening to this podcast as well as Amber's Arise episodes and have been feeling more and more convicted that my current church does not have characteristics of a good/healthy church. I am in Pewaukee, WI, and have been attending church in Brookfield, WI. Any suggestions for a healthy church in my area would be greatly appreciated!

[@nicholasluce3760]

Portland Maine

[@sheliawisner811]

Pray and ask God where he wants you to be!! May you feel like you just fit in.. I pray for the peace of God,, Love,, fellowship to cover you. I would put my trust in Jesus alone!!

[@tjl2gaming.833]

I understand your point, but my church has two services every Sunday, one has Sunday schools for all ages as well as a main service where our pastor preaches. Second service only has Sunday school for up to 4th grade as well as a Spanish ministry, and the same sermon taught by the pastor. Because of this, many people attend both services. We also have a 30 minute time of fellowship between the services so that those who attend first service and those who attend second service can have fellowship with each other. I am curious to hear your thoughts on this.

[@Yourageisnotyourcage]

Can you share a church you’d recommend in Dripping Springs, TX please?

[@wargroundseraph]

Hi Granger and Marshall. Love the podcast and the insight you guys offer. I do have some concerns that did not seem to be covered by this episode. My home church location has about 5000 members and is located in a large city. They offer three services on the weekend along with a separate service for elementary, middle school, and high school age children during those services that are specially designed to keep them engaged while learning more about Jesus. My church also offers a service especially designed for people with Autism and other special needs. In addition, my father is retired law enforcement and growing up we often had to go to alternate services (Saturday night or Sunday afternoon) in order to be able to attend service as a family. Without the alternate timed services we and other families would not have been able to attend. I suppose my question is, within your goal of seeking a single service where everyone can connect at once, what are the accommodations for individuals who for one reason or another cannot attend the 9 am service that is typical of most churches?

[@mikeike429]

What about the second shifters? Personally my father is retired law enforcement and if church was only once on Sunday we only would have been able to go to church a handful of times a year maybe

[@mikeike429]

Also to answer your question. The responsibility of a church is to make disciples

[@purplebutterfly5366]

I disagree with both of you guys because my church has a morning service and an afternoon service for people that don’t woke up early, there’s nothing wrong with it. Both services at my church preach the same message. Another reason why nothing is wrong with having more than one church service because I help out in the kids during the first, so then I would go to my church second service to listen to the message and if I help out in the kids sections during the second service I myself would go to the first service.❤✝️

[@1912mrberns]

My church has 2 services, first service is german and the second service is english with a different pastor.

[@1912mrberns]

Also we have one lead pastor and we keep getting new pastors. First they are sunday school teachers, then they get voted in to be youth pastor then a decon then a pastor. But they say yes to the votes if they feel called to.

[@SavoryCrouton]

I'm interested in the book

[@1CathyHendrix]

Here in Grayson County Va. it looks like a war zone. I live in town, so I was only out of power for a bit over 24 hours. Our water plant was devastated. Water is spotty and nasty. Internet is off and on...buffers a lot and phones don't work at all. The New River that flows through here crested at 22 feet over flood stage. 98 percent of the people here have no power, phone service, internet or water. I have never saw anything like it. Many roads and bridges are gone. Trees down everywhere. Campers, cars, buildings, and even horses and cows are gone. I am one of the very blessed ones to have power now, and internet at times. The water is sporadic...but I can flush! The only flood on record here with a higher crest was in 1940 at 24 ft. There is more devastation now then during Hugo. Recovery is going to take a long time.

[@debragilmore1314]

I am praying for that whole area!

[@1CathyHendrix]

@@debragilmore1314 Thank you! I have never saw destruction like this.

[@kr_peanut3805]

I have tried many church options in my area. What do you suggest for me? I'm in Harrison, OH, about 35 minutes from Cincinnati, OH.

[@kristyosborne8945]

Could you recommend a church around Quarryville PA

[@blakelaub1066]

It sounds like you guys are against people finding a non Denominational church. Would you recommend people find a church that has a denomination like Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc?

[@TheHopeofGlory7]

The purpose of the church is to make disciples. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. - Ephesians 4:11-14

[@kimbers1238]

Anyone in here can recommend a church in Livingston parish in Louisiana? Not healing place. I use to be in a charismatic church but no longer feel like it's for me.

[@justhavefaithdesigns5482]

We attend Bethel Baptist Church in Livingston, Louisiana on Circle Dr. You are welcome to join us. Services start at 10:30am on Sunday. You can let me know if you have any questions.

[@choosejoy9675]

Any recommendation in Greensboro, NC?

[@MarciaDroeger]

There's very little or no accountability in the church today. I've left the local church waiting for God to open an remant church nearby. Meanwhile, I'm following online expository teachings. I done with the church of today- Tragically God has been mocked.

[@jennifergraham-oo6fr]

❤🙏🏻!

[@frosty7154]

it's hard for me to go to church because I don't drive. I live in hayburn Idaho. I also don't know how to read. I have the audio Bible on my tablet

[@ryankinzie6749]

Looking for a church in Charleston South Carolina.

[@ambereubanks1759]

Is there a church you would recommend in Suffolk, Va?

[@jaredandrews379]

My advice is to drive around Sunday mornings see where there are men outside greeting people and a decent crowd for starters.

[@rowefamily8672]

They can be like Jesus preach outside there is lots of room outside

[@jenniferhlinicky7243]

Mustang Oklahoma

[@rowefamily8672]

Or buy a tent

[@rowefamily8672]

Really all you need is land and a tent maybe buy a few RVs and you can preach the gospel to a multitude of people. Jesus had 12 disciples to go out into all the world and he tells us all to go out and preach the gospel so we all have That ability to preach the gospel, not just pastors and deacons we as the body of Christ has the ability and we are to go out into all the world and be a witness and book of acts. The Holy Ghost came down upon 120 up in the upper room and they went out and preached the gospel so you don’t need 12 disciples or 12 deacons or 12 pastors you need all the people of Godto work together in these last days to go out into all the world because there’s so many out there that need to hear the gospel we have it. We have it in us and that we can tell the whole world about Jesus. Amen.

[@1912mrberns]

Actually no they dont get voted for a youth pastor

[@nathanthrasher9827]

Your 1st consideration ever when choosing a church is do they preach bible in a way that is true to the scriptures. If you go to a church with 1 services or a million if they are preaching a false gospel you should leave.

[@DanSorensen-q3u]

I'm a Protestant, the church last 25 years, they don't dressed up for Sunday church service. They drink coffee, juice, any sweets they want to eat. I quit going to Church, i grew up going country church from my hometown, in North Dakota, i missed my country church so much. I had pastor told me back in early 1970's, told me, u don't need go to church, as long u read the Bible.

[@kimbers1238]

And the pastor cutting out Saturday night will lose a ton of his congregation.

[@alexjohnson668]

I have to disagree it shouldn’t be quantity of people but it’s quality of member you have. I am apart of a church that 600 people and the pastor left and we dropped down 200 member cause it ended being about number of people than the number of hearts being changed.