How to choose a GOOD church! 10 TIPS!

[@abigailgarcia3599]

It’s really hard to find a good church these days as they’re all very worldly.

[@alicehong7809]

Abigail Garcia Too true.

[@maryflorio2268]

The One, Holy Catholic, apostolic Church is the answer

[@IdratherbeinHobbiton]

@@maryflorio2268 no.

[@kapnkerf2532]

That's why I always search for a church in the outer planes of existence. Sure, you'll run into a few multi-eyed monsters and rivers of acid. But if you have courage, a good magic sword and a shield of resist elements, you will will find the temple you seek.

[@KinoTechUSA69]

@@maryflorio2268 as long as it's of the east... not Rome.

[@H-townAV]

Excellent! Been church-hopping for a few years, spouse would get “offended” and then we’re off to something else. Now that I’m widowed and almost 65, it’s time l settled down. Thanks so much!

[@jesusiskingofmyheart]

Were you able to find a home church?

[@_everykneewillbow6417]

6 years later watching this mike! And I watch you today! You are so gifted in teaching its like GOD knew exactly what he was going to do with you!!

[@texasskygirl7890]

I actually did email the pastor on an issue I was concerned about and needed clarification on sonething at my church. My pastor called me and we had a nice discussion and he did not tip toe around the issue. Straight forward answers are what I needed. I joined the church after this discussion.

[@jesusiskingofmyheart]

I've been struggling to find a home church for a year now... It's been difficult to find a church that preaches sound doctrine and is filled with true people of God. I'm not giving up. Praying the Lord leads me to the right church this year in 2023. Thank you for this video! I found it extremely helpful and encouraging 💗 God bless you.

[@zerobyte802]

Have you tried visiting a Church of Christ? YMMV from congregation to congregation but in general they’re very Bible focused.

[@mallorypagan6770]

​@@zerobyte802 doesn't Church of Christ preach no instruments for worship and that baptism is required for salvation?

[@zerobyte802]

@@mallorypagan6770 yes to both. While the instrument thing is much more of an interpretation IMO, the baptism part is very directly taught in scripture. Some CoC congregations get legalistic about it and won’t accept anyone’s baptism not done in a Church of Christ, that’s definitely not the position at my church, or the Bible. You’re not baptized into a church but into Christ, and ultimately (myself speaking here) that’s between you and God. My wife recently chose to be baptized again due to her understanding of scripture but nobody, not me, not the pastor, not the elders, nor any members ever gave her any pressure or encouragement to do so. We really like our congregation but I can say there are definitely congregations that go off the deep end into Pharisee territory… hence my YMMV comment

[@taylorbrown7625]

Keep praying about it and seeking God. You can try and independent or fundamentalist Baptist church too. I've liked some of those before.

[@StellaW]

This was so helpful for me, since we are in the search of a new church. Thank you!

[@SUMITJOHN]

Thank you, Mr. Mike. It was really helpful for me. I want to leave a church where I've been in for 6 years. The points you mentioned in the video are what my Church has been about and doing. I was one of the core staffs of my church but because of these things I confronted leaders, and they were reluctant to change and admit their mistakes regarding fundamental beliefs and character. I just wanted a confirmation because I prayed and prayed many times regarding this one because I don't want to do anything outside God's will. But still I would request you to pray for me in this situation. Thank you! God bless you and family.

[@missTteacher4th]

Thank you so much for this video!! I have lived in China the last 3 years and will be moving back to the States in July. I am so looking forward to finding a body of believers to worship and fellowship with. This list of questions to ask/think on is a wonderful help. I discovered your channel almost 2 years ago, and it has been such a blessing, help and encouragement during my time here in China.

[@ronnydee2]

We attended a church were the pastor always preached from the Word but twisted it to prosperity, prosperity, prosperity. We left.

[@dr.dermixgirlmd7479]

Amen! God protects, directs, protects- His job isn’t to collect checks. The prosperity gospel is a blight on the true church.

[@dontbother8373]

Well then he obviously wasn't preaching from the word. He was doing what all Protestants do, preaching their personal interpretation of the word. Protestantism is merely relativism. There's no truth in it, just assumptions.

[@Odo-so8pj]

@@dontbother8373 Here we good again with the C arrogance. 🙄 before you pick the speck out of your brothers eye go and deal with the log in your own. Prodestants are well aware of what's happening in their churches. C are blissfully ignorant.

[@NikkiGRocks4Ever]

@ronnydee2. I had an opposite experience. I went to a church service. Pastor said that there is no prosperity. It was like he was advocating being poor is spiritual. The following week he said he wants to raise $15,000,000 within a year and a half. I haven’t been back there.

[@AJCNFHEWT]

Mike, if I could add, “Have I asked God in prayer which church I should attend?” I honestly think appealing to God to be your guide in addition to your advice is something essential.

[@Odo-so8pj]

I have, I don't think I have an answer yet.

[@Poita75]

@@Odo-so8pj He will, just keep asking, seeking & then go a knocking ...

[@albertokace4135]

you probably dont care but if you are stoned like me during the covid times you can stream pretty much all of the latest movies and series on Instaflixxer. Have been watching with my brother for the last months :)

[@coltensamir7687]

@Alberto Kace Yup, been watching on InstaFlixxer for years myself :)

[@shaydarling3686]

So helpful! It is a scary thing to hop from church to church. When you've been malnurished for so long emotions can steer you wrong. Might I just add that we pray as we search. God Bless

[@MikeWinger]

Absolutely pray! I guess I thought that was so natural that I didn't mention it, I wish I had though.

[@kenmcnevin7920]

Shay Darling, look for a church that preaches the full gospel including repentance. A church that keeps the commandments of God including the one that begins with REMEMBER that most churches have FORGOTTEN. A church that preaches the third angels message " Come out of her my people " (out of Babylon ). A Biblical based church that is the remnant of God's seed spoken of in Rev 12:17. There is only one remnant church of God, the Bible says so.

