7 Ways to Rate Your Church
January 1, 1999
Money magazine annually rates the 300 best places in America to live. The ratings are based on climate, affordability, amenities, crime rate, public transportation, medical care, and other factors. A similar approach has been taken with churches. Several major metropolitan newspapers regularly review churches. A religion writer makes an unannounced Sunday visit and analyzes everything from the sign on the outside to the sermon on the inside. Like restaurant and theater reviewers, some writers even use ratings, from one star (poor) to five stars (excellent). Before protesting the impropriety of such ratings, reread Revelation 1-3 and recall the biblical reviews of the seven churches of Asia Minor. Most people rate church atmosphere within the first 15 minutes of their first visit. They may not be able to fully explain how they reached their conclusions, but here's what they're likely looking for: 1. Sensing the presence of God
People expect God to come to church. I wish I could define what exactly people are looking for. I can't. I guess it's like beauty—you know it when you see it even though you can't put it in words. In Steve Macchia's book Becoming a Healthy Church, he tells the story of a pizza delivery person walking into the new ministry center of Community Covenant Church in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. Ten feet into the building, he stopped and asked, "What's going on here? What's this presence?" Just as people can sense the presence of evil, they can sense the presence of God. For some who have never before experienced God, this single characteristic may determine their choice of church. Experiencing the supernatural is such a high priority in today's culture that its importance dwarfs everything else in rating a church's ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
