How to Find the Right Church for YOU - in Bend, Oregon

What Flavor is the Church?
Contributed by Doc Adams
When looking for a church, what is the most important factor you consider: the pastor, the worship, location, or maybe the size? Here in Bend, Oregon you can find almost any flavor of church. From conservative to liberal, although you will be hard pressed to find snake handlers here Bend.

More important than finding the right flavor of church is understanding what the church is. When you find that right church for you or you and your family what makes it a great church? For most people who attend church on a regular basis, it’s because of the pastor and his/her personality.  But what happens to a church when the pastor leaves?

What many people don’t understand is that the church is not about the pastor. The church is you. Do you take ownership in the church you attend? Whether it is in a metropolitan area or here in small, but beautiful Bend, Oregon, the church where you fellowship is yours. 

I heard one pastor say, “I don’t do bulletins.”  What he was referring to was that the members of a church should be responsible for the activities of the church. Too much expectation is put upon the pastor. But why? Pastors may come and go, but you do not. You are the church. 

The Church Is YOU
I would like to encourage you to take a walk. Go to your church and walk through each room. Look around. These are your rooms, your tables, your chairs, your carpet, your pulpit, and your altar. No, this does not mean you can take them home. It means that you are responsible for people who walk through the doors of your church. You are responsible for the actions and direction your church is taking. 

Take ownership. YOU are the church.

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