[@jesusisthetorah3447]

You are only malnourished because you are looking without instead of within. Your answers don't reside in a building built by human hands.

[@stephenhagen234]

God wants to lead us and wants us to ask Him. (John 16:24) But we must do the asking. He promises to instruct and teach us in the way we should go (Psalm 32:8)

[@LaTasiaspeaks]

This was a great list. Only thing missing, is pray. We should always pray and ask God where the Lord is sending us.

[@lmorter7867]

You are a hidden KZbin gem. Great advice! 👍🏼

[@MikeWinger]

Thank you!

[@devoted72]

Mike's not hidden anymore praise Jesus. Honestly, at first, thought he was being sarcastic and actually liked some errors I've since found he does not. Whew!! Just subscribed and much appreciate all his disclaimers. And, wise teaching. Mike if ya read this: Thank you for serving our Lord I appreciate your humor and humility.

[@magnarbremnes4249]

​@@MikeWingerThanks for your great advice!! I pastor a small church. Is it possible for me to obtain a transcript of this to make available to all in the church? (Some have no access to the internet or yiutube)

[@pinkdaisy8948]

@@magnarbremnes4249 In the grey description box under the video, click "more" and scroll way down until you see "show transcript" and click that. It will appear on the right of the video. Hope this helps!

[@EuropaChronicles]

Ha! I’m coming to this video from the future, it’s great seeing Mike’s early work. I love the BibleThinker jingle at the beginning! Thank you Pastor Mike for all the time, effort, and love that you’ve put into your channel and helping people like me develop skills to better understand God’s Word.

[@joycewright5386]

Thank you, now I know I chose a wonderful church!

[@Simple.BibleTruth]

Wow, I see your earlier videos are similar to mine. That’s encouraging for me as I’m starting out. Thanks for your ministry.

[@tinbash26g26]

Thanks for making this video, you have no clue how much I needed this. I've been hurt the most by the church growing up but Jesus has helped me let go and forgive them and now I find myself longing for a church to call my own. Cheers and God bless!!

[@Jaxmusicgal23]

So true! I understand and went through this too…It makes it hard to discern if a church is good or not. The list helps us focus on important things over any hang ups or how to avoid better what we experienced before.

[@madilin2871]

Really hope u will continue..please dont stop this cause of less fame(subscription), less revenue.. I understand as youtuber u ned to spend so much time n ofcourse we hope to be full time youtuber that can have income with. But please dont stop doing it cause honestly i can tell that what u doing really helping people..god bless you

[@joostbakker]

"they answer you in poetry" 😂 instantly liked the video

[@davidwalker5274]

The timing of this video was awesome. My wife and I are looking for a church in the city we just moved to. Great to keep these things in mind as we keep looking.

[@Goodtogo4567]

I would look for a church that recognizes Him in the breaking of the bread.

[@jgoble100]

As has been said before, I would add a bit about praying for discernment, but solid list! This helps me by giving me language to what I already know when trying to help others with this question.

[@itsokay1834]

Amazing to see how your channel has grown. God bless

[@scottyfleming2203]

Biggest challenge I have as a newer Christian… it saddens me. Everything around my house is awful. I’m now venturing to 20 minutes outside my area now.. so tough

[@NikkiGRocks4Ever]

May God direct you to the right church. Keep praying and reading your Bible. 🙏✝️🕊️

[@infomercialguy]

so so love how this man of God communicates. honest. clear. easy. humble. so much more. well done brother!!

[@HappilyAnonymousGirl]

This was very helpful and I wish I would've seen this video sooner. I've been thinking about switching churches for awhile because I feel like I was manipulated into attending the one I've been going to. The leaders of the church offered to help me when I first started going. Every week when I tried to approach them after service to talk about that stuff, I didn't have a chance to because they "had to leave".. I stood by the pastor several times after service while she was talking to someone else and waited for a chance to talk to her, and as soon as she was done talking to them she would bolt off to go talk to someone else. Another one of the leaders who offered to help me would repeatedly say that she had to go as soon as she would see me walking towards her... A few times I was just trying to say hi and she just kept saying that she was busy and had to go. There were a few times where after she said this to me, I noticed she would walk over and start talking to people and not mention that she needed to leave until after several minutes of them talking to them about non church related stuff.. I wasn't eavesdropping or anything, I would just be walking alongside her on our way out of the building as we were saying our goodbyes. After the first day I ever went there, my pastor called me later that night and told me I was a gift to them and that they would be devastated if I stopped going there... She kept saying that over and over and telling me that they need me because they want to feel needed by someone, and if I left they would feel like they did something wrong...... With all that being said... I really appreciated the offers they made and it made me feel so hopeful and welcomed there, but I really don't appreciate them avoiding me afterwards and not following through.... It really makes me sad and also a bit angry when I think about it sometimes when I think about how good my experience was the first day verses the rest... At least I know what to look out for from now on... It just sucks though. It was a huge deal for me to be going to church again because that was the first time had ever gone alone and it took a long time for me to get up the courage to go the first time. My experience there almost makes me feel like I shouldn't have gone.. However, I know I need to attend church because it's what we're called to do, so I'll just have to count my losses and try to find the best church for me with God leading the way. I know I won't have the same experience everywhere I go, I just pray I don't have to go through a bunch of churches to find the one that's right for me. It's already hard enough for me to go by myself because I tend to stay pretty isolated and don't like crowds of people..... Thanks for reading if you did by the way. May God bless you and I hope you have a great day.

[@bearknighttcg0625]

Not sure where you are located but if you happen to be in Pennsylvania I go to a very small church that consists of about 25 to 30 people on a regular basis. I have been going there for close to 10 years in August.

