What Is Your Reason for Choosing a Church?

I had an interesting conversation with an old friend on my latest visit to the states.

As we were talking & catching up after the church service, he mentioned that he was going to a new church.

Nothing really seemed too odd about that to me because I know plenty of people who have switched churches from where they once attended for whatever reason.

For him, I gathered that, in praying about it, God had directed him to this other church… not because they offered more, but because they seemed to be struggling as a church.

At first, this seemed sort of strange to me, but as he talked about it, it made so much sense.

He felt that God wanted him to be part of the help that the church needed. He wasn’t going there because of all it offered him, but because he wanted to offer his service to that church in need.

I Have Stressed Over Finding a New Church When We Move

I will also add that I have been stressing about finding a new church in Orlando, when we move, because I will not go to a church & be okay if they compromise the Word of God (the Bible) in any way, shape or form… & that sort of biblical foundation can be hard to find in a lot of places these days, unfortunately.

I also really wanted to go to a church that had many ways to get involved & make friends.

But after talking to my friend, I realized I have very little reason to worry.

It’s easy to want a church with good music, good aesthetics, good programs, good ministries, ample Sunday school classes to learn & grow together… Bible studies even.

But what if God wants to send us to a church with very little of all that? What if God sends us there to help start some of that going there? To be part of the solution & growth?

Maybe He doesn’t want to send us to a ready-made church, but rather one which is a work in progress like me?

Church Isn’t Meant to be a Christian Country Club… But a House of Worship

I think it can be easy to subconsciously consider church to be a Christian country club where we go to be fed the Word & be encouraged by others to help fuel us each week.

But church is meant to be a body of worshippers, where all parts big or small, “important” or “insignificant” come together, all parts working toward the health & well-being of the whole… all there to bring God glory because of what Jesus has given for us with His life, death, & resurrection.

Do you serve in your church?

Do you get involved? Do you feel like you don’t know where to step in?

Do you feel you don’t have much to offer—time, resources, skill, confidence, ability, spiritual maturity?

The cool thing about the body, is that it needs even small things to run well. So, even if you feel your contribution can only be small… well, there you go… it’s still needed.

And as we work alongside each other, we share in the blessings of what God will choose to do with it… to multiply our efforts & use it to change the communities around us with HOPE.

Do You Go to Church to be Served… Or to Serve?

So, start by praying about it. Ask God where you can help where you’re at in life right now. Ask Him how you can contribute & be a part of the body of Jesus Christ in the church.

Don’t just come & take… come to give. God will help you if you’re willing to ask Him.

Never in a million years did I think I’d be doing all I do now, but I started small & God grew me as I continued to obey His lead in it. Now I am blessed to have been a part of so many wonderful ministries here on Guam—children’s ministry (teaching K4 & K5 what the gospel means & how God cares for them & paid for their sins)… choir & now praise team (that was so super scary for me, yet here I am!)… prayer team after service… & women’s prison ministry! PLUS this website, my blog, & YouTube channel! Never EVER in a million years!

God multiplies what we have when we offer what we have to Him!

Start small if you have to… & watch Him multiply it over time. It will amaze you.

Pray over it & obey as He leads.

Shine HOPE by serving in your local church, being a participating part of the body of Christ in serving others & working to give God all the glory!

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

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As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

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If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

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Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Convertible Wrap Necklace, Handcrafted in & Empowering Women Out of Poverty in India!

This elegant, gold-tone necklace from India will give you a custom jewelry piece your versatile wardrobe needs! This Convertible Wrap Necklace is beautifully crafted with a detailed gold-tone chain featuring a toggle closure and gold charm. The toggle feature allows you to wrap the necklace around for a more layered, shorter look or wear it long to elevate any piece of clothing!

Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops.

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!