Psalms 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD Shall flourish in the courts of our God ( KJV)
BE PLANTED AND FLOURISH
Rev Brandon Bailey told the story of a woman who has been in a particular church for forty five (45) years. In those years, the church had three (3) pastors.
He was surprised to see someone who stayed in a church for that long. He asserted that one of the reason old time Christians have a strong walk with God is because they stayed in a church to be fed. They weren't jumping from one church to another seeking "new" experience.
It can't be that in forty five years, the woman wasn't offended. There's a possibility of offense and misunderstanding between her and a member or one of the pastors yet she didn't change her church. She resolved her issues and kept enjoying fellowship with the saints.
We have so many teachings on pastoring today. Most ministers conferences are targeted at pastors and ministers but we have few that teaches people to be responsible members.
One of the several excuses people give for changing church is offense. In ten years, some have changed church thrice looking for church of angels. They fail to realize that offense is common where humans are.
A number of believers are not growing spiritually because they are not planted in a local church. They eat different spiritual diets from different puplits and this has led to their stunted growth. They want to be part of a popular church in town yet they are not growing spiritually.
Mothers know that a child that eats around doesn't grow. Growth is for a child that stays with the mother for constant nourishment.
The psalmist says(vs 13), "Those that be PLANTED in the house of the LORD Shall FLOURISH in the courts of our God.
Stop looking for "special" churches all over the place. Some have been deceived to think that some churches have a "special" covenant with God that makes their ministries better than the other.
This deception is fueled by the unbiblical utterances made by some pastors to water down other ministries and elevate theirs. If you check those churches, they have members who are not different from those in other churches. They only share the good side with public.
If you're looking for a church to attend, the criteria should simply be that which is stated in the bible- A new testament church which is the ground and pillar of truth headed by Christ.
Paul says in 1Tim3:15 "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, the PILLAR and GROUND of the TRUTH"
If the word of God is taught in truth and your church is a portrait of a new testament church where discipleship is important, please stay there even If it is not popular. Be planted and flourish.
Am I planted in my local church or i'm truant? Before concluding that you're not growing in that church have you submitted to the growth structure( sunday school, discipleship class, house/ cell meetings, bible study, prayer retreats, conferences,etc) of that church? If yes, for how long?