[@HappilyAnonymousGirl]

@@bearknighttcg0625 That sounds like my kind of church lol. I’m glad you found it, and I found a good one to go to now. I heard about from 3 people and felt like there was a reason I kept hearing about it. So I finally went one day and it was the best decision I made last year. It felt like I had been there before when I walked in. It even looked familiar, even though I’d never been there. God is good. I’m glad we found home churches to go to. Also I appreciate the offer to attend your church! That was very nice of you! I would check it out, but I live in Texas lol. But if I ever go to Pennsylvania

[@nccrchurchunusual]

A few thots. Respectfully- Having a woman pastor is problematic for it was Eve who was deceived not Adam. We never see a woman Preacher in NT Church scripture nor was one woman chosen to write scripture- perhaps God saw we have enough load to carry. However even more problematic is expecting the pastor or preacher to personally minister to you every Sunday- there should be a team of mature men & women ministering to the saints- if you're a woman seek a mature woman and a small group that regularly meets. The preacher is One person. He is called to study the Word and Teach it, not be "serving widows"- thats where deacons should be serving. Finding a church is hard- be prayerful and choose wisely, not based on emotion.

[@gabrielfriedmann2043]

I'm so glad that god lead me to a very biblical church when I had no discernment about everything you said ...

[@dr.dermixgirlmd7479]

Amen. Me too. I found a biblical church with a man of God leading it in truth and scripture but when I found it I had so much less discernment than I do now.

[@dr.dermixgirlmd7479]

Amen!! This is why I am no longer Catholic. The Catholics I grew up with didn’t seem to know the Word. Those that attended truly biblical churches could quote scripture and seemed so strengthened by the Word of God; it was inspiring. That’s what I wanted, and I prayed to find a place where I could find it. So glad that I did. Now I have a walk with Christ that is alive and real in my life.

[@johnyang1420]

Well...in Catholic church you can participate in the Eucharist which is the real presence of the body of Christ! It doesnt get more alive than that! Before you ditch Catholicism, check out Why We Are Catholic by Trent Horn. You might like it! God bless!

[@janlovell809]

Mike can you give a biblical based tips on when it’s time to leave a church? Love you and your kitty

[@SolaScriptura-n-cats]

I’m so glad you opened with the disclaimer about feelings! Great episode, Pastor Mike! Thank you! 🙏♥️ Edit: Just realized this is 8 years old. LOL Doesn’t matter! 😊

[@allisonkirk6686]

This has really helped!! I'm glad to know that there are videos being made to help a new believer like me. A little over a year sense I rededicated my life to the Lord as an Adult! I will definitely be checking out more of your videos!!

[@MikeWinger]

Thank you and God bless you!

[@colorful7outlook717]

Allison Kirk Very Respectfully With All Due Respect Good Gods Day F💡💡d For Thought: We Must First Make Sure That We Are Properly In The Body of Christ.... There is no Scripture In The Bible Where God3 Commands That We Simply State That We Except Jesus As Ones Lord And Savior And He3 Receives Anyone As His3 Child Without Following and Obeying "ALL" Commands From God3 To Be His3 Disciple. God3s Plan of Salvation ●Hear: Matthew 13:9 (NKJV) 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” ●Believe: John 3:15-1 (NKJV) 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. ●Confess: Roman's 10:9 - 11 (NKJV) 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” ●Repent: Acts 2:38 (NKJV) 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ●Must Be Baptized: Mark 16:16 (NKJV) 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Romans 6:4 NKJV 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ●Live A Working Faithful Life Until Death: Revelation 2:10 (NKJV) 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. ●Teach The Loss: Matthew 28:18 - 20 (NKJV) 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ 1. Find, Search (Google), Visit and Become A True Disciple of The True Body of Jesus Christ 2. THE "CHURCH OF CHRIST" Nearest You, Google to find one near you, there is a "CHURCH OF CHRIST" in almost every city in every state 3. Here (below) Is What "THE CHURCH OF CHRIST" Looks Like To Make Sure You Are At The Correct "CHURCH OF CHRIST": 4. Worships Every First First Day of The Week Which is Sunday, 5. No Instruments, Congregational Singing Only - No Choir, 6. Takes The Lords Supper Every Sunday as commanded 7. No Female Preaching, God3s Scriptures Do Not Authorize for A woman To preach 8. Ask A Male, A Man, That Is A Leader of the Congregation, a Elder or a Deacon For A Bible Study and answer to the call of The Gospel of Jesus Christ Be Baptized and Be saved for the remission of your Sins, Living Out The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18 - 20 (NKJV) ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

[@moisehermantin6532]

Actually, it was love at first sight with my current church. The first time I was there, I felt at home. It's been two years and I still am there. I agree not to decide the first time, but there are exceptions. You must ask the Holy Spirit to give you a check list of what you need and your check list must be Biblical and preferred. My church marked my 4 checks and matches the 10 things you're mentioning. Praise God

[@fabiolasalazar4544]

What church do you belong to

[@moisehermantin6532]

@@fabiolasalazar4544 are you looking for a church to call home?

[@fabiolasalazar4544]

@@moisehermantin6532 yes the church you fell in love with first sight, the church of Jesus, i have been deceived my whole life by the lds church, i am a member still because i love the members so much and wish they will wake up.

[@ethanrichard4950]

@@fabiolasalazar4544 I've been going to a baptist church, so you might try that. Although, not every baptist church is the same, my experience has been wonderful for my growing in my relationship with Jesus.

[@suehall2774]

Thank you for your encouragement! We have moved from Missouri to Kentucky and a total new community. 30 minutes from any size of town. I agree with your points and a year later we are still seeking a full gospel church. Thank you again!

[@SunblushStarfish]

This is so helpful. Have left a VERY weird church and been struggling to find a good church. This is going to help me, thank you.

[@Jaxmusicgal23]

Our was weird and they hid it well until last year both the Pandemic and rioting over the summer brought out their true feelings and control. We were shocked…

[@eusebiofredericks3621]

Am a pastor in namibia.. This video is a great video thank you so much.. Biblical teaching and the word of God is the only source to sustain us.. No added revelation..

