EDITOR’S NOTE:  The following is an excerpt from Experiencing the Truth by Anthony J. Carter (Crossway).

Introduction

Are you attending the wrong church? This question was the topic of an article in Gospel Today Magazine.¹ According to the article, much has been written addressing the absence of men in most churches today. Yet, little attention has been paid to the men who are in church and the reasons why they attend the church they do. There is a nonchalant, almost disinterested quality to the men who are in church. The reason, according to the journalist, is that many of these men are in churches not of their own choosing. Consequently, they may be in the wrong place for the wrong reason. What are these reasons? Topping the journalist’s list:

1. It was the church of your childhood or the church where you first received Christ.
2. It’s where you found the love of your life.
3. It’s conveniently located.
4. The music is good.
5. The pastor is cool.
6. It was recommended by a friend.²

Contrary to what many might think, these are not sufficient grounds for attending a church. The selection of a church home is an important and life-impacting decision. Therefore it should be done soberly, intentionally, and with prayer and counsel. Apparently, the author of the aforementioned article agrees. He offers six answers to the question, what should a man look for when selecting a church?

1. Look for a church where other men are actively involved in the ministry, and not just the men’s ministry.
2. Look for a church where you can find purpose and significance for your life.
3. Look for a church where manhood is celebrated and not desecrated.
4. Look for a church where there is a connection between the pulpit and the pew.
5. Look for a church where opportunities for leadership exist.
6. Look for a church where the needs of the rest of your family are met.³

Honestly, a man could just as well find the above listing fulfilled in a national fraternity or a local golf club. In reading the journalist’s suggestions, one is struck by the accuracy with which he unknowingly demonstrates the malady and even calamity that is the church in general and the predominantly African-American church in particular. In setting forth his suggestions for determining one’s church home, the author prioritizes issues of felt needs and a self-serving agenda. He fails to demonstrate the biblical knowledge and discernment that is needed to inform such an important decision, yet rarely does.