If we like the menu and food at a restaurant, we eat there. If we like the prices and selection at a particular grocery store, we buy our food there. If we find a favorite mall, we do much of our shopping there. We’re used to choosing where we spend our money and time. Why not do the same with churches?
It’s not uncommon to find some people who move from one church to another throughout their lifetimes. For a while, they may prefer the pastor at one congregation, but then they get tired of him and go someplace else. Likewise, they might like the activities and the people at a church, but then a disagreement or falling out occurs, and they leave that church for someplace else. Church membership is only as consistent as a person’s feelings and relationships at the moment.
A Different Kind of Membership
There is, however, another way of looking at church membership—a way that has staying power. It’s not ultimately concerned with whether the pastor is friendly or inspirational, but whether he’s telling the truth about God. It’s not necessarily concerned with whether the members are outgoing or whether the church has enough social activities, but whether the church stands fast upon the Word of God.
If you select a church based on the human qualities of the pastor or people, you’re making a selection that’s bound to change as easily as the pastor or people themselves change—like shifting sands in the prevailing winds. That’s why we want to direct your attention to the Word of God as it’s preached and taught, and not to personalities or creature comforts. As 1 Peter 1:24-25 states: “For all men are like grass and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord stands forever. And this is the Word that was preached to you.”
In John 8:31-32, we read that Jesus said to those who believed Him, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” We’re concerned about abiding in Christ’s Word of truth as His disciples. There’s nothing wishy-washy or willy-nilly about abiding as Christ’s disciple. Becoming a member of a congregation is to be something more than joining and quitting in an easy-come, easy-go way.
Many churches today want to emphasize that they’re friendly—which is important. Many want to emphasize how many programs for fun, fellowship, and convenience they may offer—which are important also. But how many claim to have the truth? Friendliness, convenience, and social interaction are all good things, and you’ll find them at Lakes Region Lutheran Church, but they don’t provide your assurance of salvation on the Last Day.
Our primary concern is proclaiming Law and Gospel faithfully so that you have that assurance. The Law shows our need for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It shows that we need forgiveness. The Gospel isn’t for people who think that they are “basically good.” The Gospel is for broken-hearted sinners who need the life that Jesus gives through His gifts, earned by His suffering, death, and resurrection. You’ll find Law and Gospel faithfully preached and taught at Lakes Region Lutheran Church, and you’ll find friendliness, convenience, and social interaction as well.
Thanks, and a tip of the hat, to Rev. Joel Brondos for the inspiration for this church-shopping page.