[@hisbeloved1323]

Baptism is important because your old life is gone and now your walking into your new life in christ

[@debrahj.knight433]

In our current circumstances, I have been attending church remotely, “attending” a few that I have come to love from my home. The churches in my small town are either closed or restricting attendance per regulations. I love my chosen churches, including that of Pastor Coates in Alberta and a Calvary Chapel in California. What you have said here makes me feel eager to listen to your lessons. I spend most of my days in the Word. Thank you for this valuable introduction to who you are and what your values are.

[@Mochachocalatteyaya_]

This was very helpful. I’ve been going to the same church since I was a child. Now that I’m older and More intentional about growing my relationship with God I’ve grown wiser. I no longer feel like I’m growing at my church. I’m starting to see and hear things that I don’t see in the Bible. I feel like God is telling me I need to leave that church, but I’m not sure if that’s God or the devil trying to isolate me. I just keep asking God for a sign. I live in a huge city (Chicago) there’s churches everywhere. I’m thinking I’ll just start with local churches.

[@jennifersmull1003]

Avoid asking for a sign. Ask for wisdom and discernment. And remember that if you have been a believer for a while it is time to start helping the young believers to learn to read and pull from the Word of God for themselves. Those of us who ear meat don't need to go to milk for nourishment.

[@lucienelson]

ayana sumlin “Feeling”? Check your heart and intentions

[@Fernando-qs7bl]

I hope your feeling the same way now because you were not growing, how could you if judgement has begun there. If judgement has begun there means Jesus is not there, and he may have been drawing you out like right now, if you dont believe me please read Matthew 24:15 and 1st Peter chapter 4:17,and 2nd Thesalonions 2:3+4.

[@Theescapist_87]

I'm really glad I found this video. There is a local church near me that I gave up on after one visit. The visiting pastor wasn't heretical, but his sermon was very surface level and felt like it had no point. However, they are active in discipleship, have sound doctrines and have a thriving community of believers who genuinely want to have a relationship with Christ and follow him. Now I feel like I should give them a second chance, so I'm going back this Sunday to visit again.

[@lynnbehnke6910]

We are looking for a new church and within the denomination, all the ones we've visited have been scriptural. I so appreciate you mentioning the other things that can be weird, and that the members need to be people with whom we can fellowship, and it needs to be a place where we can serve. We are well educated, but poor. When the congregation and pastor use very poor grammar, it's distracting. (And I feel guilty and judgemental about that.) When we know we can't participate in their fun activities because we can't afford it (even though they kindly offer to pay,) it's just awkward. Sometimes I just get creepy vibes from the people. Sometimes the church has so many paid staff positions, it doesn't seem like there's room for volunteers. In our 45 years of marriage, we have left two churches--along with other members--when the teaching became strange. We were so involved in fellowship and service that it's awfully hard to try again, especially since Covid has extended our time away. Please pray that we will find a new church home.

[@scottberchtold7761]

Thank you for this video. My wife and I have been attending a church for over 12 years,we got a new pastor. After a year with him he said some things that I couldn't overlook, I started looking for another church. Very big decision. I meet with another pastor tomorrow.

[@melodymomma8200]

Great video even from 5 years ago! I sure wish my husband and I could have a nice long conversation with you over dinner or something! 😂😂

[@s.hylton6884]

Just the advice I needed, Mike! Thank you!

[@kennethmacgregor6427]

Great video. Thought I would add a comment... Does the church place a priority on corporate prayer? I have been attending a church for a few months and observed there is no time set aside in the morning service on Sunday for prayer. No Sunday evening service, no mid week prayer service or Bible study. Church prayer requests are shared via a weekly email and people rarely share prayer requests or pray for one another at the church property. Starting to sense in my spirit something is not right

[@RaptorLacrosseTraining]

Thank you for this message, i needed to hear it, and please pray for me. God bless!

[@Justus272]

Hi Mike, just a suggestion, you could timestamp the list in the description to make jumping to each point super easy. Love your work man.

[@MissMarie1377]

47 seconds in and I am LOVING this! Can we please spread this message far and wide? Too many things are feelings based today and it's not a good thing

[@ryanfischer1112]

This seems like a video for folks who know the Bible very well, what would you suggest to new Christians that are looking for a church home? How can one use use good Christian discernment without very good knowledge of scripture? Also on church hopping, what would you suggest for men and women in the military or someone that is constantly moving? At some point, it seems as getting to a point of vulnerability is essential to our walk with God and with fellow believers but it's different when you have barely enough time to plant roots.

[@Mrpachuko13]

No reply.

[@amrosh791]

Ryan, I am obviously not Pastor Mike, but I would have a couple suggestions: If you are a new Christian, start by following the one who led you to salvation, assuming it was someone you interact with on a personal level. They almost always would have a church they go to, and you can get to know the people in that one. Then as you read and study, and learn, you will be led if you should stay there. If you don't have that person, then it definitely can be difficult. But I would recommend visiting a few, and praying a lot. Listen to resources you can find that are solid and biblical. and look for the things you learn in the churches you are visiting. Good doctrine, Christ like community, love for both other Christians and the world, etc. On military families or moving a lot, It is dangerous for a person like that to not be prepared, know what they believe and what kind of church God gives them peace about. I know a few people who do that, and they do leg work, and lean on their current pastor. People in the ministry can really be helpful in counseling in a move like that.

[@rrhinier]

Thank you! I just back to my home state, and I have been trying to find a good church. I attended an excellent church where I used to live, so it has been difficult as I find myself comparing to what I used to have. Thankfully, there are many good churches in the area. Now I just have to commit to one!

[@tylercobb1993]

hey Mike, I just wanted to give you a update on my two jw friends. the good news is that the one who had been studying with the church for 1 yr has stoped going and has started going to church with me, yeah God!! the bad news is, is that the other one is confident that her church that said Jesus returned in 1914 is the only true church. keep praying for her. keep up the good work mike ty sfc

[@MikeWinger]

That's fantastic news Tyler! Praise the Lord! I pray that God would keep blessing your friend and that the other person would have their eyes opened to see the truth.

