Unless you’re one of the rare Christians who have grown up in their current church, we’ve all gone through the sometimes difficult process of searching for a new church. Checking off our list of requirements is a familiar drill: Is this church sound in doctrine? Do I like the pastor’s sermons? Are the people friendly? Is the worship music inspiring? What’s the children’s program like? Is the church staffed well? How are the finances? Would I bring a friend here? Where do my spiritual gifts fit in?
But a few weeks ago I was reminded of another important question to ask any potential new church when someone emailed me and asked me to pray for them. They said they were looking for a new church and wanted to be a part of one that served its widows and single moms well. They asked me to pray that they would find a church like that.
What a great question to ask any potential new church: Is this church serving its widows and single moms well? (And widowers, single dads and others with long term needs, I might add.) The answer to that question will tell you how well the church understands the love of Christ and its implications for its church members, especially needy church members.
So the next time you go church hunting, be sure to include that question on your list.
Not looking for a new church? Then, “Is this church serving its widows and single moms well?” is not a bad question to ask about the church you are attending now.
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
A Simple Ministry Concept with Profound Implications
Teams of four men serving widows, single moms, fatherless children and others with long-term pressing needs in their churches and communities.
