What is the meaning of the word “Church”?
The word church means that which is called out. We are “called out” of the world system that we might freely worship God in Spirit and in Truth. We are “called out” of sins and service to the devil. We are “called out” of confusion (Babylon). In the New Testament, our word “church” is translated from the Greek work “ekklesia”, which means an assembly of called out people.
Read Acts 2:30 and I Corinthians 1:9

In what two ways is the word “church” used in the New Testament?
It is used to describe the “whole Church”, made up of all who have died after receiving God's salvation through Jesus Christ, those living who have received salvation, and those whom God will call in the future
Read Matthew 16:18 and Hebrews 12:22 & 23

It is used to describe a local Body of Believers who have been called out from the world and who are under the government and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Read I Corinthians 1:2, Revelations 2:1, 8, 12, 3:1, 7,14

How does one gain entrance and membership into the local Church?
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as Savior is demanded.
Read John 3:36 and John 8:24

Repentance and Water Baptism is required of all its members.
Read Acts 2:38, 41

God must add the members to the Church.
Read Acts 2:47 and Acts 5:14

How do we find “our place” in the local Church?
We develop a burden or desire for some particular phase of service
Read Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 37:5

Commit your way wholly to God
Read Psalm 37:5. Bring a notebook to services and take notes from the messages

Be faithful in attendance
Read Acts 2:42 and Hebrews 10:25 Complete the Catechism class

Read God's Word regularly and pray
Read Psalm 119:11; 105 and Romans 12:7

Commit your ministry to prayer, counsel with the Pastors and wait for God to give you opportunity

When the opportunity for the Laying on of Hands arises in the local Church, submit yourself for your ministry to be strengthened and confirmed
Read I Timothy 4:14 & 15 and II Timothy 1:6

What generally speaking, does the Word of God say about commitment?
Our first commitment is to Jesus Christ
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
Read: Luke 5:27 ; Luke 8; Matthew 4:19 and John 15:7

We are not only called to follow Jesus, but to hear and obey what he says
Mark 4:24 and James 1:22

Commitment to Christ is commitment to His Church. Colossians 1:18. God is calling you to get in the local Church and work for Him with all your might
Ecclesiastics 9:10 and Hebrews 10:25

God's perfect will for your life will be realized as you press into Christ. Through service in his Church, you will find fulfillment nothing else will provide
Luke 9:62 and Philippians 3:14 and Luke 9:24

Specifically, what should you look for in a local Church?
Look for a Church that teaches and preaches righteousness without compromise
Isaiah 40:11a, Ephesians 5:27

Look for a worshipping Church
I Corinthians 4:!7 and John 4:23

Look for a Church, which will love you and care for you
Hebrews 13:7

Look for a church that loves your children. Remember children will become like their closest friends. Proverbs 13:20

Give schedule of services for children and youth

Look for a church with a well-balanced ministry according to the Scriptural pattern
I Corinthians 12:28; Acts 13:1 and 14:23

Look for a church that is vitally involved in soul winning
Acts 1:8

Look for a church that prays and intercedes
Matthew 21:13

Look for a church that promotes family activity and harmony
Ephesians 4:15

Look for a church that believes for the miraculous touch of God. Acts 5:11, 12. The powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit in signs, prophecy, and healing gifts of the Spirit are a part of how God moves in His Church

Look for a church that will assist you in finding God's direction for your life. Look for a church that will train you to find your place of ministry

Finally, look for a church with a proven “track record”
I Timothy 3:15