[@nawynerwy6430]

Because soon I'm lost always

[@edgarkiunga2861]

great teaching Mike continue doing the wonderful work

[@astrolight5000]

Wish I saw this video many years ago 😩🤦🏼‍♀️ Thanks Mike

[@mcr5577]

Which church did God place you in? Why? Pray about what to do with that information.

[@takeylaharrison8079]

Watching this 8 years later… thanks for the Info

[@ak3220]

With #4 there should also be a question about what is done to keep children safe from preditors while away from their parents care. Aka...do they require two adults to take kids to the bathroom, etc...

[@saxmanjpr5092]

THANK YOU! I have been saying this for YEARS!!! This goes the same for ANYONE who is alone. There should ALWAYS be a 3rd person present for accountability even with people of the same gender since "the church is a haven for sinners!" That means gay people go to church too...and they are NOT there to repent! I can guarantee you that because I have SEEN the nasty take place "monday through friday!"

[@joshthesunofnun]

Very good advice.. A pity not many are forthright and sensitive in sharing such counsel. I remember a friend who advised "Don't keep searching for the perfect church as you may not find one". And surprisingly, there was a Pastor of an independent church who was sensitive enough to see and sense my uneasiness in the worship services and graciously guided me to another independent church where he felt I'd be more comfortable. It was five km away and a small house church, but it made worship meaningful for the next couple of years that I lived there.. So, Thank You Mike! Posting such good advice online is invaluable..

[@mariembuenaventura1278]

Very helpful!Content is solid 2015. So much improvement on the video quality at 2020

[@florencenyaga172]

Thankyou so much it's so detailed and helpful. GOD BLESS YOU. FLORENCE FROM Kenya

[@osi4410]

You definitely know what you're talking about

[@woodshavings51]

Boaz Ofondu Not as much as you think.

[@johnyang1420]

I dont think he does! He cant trace his church back to Jesus. Catholic church can! Protestant churches were started by men! Jesus>men

[@osi4410]

@@johnyang1420 who started the Catholic church?

[@johnyang1420]

Boaz Ofondu Jesus Christ...33ad. All other Protestant churches are man made.

[@johnyang1420]

Google “107ad St Ignatius of Antioch letter to Smyrneans” where he calls all the believers members of Catholic church! Eucharist too! Sound Catholic? It is!

[@prosperotempest8606]

Thanks, Mike. Love all your videos. Checking out a local Calvary Church now. Nice Star Wars shirt.

[@danrhoda]

Great video Mike, what weight do you think being local should play, does it make sense to travel 40 or more miles or does pouring into a church that serves your community make more sense?

[@AlwaysLime]

I have this dilemma also.

[@itsyagirlana5201]

I’m glad this video came on my feed! I’ve been contemplating leaving my childhood home so I can choose a place of fellowship for myself as opposed to staying with what I’ve always known. I was hesitant to take any actual steps because I felt that I needed to have a better understanding of theology (as in different schools of thought ; Reformed etc). The more I read, the more I realized that I was taking an approach that compels me to rely on my academic knowledge as opposed to faith (if that makes sense), and so I’m going to take a step back, pace myself accordingly and dedicate to growing in my faith and use discernment. Thanks! These are some great questions to ask. God bless. 🥰

[@MikeWinger]

+marthaj67 I don't seem to be able to respond directly to your post. This is probably just the way your settings are on google+ or KZbin. I just wanted to say THANK YOU! You have opened my mind to a real need in the church. I'm not sure what to do about it yet but I do hope that I can at least pay more attention to special needs children and youth in our ministry. My heart goes out to your family and others in their shoes. I sincerely pray that God would show you a way to be in fellowship. If I could just offer you one idea (which you may have already considered). If I were in your shoes I think I may just look for a very small church as this might present a better environment for my kids. In a smaller church there is more room for the leaders to tailor the ministry to the needs of the group. A special needs child in a youth group of only 7 or 8 kids would likely be more easily embraced and better attended to. I would also consider simply going to the youth ministry WITH my kid. As a youth leader I can tell you that I would be fine with a parent staying with their children if there was a need so long as that parent was a decent example to the other students. As a last ditch effort I would consider hosting a group of believers (whoever I could find) to meet and fellowship, to pray and read the Bible, at my own house. I hope that you do find this comment in the mix and even if my ideas don't work for you then I am still happy to have learned something from you and had the chance to pray for you. God bless you

[@marthaj67]

Mike Winger Thank you so much, Mike. I forgot that I changed my settings. As I'm sure you know, anonymity can bring out the worst in humanity. I just decided I didn't need the aggravation of dealing with hateful people. You may not currently have any "special needs families" at Hosanna, but chances are good that you may at some point. I just felt led to leave my previous comment because (and this is alarming!) according to the CDC, about 1 in 68 children have been diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder AND about 1 in 6 children in the US have some kind of developmental disability (www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html). I'm not trying to frighten you. I just thought you might want to be prepared for the eventuality that there will be families who have kids with special needs searching for fellowship. Sometimes they need it even more than parents raising typically-developing children. Trust me....we know all about it :O/ Both of our sons have Down syndrome, but our younger son, whom we adopted as an infant, is also on the Autism spectrum. As a result of his dual-diagnosis, he is quite a bit "lower functioning" than our older, biological son, and he doesn't care for being out of his comfort zone. Anyway, we're a special case. It's doubtful that Hosanna will incorporate very many families like us into fellowship, but you never know who God will send your way :O) We have previously considered much of what you suggested, which makes me feel better. Thank you for your thoughtful reply. Maybe we will find a church to attend on Sundays for the boys, which might also have a mid-week service that my husband and I can alternate attending for fellowship, teaching, and corporate worship. It could also be that God is leading us to begin a ministry for special needs families. We live on the other coast, but if we're ever in the area, we will certainly make it a priority to visit Hosanna. Thanks again and God bless you.

[@MikeWinger]

Thank you and God bless you!

