San Diego Church

Questions you might have picking a Church

Just how do you pick a Church?

What church is the best for your family to attend? This page provides a tool to evaluate San Diego Churches so that you are making a choice based on God's word. Finding a community for you to get involved in, grow, participate and hear God's word taught weekly will have a dramatic impact on your life. God tells us His word does not return empty. The benefits of picking the right Church are eternal.

Sometimes it is challenging to find out what churches believe. Many Churches have names that sound like they are "Christian" but they are actually cults according to scripture. (For example; Church of Christ, Church for Today's World, Church of Scientology of San Diego, Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, Church of the Latter Day Saints, Jehovah Witnesses, etc.)


How to Pick a Church in San Diego


1.  The AUTHORITY Test

  • As you look for a Church you should investigate whether they believe and teach that the Bible is God's inspired Word...that it is without error and that it is the final authority on every church matter?
  • Many Churches will use the Bible as a reference in preaching, teaching, but will not claim that it is God's Word and final authority.

    Kaleo's stance on the Bible

    The Scriptures ~ Kaleo believes the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the verbally inspired word of God, the final authority for faith and life, inerrant in the original writings, infallible and God-breathed (II Tim. 3:16-17; II Pet. 1:20-21; Matt 5:18; John 16:12,13).

Careful.  Many Churches have "added" their own traditions to the Bible's authority.   They place the words of a specific teacher or leader on the same level as what the Bible says.  They might use the Bible or even respect it, but it is not their ultimate authority.  This is extremely dangerous!  Some Churches have even gone so far as to add whole books to the Bible itself!

2. The DOCTRINAL Test

    For example, Does your San Diego Church believe and teach that:
  • -God created the world in six days, not by the process of evolution
  • -God is a Trinity--Three Persons in One (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)
  • -Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life
  • -He died on the Cross as the final payment for all sins
  • -He rose again from the dead on the third day
  • -He will appear one day again to judge the world
  • -Mankind is sinful and in need of a Savior
  • -Salvation is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ
  • -A person is saved when he/she repents of sin and trusts Christ as Savior and Lord?
  • -Does your San Diego Church believe what the Bible plainly teaches about all matters of faith and practice?

Nothing can be as confusing as figuring out what people really believe.  They might use the same words, but have different meanings for them.  Don't be afraid to check everything by what the Bible says!  Even the Apostle Paul encouraged people to measure the things he said against the Scriptures.  We should do the same today when we hear a preacher or teacher speak on spiritual things. (A thorough doctrinal statement with Scripture references, can be found here...you may want to print it out and check it over yourself, comparing it to the Bible.)

3. The SPIRITUAL Test

  • Are the "fruits of the Spirit" evident in the San Diego church? (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control--Galatians 5:22-23)
  • Does the worship service point you to Christ and cause you to worship God, or does it instead glorify people or rituals? Is the music style proper and fitting for the worship of God, or is it merely an entertainment/concert?  Would you say the music was "Spirit-driven" or "flesh-driven"?

4. The PURPOSE Test

  • Does this San Diego Church have a "vision" that is based on God's command to make disciples of all nations? To serve God's Kingdom by preaching, teaching and sharing the gospel? This is the purpose of the church. Learn more about the mission of the church.
  • Is this San Diego church serious about training and discipling people in the truth of the Bible? 
  • Is this San Diego church active in evangelism, outreach, service to the community, and/or in supporting mission works? 
  • Are the leaders of the church (and prominent members) good examples of people living holy lives the way Jesus lived?  Do they practice what they preach? Do they have proper elders to run the Church as scripture instructs? Most Churches in San Diego and around the world have lost a true biblical eldership. Read this for more information.

Biblically, there are some general purposes that every church should be seeking to fulfill.  They are worship, evangelism, training, encouragement, fellowship, and service.  It is important to find a church that takes these seriously and is actively working to make them happen.  These ideas collectively are called "missiology" or studing the mission of the Church as God planned it.

5. The FELLOWSHIP Test

  • Does this church have regular times for small groups?  (Bible studies, prayer groups, etc.)  Could you begin attending one of these right away?
  • Are there people in this church that you could get to know who could help disciple & befriend you? 
  • You want to make sure you find a church that you can become actively involved in.  Hebrews 3:13 and 10:25 make it clear that if you want to have a successful Christian life, you have to be involved personally in your church.  It isn't enough to just go to services on Sundays.

6.  The PERSONAL Test

  • -Do you believe (based on the teachings) you can effectively grow in your faith and worship the Lord at this church?
  • -Would you be willing to invite your friends to a church like this one?

It is important as Christians we not just take our faith as "our own personal relationship" but that we are called to be part of the body of Christ. With that said, although personal opinions aren't the most important thing in the world, they do matter.  If you don't like a church, you probably won't attend as often and won't be as committed to its vision and its leadership.  You need to find a place where you can grow, develop personal friendships with people, love the pastor, and be faithful in attendance. 

Conclusion

Although the initial search for the right church in San Diego can be frustrating and may take some time, it will pay off greatly in the end.  Church attendance and involvement adds such an exciting and dynamic aspect to your personal, family, and spiritual life.  It provides a place of rest and refuge when you are facing pressures and temptations, a place of encouragement when you are down and out, a place of hope and help when you are in need, a place of learning and instruction to help you become the person God wants you to be, and a place to find lifelong relationships with people that can love and befriend you.  The church is like a family...a wonderful family at that! 

Sure, no church is perfect, just as no family is perfect.  But if you discipline yourself to go often, and make room in your schedule for God, you will be glad you did.  Nothing is more precious and valuable and fulfilling than to worship the Lord with fellow Christians, to see your children brought up in learning about Jesus, to spend your time doing things that will count for eternity.  May the Lord bless you in your search for a church body to call your own! 

Prayer:  Lord, I need your help in searching for the right church.  I know I need to find a place that I can regularly learn your Word and worship you.  I want to find a place that You approve of, that will help my family and I grow in you, and that I can invest my time and life into for Your glory.  Help me find a place where I can serve You most effectively.  Please guide me in my search!           
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Churches Kaleo Recommends

Mars Hill Fellowship
Seattle, WA
Pastor: Mark Driscoll

Imago Dei Community
Portland, OR
Pastor: Rick McKinley

Northpointe Lowell Church
Lowell, MA
Pastor:Andy Chabak

Ecclesia
Houston, TX
Pastor: Chris Seay
Website

The Gathering
Mt. Vernon, WA
Pastor: Ron Wheeler
Website

Crossroads Church
Chula Vista, CA
Pastor: Matt Ortiz
Website

Seaside Church
Bremerton, WA
Pastor: Chris Swan
Website


Find Local Musicians
Musolist allows you to post free classified ads to find musicians for your worship team.

Church Reviews to help people find the right church to attend worldwide.

Musolist - Musician Classifieds - add to your worship team.