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However this early church was not perfect. They had some problems. The letters of Paul were to a large extent his advice to the churches on how to handle these problems. The questions raised concerned such things as backsliding, disunity, church discipline and irreverent Communion. Even in its early days the church needed to be aware that it was not perfect. Needless to say, Paul's advice is still relevant for the church today.

CHOOSING A CHURCH.
Understanding what a church fellowship should be like, you may now have the problem of finding a church to join. Some may have been in a church for a long time, and be familiar with its life and problems. If you do not have a church background this is not as easy as it may sound. You may decide to go to the church which is nearest to where you live. It would be very convenient if you could belong to a fellowship within easy walking distance of your home. However two things need to be borne in mind. First of all, every church is different, even those within the same denomination. We are not all the same, so some churches may be more right for us than others. Secondly, churches are made up of human beings who are fallible and who sometimes get things wrong. The differences are caused by the amount of emphasis that each particular fellowship places on each area of the church's life. Some may stress the importance of their worship, some the preaching of the Scriptures, some evangelism and others service to the community. It may be that the stressing of one aspect may cause other areas to be neglected or omitted. Look for a church where the ministry includes all that the early church found needful and precious, and where there is a good balance of all the activities of church life. Within a church which is active and growing there may be some evident tensions. It is important that the church has a process for reconciling differences, because in a fellowship there needs to be a basic unity, with people who are at one in heart and mind. If there are obvious divisions, or personality clashes causing unresolved friction and disunity, then that church is compomised.

It is as well to realise at the outset that there is no such thing as the perfect church, or one that is in total accord with our own ideals. Before making a decision visit the churches from which you can choose. Ask God to give you positive guidance about where he wants you to be. If you go as a family be sensitive to the needs of each person, from the oldest to the youngest.

These are the kind of questions to ask. As you share in the worship do you sense the presence of God? Is the preaching scriptural and powerful? Is there a commitment to prayer? Are the people warm, welcoming and loving? Is the leadership strong, with the support and respect of an undivided fellowship? Is the church outward looking with a concern for the people in the area and a desire to address their needs, both spiritual and material? From a negative aspect make sure the church is not self-obsessed and not inward looking, indifferent to the world outside. Also that it is not cliquish or riven by splits, that the people are not contemptuous of the leadership, or critical or uncaring of each other. Make sure too that a leader is not over-demanding of your allegiance and obedience. Rather than to any man, your primary allegiance is to Jesus.

It is also necessary to know the church's articles of faith and its rules. Knowing these beforehand can prevent regrets later on, because some of the rules may not be scripturally based. For example some fellowships insist on re-baptism into that church, In fact we are baptised into Jesus in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and not into a denomination or particular church or leader (1 Corinthians 1 vv 13 to 15). Again a church may tell you that if you leave that church you will lose your salvation. However, salvation is in Christ , and in Christ alone, not in being part of any church fellowship. You come into fellowship because you want to and believe it is right. You must be free to leave it if you believe you should. A church may demand control over aspects of your life, your possessions, occupation or marriage. Whilst it is right for a church to give advice and scriptural help in all these matters, and it is important to listen and bear this in mind, in the last resort the individual alone is responsible before God for his decisions.