[@chloesoh537]

Mike Winger Hi I am 11 and I am afriad that my mother and I will go to different churches.What do I do? And I want to know if churches teach the same thing as other churches

[@justjosie8963]

ThingsAreToughAllOver our large community Church in my area added special needs children classes/care during services a few years ago. I would bet some of the larger churches all over are doing this.

[@Emanuel_carey]

Mike Winger hey!! What are your thoughts on the apocrypha? I have read it, and haven’t came seen any true deviation from the scriptures.

[@ro13243]

Thanks for this video. You really helped me.

[@keiocorp]

Great. This video really helped us in making a very important life decision.

[@Nicolee7764]

This is very helpful. You did an excellent job at covering so many areas that needed to be addressed. Thank you & God Bless!!

[@marthaj67]

Hi, Mike. I'm a new subscriber to your channel and I'm SO glad I found it. We have not been to church with any regularity in almost six years. I know this is not your area of ministry, but I thought I would mention it because you may not even be aware of the need. Our spiritual needs are a bit different than most families. We have two sons with special needs (ages 13 and 7) and finding a church with a Special Needs Children's Ministry has been impossible. With Autism diagnoses skyrocketing, it's going to be a major issue for a lot of families very soon, if it isn't already, and it breaks my heart that most churches don't even seem to be aware of the need. We live in a very well-populated area, full of military families, and so far the majority of the Children's Ministry Pastors/Coordinators I have contacted have acted as if they've never even heard of Special Needs Children's Ministries! The ones were familiar were unable to direct us to any local churches that provide them. So, needless to say, we stay home every Sunday. I'm very grateful for online resources like your channel, so that I can at least study Scripture and listen to sermon podcasts to keep my mind focused on Christ, but it would be nice to have fellowship with other believers and for our boys to grow up in a church family. We have prayed for six years that God would lead us to a church where we could ALL get fed, as well as use the gifts that we've been given to bless the family of God, but so far our search has led us nowhere. I suppose where there is a need that is not being filled by the local church, we must step up and fill it, but neither my husband nor myself has any ministerial training. We don't have any idea where to start. Anyway, I just thought I'd mention one of the major things that we look for in a church yet have been unable to find. Maybe there are other families experiencing the same thing and it might be nice for them to know that they are not alone. Thank you for what you do and I pray that God will continue to bless you, your family, your ministry, and Hosanna Christian Fellowship.

[@daughterofaking4115]

ThingsAreToughAllOver I will be praying that you are led to a great church with special needs teachers and great church family that will welcome you home

[@andreapolk134]

Thank you for this post. I am a speech therapy assistant and have a heart to work with children with special needs and lately it has been on my mind to be part of a special-needs ministry at a church. I never thought about it from the perspective that parents might not want to go to church if the kids can’t be discipled who have special needs. I think that one of the things I need to look for in a church is a church ministering to children with special needs!

[@gingermaldeney8036]

Really liked what you had to say. You spoke the truth. I only have one thing to say please Worship is for God. And the sermon is for man. The worship should. Is the most important God bless

[@dr.dermixgirlmd7479]

Great way to put it, often I rush into church in time for the sermon as the worship is winding down- I won’t be doing that anymore. 🙏🏽

[@carbon273]

I’m getting Allen Parr vibes from this video.

[@nicos645]

I appreciate you powering through a sore throat to make this video, Pastor Mike…Even if I’m only see it just now, 6 years later!

[@GeoJackDouglas]

I liked this video. That point # 8, though is somewhat unavoidable. I think all churches have their quirks, though probably not any fault of their own. A lot of times, I noticed it is a community thing. For example, and this could overlap into #6, the outreach question, some churches have members that go everywhere so they may emphasize overseas mission and the like, whereas other churches in the inner city must meet the needs of that community, so there may be an emphasis in what is called the "social gospel." Of course, the weirdness factor could present itself if the overseas one neglects the needs of a neighboring city and the inner city one struggles to go outside it's limits so they give up on that idea... It really is a tough decision sometimes. Thanks for sharing Pastor Mike.

[@SaneNoMore]

Remember when Churches had Bible study then Sunday morning service, Sunday evening service and a mid-week service? Now it's just Sunday Morning and in my town almost all the churches (except mine) were closed on both Christmas Sunday and New Years Sunday. It is a sad statement about our dedication to what is most important.

[@all2gethernow846]

Its not about going to a good church, its about going to the "true Church" where they teach and put into practice all of Gods laws and commands.

[@DeeMoney-rj4rj]

Faith in Jerusalem Our Heavenly Mother ?

[@sketchbook1]

Especially (and I should point out, EXCLUSIVELY) the Commands of CHRIST-- the Law of Love and the Law of Grace. NOT the written Law, but the Living Spirit, Who gives life. "He has made us competent as ministers of a NEW Covenant--not of the Letter but of the Spirit; for the Letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Cor. 3:6

[@sketchbook1]

EMS 76 Whose sentence are you critiquing?

[@benwade7334]

Faith in Jerusalem our Heavenly Mother???? That makes my heart hurt. There is no heavenly mother, only Jesus.

[@Laurenski67]

Very balanced & helpful!

[@brendalinn1152]

It's also important to find a church that does not tolerate abuse: sexual abuse, domestic violence, harrassment, etc. etc. Many churches do. :(

[@MegaDiva1999]

very true. add racism to the list of non negotiables.

[@lucarich8711]

HEAR HEAR

[@amaqueen9012]

Let’s not leave out same Sex loving🙏🏿

[@ea-tr1jh]

@@amaqueen9012 what is "same sex loving"?

[@MenacingRabbit]

e546a 850 it means Adam with Steve instead of Adam and Eve.

[@jtothee713]

This is quite the task; finding a good church. It becomes difficult b/c what is said can be polished and made to sound biblical. However, the things that are only seen by multiple visits and experiences are harder to judge. Each church has a culture.- even the most legalist church will say all the right things (except that they are legalist). Some churches preach the word yet the congregation has a 'christian club' culture and friend 'circles' that excludes outsiders. I've experienced both. It is a tough task indeed and unfortunately may require spending some life seasons in bad ones to best understand what the good ones are.

