Let’s face it, there are many Galesburg churches. Choosing the right church home is one of the most important decisions you and your family can make.
If you’re currently looking for a church in Galesburg IL, you probably have a lot of questions in mind. From “what time is Sunday morning worship?” to “where does the pastor stand on key doctrinal issues?” You have many factors, both major and minor, to consider.
If you’re moving to Galesburg, you’ll want to know that besides churches, Galesburg is home to the birthplace of the American poet, biographer,
journalist, and editor Carl Sandburg and Ronald Reagan’s first childhood home.
Our town is also home to Carl Sandburg College and Knox College. Harmony Baptist is actually within walking distance of Knox College. And the kids will enjoy the Discovery Depot Children’s Museum!
What Questions Should I Ask When Looking for a New Church in Galesburg?
As you browse various church websites and list out pros and cons, here are a few key questions to consider in your search for a Galesburg church.
What is the Preaching Like?
Preaching styles vary widely from church to church. Some are primarily designed to entertain, while others are designed to teach, exhort, and shepherd those who are listening. While fun story illustrations can be entertaining, it’s important that the messages from the pulpit offer substance as well as style. Do the weekly sermons cover the Bible systematically, including the more challenging passages? Preaching should expose you to all of God’s Word, without over-emphasizing or under-emphasizing any part of it. Some pastors start with a conclusion they want to reach, and then look for Bible verses to support that conclusion. However, preaching that’s grounded in God’s Word always begins with Scripture, and then draws conclusions from that encounter. Check out the “Sermons” page of our website to see firsthand what happens in the Harmony Baptist Church pulpit.
What is the Response to Preaching?
Take a look at church members’ body language during the sermon. Do they look engaged? Are their Bibles open? Members’ eagerness to engage with the Bible as it’s taught and read aloud can often reflect their interest in living out its teachings when the church service is over. Listeners who seem disengaged might be indicating a disconnect between the church’s stated goals and values and those of its members. A church that’s working together effectively as a body will demonstrate that unity in visible ways.
Do Church Doctrines Align With Scripture?
Scripture is the ultimate measure of whether a church is preaching the truth. Look closely at the church doctrinal statement. Does it emphasize and prioritize what the Bible does? Does it define Christianity, salvation, grace, repentance, and other key doctrines in a way that aligns with Scripture? The Bible makes it very clear that there is only one gospel, and it’s very important to make sure that the church aligns doctrinally with its core messages.
Is the Worship Style Biblical?
Not every worship style appeals to every believer. Some things are simply a matter of taste, preference, or habit. For example, many Baptist churches have a weekly time set aside to shake hands and exchange quick greetings with other worshippers. You may look forward to these few minutes, or you may find them awkward; it likely depends on what you’re used to. At Harmony, we set aside that time for before and after the service. Likewise, you may prefer music from a certain Christian college or publisher, and the churches you’re visiting may or may not share your taste. Of course, it would be impossible to find a church that suits everyone’s style preferences perfectly. Ultimately, the most important question to ask is, “does the worship style align with biblical principles and glorify God?” On our “Who We Are” page, you can check out “Our Beliefs” for a look at the doctrines we uphold as a church body.
Does the Church Love People?
Jesus commanded His church to love one another, as He loved us. One of the clearest ways to discern whether a church body is loving is by simply watching its members interact with one another. Observe how church members who are a little different than everyone else are treated. Do others reach out to them, or are they ignored or shunned? Are there a wide variety of different types of people in the pews, on the platform, and in positions of responsibility? Do church members speak to one another with warmth, care, and genuine concern? How are visitors treated? Are members eager to shake their hands, learn their names, and make them feel welcome? Or are visitors met with cold stares for sitting in the wrong pew or accidentally singing at the wrong time?
What About Monday?
Observing how church members treat one another on Sunday is very important when considering which church in Galesburg you want to attend. However, it’s equally important to find out what church members are like when Sunday services are over and Monday rolls around. As you chat with members, consider inviting them out for coffee or lunch and asking what the other six days of the week are like for them. What do they do for fun, and how do they relax? How do they apply the principles taught in the pulpit to their daily lives? Are they looking for ways to show the love of Christ to those around them? What seem to be their priorities when it comes to spending finances, time, and effort?
How Can I Serve?
After you’ve been visiting a church for a while, it’s wise to consider what you might be able to offer to this particular body of believers. Are there ministries that need an extra set of helping hands? Is there an opportunity for you to start a new ministry or spearhead a new initiative? Are there any clear financial needs you can meet, or is there a financial goal you can help with? Does the church have a vision or long-term plan that you can see yourself being part of? Maybe there’s a church member with a specific need you can see yourself helping to meet. Sometimes, asking “what can I give?” is just as important, if not more important, than asking “what can this church give me?”
How Do I Get Started?
When you’re ready for your first visit, it’s time to ask the practical questions. What time does worship start? Where should I go? What days are services offered? Our “Contact Us” page has the answers to all these questions and more.
