Now, there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast, and they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. Sir, they said, we would like to see Jesus. John 1221 a survey was taken by the National association of Evangelicals a short time ago to determine what people want in a church. Among the top answers were these friendliness, childrens programs, worship music, and sermons. To be honest, I was a little surprised by that last one. Im not surprised that it was not closer to the top of the list. However, the teaching and preaching ministry of the church is rarely at the top of the list of things people say they look for in a church these days. How does your church measure up? What do people think when they look at your church? What can be done to improve the ministry, the image, and the appeal of your church? These questions deserve our attention. Create Christ's kingdom is at stake, and the Lord depends on us to do what we can to strengthen and secure his kingdom on earth. No expense or effort should be spared to do so. But in the process, let's not forget to ask the most important question of all, what is God looking for in a church? While all of the things we want in a church may well be important, it is most important that we understand what the Lord wants. It is his church, after all. In the scripture noted at the beginning of this episode, a group of people came to Philip and said, sir, we would like to see Jesus. They hadn't come to hear fine worship music or to make friends, or because they had heard that the disciples offered a tremendous youth program for teenagers. They didn't even come to hear the finest sermons either. They came because they wanted to see Jesus. Is that why people come to your church? And when they come, is that what they get? Christ should always be front and center in the church. When people look at our church, when they look at us as christians, they should see Jesus. Whatever else we offer, whatever else we do, whatever else we want in a church, this fact stands alone as the most important of all. We want others to be able to see Jesus in us.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com dot. Have a great day and we hope youll join us tomorrow as Pastor Steve opens gods word to bring us another thought for the day.