[@Tribulation_Harvest]

Here is an issue I have and I would like to get your take on it. It's about worship. I take issue when the songs are not being sung directly to the Lord. Example: "I am a friend of God, He calls me friend." Well, to me, that's a song ABOUT God and my relationship with Him, but it's not a song sung directly to Him in worship. It's more like a song directed to self to make me feel good about myself. Hey, I'm a friend of God! That's not my goal in participating in worship. My goal is to worship the Creator and focus on Him, not on myself. I prefer songs that speak directly to the Lord, like "You are God alone, from before time began." I notice that when the worship is directed toward God and singing TO Him instead of ABOUT Him, the moving of the Spirit is strong.

[@MikeWinger]

I often prefer songs that sing directly to God but I also see a place for songs that sing about Him. I see two reasons why songs about God are appropriate in worship. 1- We have the example of the book of psalms containing both kinds of songs. This seems like a good enough reason to accept them. 2- I think that there is great benefit in those kinds of songs as well. They glorify God by proclaiming who He is and what He has done and they unite us in that purpose as well as teach us about Him. Now, I do think you have your finger on another issue that is worth mentioning. Some songs are man-centric instead of God-centric. I suppose that when we ask "does this glorify God?" we can separate the better songs from the rest and keep ourselves from songs that seem to put us at the center instead of God.

[@Tribulation_Harvest]

Mike Winger We can't really keep ourselves from songs that put us at the center because we have no control over what the worship team/music ministry sings. I tend to just sit down and wait for the song to end. It really destroys my worship time and I leave church frustrated.

[@MikeWinger]

Ken Souza I've been in a situation where the song that was chosen wasn't something I wanted to proclaim and affirm (even though it wasn't wrong outright) and it has been helpful for me to just take that time to pray worship to the Lord. When I stopped concerning myself with the song and just focused on worshipping my Lord it was great.

[@Tribulation_Harvest]

Mike Winger I know it seems I'm fighting you tooth and nail, but after reading your response, I question how we can effectively worship if we're trying to block out the worship team (who are using microphones) block out the loud music and block out everyone else around us singing the lyrics of the song while we try to worship on our own for that brief moment in time. I guess you have a gift that I don't have because my focusing abilities aren't that good. This is why worship time is so frustrating for me. Either I have to sing a song I don't want to have any part of, or I have try to separate myself from the body during worship in order to worship God on my own. If I'm going to be worshiping God on my own, I might as well do it at home.

[@MikeWinger]

I understand your frustration but I think you may be overreacting. I only offer what advice I think may help. I checked out the lyrics of the particular song you mentioned and nothing about it was wrong outright, it was biblical as far as the lyrics are concerned. I understand if it doesn't help you in your particular situation but it seems to me that when you move from "I don't enjoy this or that particular song" to "I may as well not attend a local fellowship" that you do yourself and other believers a disservice and it would do good to give thought to our call to seek unity and involvement in the lives of other believers (see Ephesians 4).

[@rylencason4420]

My church gets an A+ in all of these categories. I'm sticking around it as long as possible.

[@Yarah777]

My Ex-Pastor had one foot in the Church and one in the World. He walked funny, and gave very bad advice.

[@NalediGoldinah]

Thank you so much for this video

[@keithwilson6060]

Here's a very good beginning filter: Mark off ALL churches which are members of the National Council of Churches. They are mostly parody "churches."

[@juanitadudley4788]

I've been in church since the womb and never heard of them. So, I checked them out online and saw their statement on racism. I wonder if they may support Critical g Race Theory and the wokeness infecting so many churches and religious organizations today. I don't support either, but I think I have more of a problem with churches with black lives matter signs than rainbow flags.

[@josephdennison4890]

May add to your list a couple of things? These thing are more practical questions. 1st issue ,vwhat is the protocol for children s ministry? Are their background checks on anyone who works in children ministry. Is there background checks on the leadership of the church. What is the experience of the teachers ( are they novices or are they seasoned saints.) How long must you attend the church before teaching a class. Do you have to be a member of the church to teach? what is a teachers interview like. What are the rules about being alone with a child. The 2nd issue for me would be how much time does the pastor spend in prayer and studying.the Word. Any other duties of a pastor become secondary.

[@faithmomlife1504]

Fantastic video! I agreed with every word!

[@nyhuismanagement8680]

I think you also should add. Is God calling you to be apart of this body. Because there is no perfect people and when choosing a body you are choosing what broken people am I following God into serving and worshipping God with. Because it really is not about us but rather about Him. Great list and hope it is true of our congregation.

[@phyllisdevonish859]

What if I haven't found a good church??? A lot of Churches don't read Scriptures!

[@Jaxmusicgal23]

Find an online person to listen to and hand pick some Christians you meet and form a Bible Study and prayer group. We had to do that before we moved because we lived in a small town. Our Pastor went off his mental and spiritual rocker after his dad died of old age and changed ALL the doctrine of the church and no one questioned or stopped him… We ended up not being able to find another church so this was our solution until God brought us to where we live now.

[@jamesgorham7125]

Amen Amen 🙏 right on point and good teaching, the Word of God is still relevant today 🙏

[@dontbother8373]

If you go to a church merely because it makes _you_ feel good, or its what _you_ like, you're basically making church attendance a selfish endeavor and declaring Christ and His one truth a matter of personal opinion.

[@phillipoutzen3234]

This was interesting. As a member of a small church that we want to grow, I was curious how we would stack up to these tips.

[@busybody1474]

OR.... you could do what I did, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the perfect Church, and he certainly did !!! 🙄

[@lecourageuxame100]

busybody1 same!

