Whether you’ve just moved to the area or have been here a long time, finding churches near East Galesburg can be challenging.
With so many options near Galesburg, IL, it’s not easy to find the church in East Galesburg that will be just the right fit for you. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. As a church in Galesburg, our desire is to help you grow in your walk with God.
East Galesburg is a small town with a big history. For those unfamiliar with the area, it offers a rural feel and close-knit community. Just a few miles away, Galesburg has lots of attractions the whole family will enjoy, including the Soangetaha Country Club for the golf enthusiast and East Galesburg has Martin Park which offers basketball and a playground.
The Best and Worst Questions To Ask If You’re Looking For a Church
Finding the right church isn’t easy. However, we’ve found that asking the right questions makes the whole process a lot simpler. Let us explain . . .
What Does the Church Offer?
This seems like an obvious starter question to ask. What activities and programs are offered, and will there be something for each member of the family? Are there kid’s programs, senior activities, college ministries, or marriage groups for those in my specific stage of life? Does this church cater to the things I already enjoy doing?
However, this question can hinder growth and keep you from exploring new opportunities. Instead of asking what the church offers, we encourage you to ask:
How Can I Serve In This Church?
Flipping this question on its head opens a whole new world of possibilities. Visiting a church without the specific ministry you’d like to see? You’ve just discovered a chance to meet a need. Jumping in with a can-do, hands-on attitude and getting involved in the church you choose to join will allow you, as a member of the body, to further the reach and scope of that ministry.
Do The Members Look Like Me?
This also can seem like a basic starting point when evaluating a new church. We feel more comfortable around people who remind us of ourselves: people who look, sound and act like what we’re familiar with. However, this question can once again limit our ability to serve Christ as a member of a functioning, productive church family. Instead, try asking the following question:
Do The Members Love Jesus?
Again, this question takes the conversation in an entirely new direction. The most important information you can learn about your new brothers and
sisters in Christ is whether they are passionate about learning His Word and doing His will. You may not have everything in common with them culturally, physically, politically, or socially, but according to Paul, there is unity and fellowship among every gathering of true believers. Stepping out of your comfort zone and learning to love believers of every kind is mirroring the love Christ showed when He was on earth.
Is This Church Convenient For Me?
We often find ourselves gravitating towards churches that are easy to be part of. Short drives, quick services, and social activities that don’t demand much of us spiritually can have their appeal. After all, we all live busy lives and have many social, physical and financial demands to juggle. Sometimes, it’s necessary to make a decision about which church to join based on practical factors like commute time or distance. However, it’s also worthwhile to ask the following question:
Will This Church Help Me Grow?
A church shouldn’t make us too comfortable. Instead, it should stretch us, challenge us, and help us live different lives today than we did yesterday.
However, sometimes a good sign that you’re in a church that’s alive and thriving is feeling a little uncomfortable when you walk out the door after the service. After gathering with other believers, you should feel challenged to make changes, confess sins, pray more, develop new habits, conquer harmful cycles, or learn new truths about God. Let yourself be in a church that confronts you in areas where change is needed, and you’ll experience the growth that comes with challenge and accountability.
Are the Services Entertaining?
We live in a fast-paced, entertainment-obsessed culture. We’re used to scrolling through our phones, flipping TV channels, and getting our drive-through meals in 5 minutes or less. Our attention spans are shorter than ever before, and we get bored easily. Thus, we often find ourselves looking for a church with sermons that will “keep us awake” or make us laugh. However, entertainment isn’t the purpose of a New Testament church. Instead, as you search for an East Galesburg church, consider asking the following question:
Is God’s Word Preached Clearly?
The Bible tells us that God’s Word will always be powerful and life-changing. A biblical Baptist church will proclaim the truths of God’s Word, faithfully and accurately, week after week, from the pulpit. Sermons that require a little more focus, attention, and concentration from their listeners are likely to be of more spiritual value than sermons designed only to entertain and fill the pews.
Should I Visit?
Visiting a new church for the first time can be a little intimidating. If you’ve ever visited a church where no one will say hello, shake your hand, or even acknowledge your presence if they don’t already know you, you might feel a bit reserved about walking in to a new place for the first time. We’d love to welcome you at Harmony Baptist Church, and we understand what first visits can be like. Our “Contact” page has all the necessary details for first-time visitors, but we encourage you to reach out to us directly before visiting so that we can get to know you a bit before meeting you. That first step can often be the hardest, but things will be downhill from there. We can’t wait to meet you!
