1. The church of Christ…  The church universal. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18 RSV) And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:22-23 NKJV) Acts 2:47; Eph. 4:4; 1 Cor. 12:13  The church in the local sense. I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, (Romans 16:1 NKJV) To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2 NKJV) 3 John 9,10; Acts 9:26,27; Phil. 4:2; Rev. 3:5; 20:15

2. Are There Hypocrites in the church?  Hypocrites in the local church? Galatians 2:4  Hypocrites in the Body of Christ? Revelation 3:5  If the hypocrites in the local church are keeping you from being obedient to Christ then that just means that the hypocrites are one step closer to God than you are! Hypocrite: play-acting; with special reference to religion; “acted insincerely” (Zondervan Bible Dictionary)

3. Medina, TN 2/28/16

4. Questions Some Ask…  Do they have a gymnasium?  Do they participate in church sports leagues?  Do they have an early service?  Do they have a day-care?  How big/small is it? Convenience?

5. More Questions Some Ask…  Is there a sense of family and friendship (love and compassion shown toward one another) among those who attend there?  Are the facilities accommodating, clean and well maintained?  Is the message given from the pulpit one that is easily understood?  Are there other children there?  Do we feel comfortable there?  Is the congregation active?

6. Important Questions…  Does the church you are considering worship in “spirit and in truth”? John 4:24  Does it wear the name that saves, which is Christ? Acts 4:12  Is the scriptural plan of Salvation preached? John 3:16, Luke 13:3, Matthew 10:32-33, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15-16  Does it preach the “One Body” or Church that Paul spoke about which Christ is the Head? Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:4  Does it ultimately look for a “thus sayeth the Lord” for all things that are done? Colossians 3:17

7. Final Questions…  What can I do to help this church? (Romans 12:4-8).  Will the leaders discipline me and hold me accountable? (Hebrews 13:17).  Will this church require me to sacrifice? (2 Samuel 24:24).

8. Sources  What Are People Looking For In A Church? – Article by Bill Crews  Church Shopping – by Steve Higginbotham