[@zenpapi1185]

Yeah and the Holy Spirit has given us the WORD of God, and a lot of these guidelines are biblical

[@adammeade2300]

Does your church teach you to be condescending to good advice? 🙄

[@zenpapi1185]

Adam Meade if you find my comment condescending you need to spend a little more time in your word or at your church

[@adammeade2300]

Exonerable XL I don’t have a church, but I do spend my own time in the word everyday, as well as listening to sound scriptural teachers throughout the week. Yes, the Spirit will absolutely guide us to a good family if we learn to be good discerners, but there’s nothing wrong with heeding the advice in this video, either. If I mistook your tone, I apologize.

[@BellaBankes]

This answers so many questions for me. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@grahammyers3197]

Or even weird like not believing in the gifts of the spirit i.e.1 Cor 14 !!

[@rhogston8405]

This is very helpful. I am looking for a church now. God Bless

[@aaronjones9785]

I have autism and struggle with the whole fellowship and church thing

[@eduardorivera3198]

Keep it up, I trust the Lord is going to place you in the right church and with the right people were you can simply flow in love for them and vice versa

[@bradleywillcox2442]

Wow I never thought to break it down like this but subconsciously I was doing some of this. Great great great video. I love you and your work Mike.

[@rebeccahaskins2023]

I need to feel like I belong

[@dougseely1174]

The first thing that he said was don't trust your feelings. Many if not all cults make you feel like u belong

[@christiec3127]

This guide really helped me. Having little kids and moving to a rural area has complicated things for my family attending church. The churches in my are have a barrier that you discussed in one way or another. I do need accept no church is perfect and that I can't go into a church and effect change without upsetting people. My pragmatic leadership style causes me to criticize and offer solutions. In my last church my husband and I were serving in the worship, A/V, and youth ministry plus working full time. Many people were disappointed and even upset when we backed out of leadership roles when I got pregnant then we moved. Now I just watch sermons online. I can't seem to find the healthy balance. Please do a video on what healthy service vs stagnation looks like. My last pastor burnt me out.

[@AdherentApologetics]

Joel Osteen should watch this lol

[@marlamackiewicz4097]

I am seeing this for the first time. Thank you for this video.

[@mosesr4278]

I feel that there are not to many good churches to find anymore. Many in Bible study don't study straight from the Bible. They use other books and I find myself defending the Bible in these Classes.

[@havenofear7033]

Don't believe KZbin propaganda from disgruntled and jaded "believers" who say God is unable to maintain His spiritual organism, the corporate church. There are many faithful congregations around the globe. Not all, but most Calvary Chapels remain faithful to verse upon verse expository teaching and have loving congregations that serve each other and evangelize. I encourage you to take this complete list of Mike's to heart and celebrate the fellowship of Jesus. Every member is needed for the body to operate in a healthy, organized and continuing way.

[@havenofear7033]

Not sure why you scripture-bombed me, but if i were an unbeliever that wouldn't have convinced me that you personally care for my lostness. The Word of God, rightly applied is a well-spring of life to those who are seeking, but to those who are in rebellion, it is the smell of death. Jesus loves you and I wish you the best. Rest in the Lord., He does the work., We just testify of His goodness. Peace to you.

[@jesusisthetorah3447]

Many Christians have turned away from sound doctrine and have embraced lawlessness inevitably joining in the ways of the world and partaking in the traditions of man. In order to know him we must walk as he did and keep his commands and that is exactly what they have abolished in their faith.

[@jesusisthetorah3447]

They must confess breaking the laws of God and their need for a Savior.

[@kerothomas2200]

@@jesusisthetorah3447 keep to the Christian, it was all one whole big church until the western cathlocs and the eastern orthdox split those 2 churches especially the coptic orthdox church follows everything from the bible since the time of jesus

[@GrammaPeachysKitchen]

I Church hopped off and on for many years. And then one day up out of the blue the thought suddenly popped into my head to interview churches instead of going for a month or two to decide if it could my church home. So for several years I quit going to church and interviewed churches instead. Your 10 questions are very similar to what I came up with for my interviews. I am happy to say that several months ago I found a pastor who passed my interview and I started attending church. I am being baptized September 2nd (I was baptized many years ago but feel a strong need to do so again, but that's a whole different story) in a local Lake at my request. I am going to become an official member of this church and the pastor has talked to me (after several visits) about becoming a part of the Christian Board of Education and we're talking about me taking over Wednesday night youth Sunday school for 3rd through 5th grade children. This would actually be a childhood dream come true. For the first time in my life I am truly happy in the church I found and I don't feel those warning flags that told me to run like everywhere I went before. I look forward to church and being involved in church. It is a small congregation that have welcomed me with open arms. Thank you for this video. And I strongly recommend anyone looking for a church home to follow your advice and interview questions.

[@77megapixels53]

Soooo, all of the nearly 30,000 denominations assert they are the one true, real, actual, church, just the same as you are merely asserting that your interpretations are the one, true, real, actual interpretations. How could I ever tell the different between this one, true, real church and the other one, true, real church down the street? And the other one, true, real church down the other street, and the other one, true, real........

[@benwade7334]

Easy. Read the Bible. Run your questions through the filter of God's word. See what comes out on the other end. A great place to start is the 7 letters written to the churches in Revelation.

[@JesusMary_I_Loveyousavesouls]

Jesus started the church 2000 years ago and it is He, himself who started when He said to Peter in Mathew 16:18-19 you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it. In John 17:20-25, Jesus prayed for their unity that they may be one so that the world would believe that you have sent me. In Ephesians 4:4-5 Paul says there's only one body and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called. One Lord, one faith, one baptism one God and Father of all. In Titus 3:10 Paul says warn a divisive person once and then warn them a second time. After that have nothing to do with them. Martin Luther was warned about this and given chance to repent but he resisted. Now look at the confusion he has created with over 40,000 denominations, millions of people confused, each church teaching whatever they want whether it's right or wrong. This was never God's intention if you read scriptures properly. Jesus Christ only started one church!

[@johnyang1420]

Ben M You are right! Google “which church did Jesus start?” Catholic Google “who founded the Catholic church?” Jesus...mike drop!