Should We Choose A Church Like a U-Pick Farm? (Or Let Jesus Pick?)

Jesus wants to gather His body together, to assemble His ekklesia. Jesus said in Matthew 16:18: “I will build My church (ekklesia).” But will we let Him? It seems that we have made going to church like a U-pick (pick-your-own) farm instead of letting it be a God-pick!

The people in Jerusalem would not allow Jesus to assemble them. Jesus put it this way: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which kills the prophets, and stones them that are sent unto you; how often would I have gathered your children together, as a hen does gather her brood under her wings, and you would not!” –Luke 13:34

How do people in the 21st Century usually choose a church? According to various surveys, when people are asked how they chose their church, they give answers like these: the pastor, the preaching, the doctrines, the friendliness of the members, the influence of friends, the children’s (or youth) ministry, the music, the location, and/or the building.

Perhaps a more effective reason for choosing a church would be the direct leading of God — allowing God, Himself, to tell us where to worship. Here are 3 steps to let the living God pick a place of worship for you:

1) Ask God: “Where do you want me to worship?”

2) Listen and hear His answer in your heart.

3) Be faithful to worship where He tells you, even if it’s not your personal choice.

Paul of Tarsus put it this way: “But now has God set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased Him.” –1 Corinthians 12:18 (NKJ) Will you allow Jesus to build His church and set you in His body where it pleases Him?

Jesus on water

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About Steve Simms

I like to look and think outside the box. In college I encountered Jesus Christ and I have been passionate about trying to get to know Him better ever since. My wife and I long to see the power and passion of the first Christ-followers come to life in our time. I have written a book about our experiences in non-traditional church, called, "Beyond Church: An Invitation To Experience The Lost Word Of The Bible--Ekklesia." If you need encouragement, search for: Elephants Encouraging The Room and/or check out my Amazon author page. Thank you!
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2 Responses to Should We Choose A Church Like a U-Pick Farm? (Or Let Jesus Pick?)

  1. That’s true… it now about Jesus not about me but at the end of the day Jesus knows whats the best place for me to be. We must be able to hear him when he also tells us to move…

  2. #3.) was the hardest for me, always has been “Be faithful to worship where He tells you, even if it’s not your personal choice.” However, i know God will use me where i am.

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