What Type of Church of Christ Do You Want?

It has been a long time since I have heard anyone say, “Attend the church of your choice.” However, for most, finding a church home is still overwhelmingly about what makes them happy. For decades faithful gospel preachers have resoundingly opposed such a notion as unbiblical and we should be grateful for men who will oppose this pluralistic, denominational ideology. But couldn’t we say this is just as big of a problem among the New Testament church today?

Members of the church are quick to criticize those in denominations who choose a church according to their desires instead of Christ’s. But we can still be quick to move our membership at the drop of a hat for the congregation we want. Here are some of the top reasons:

The Preacher Is Not What I Want. He’s too loud, too quiet, too strong, too soft, too old, too young, too busy, or not busy enough. His sermons are too long, too short, don’t apply to me enough, or apply to me too much. He’s not a big enough name in the brotherhood or he’s too well known and therefore called away to speak elsewhere too much. Some have become too busy considering their desires for the preacher to ask what Christ wants. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Timothy 4:2). It seems that preachers today are judged according to everything but the qualifications of the New Testament.

The Members Are Not What I Want. Sometimes the complaint is about the elders. If some do not get their way with the elders they will quickly leave or stir up trouble. Other times the complaint is with the makeup of the congregation. Perhaps there are not enough young people. Some Christians with children want there to be other kids the same age in their congregation, repeating the lie they’ve been misled to believe: that Christian teens who grow up with a large youth group are more likely to remain faithful. The truth is many faithful Christians grew up without a youth group at all. Maybe the congregation is too big or too small to their liking. Maybe most of the members don’t have the right skin color. What type of local congregation does the Lord want? He does not judge by any physical differences (Galatians 3:28). Let’s be sure not to show partiality among God’s faithful.

The Doctrine Is Not What I Want. We live in a time when there are likely to be multiple congregations in a city of any size. Whenever differences arise some are quick to flee to another congregation which preaches a doctrine more in line with what they believe instead of working out the differences. I realize that there are times when faithful brethren need to leave a place that no longer teaches the doctrine of Christ (II John 9-11). But shouldn’t there be honest dialogue and study to try to correct small issues before they become larger ones? There are times when brethren leave a sound congregation because they allow their opinions to rule as doctrine in their own lives. Those who promote heretical doctrines seem to always be able to find a place to spread their lies — if not in one congregation, then in another. Division rules the day among churches of Christ because too many are no longer “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Instead of striving to teach and win these brethren back to Christ, we quickly dismiss them to the “liberal church of Christ” across town. The question should never be about what doctrine I want, but what the Lord commands.

I am a disciple of Christ if I forsake my desires and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). The correct response to title question is simple: I want a faithful church of Christ. That is all I need because it is all the Lord demands.