By LARRY STOVER | Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene

There has been a growing trend among Christians during the past decade or two that they are fine with a relationship with Jesus Christ, but they would like to forget being a part of a church family.

I’m at the head of the line encouraging people to get an up-to-date personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

There seems to be a shrinking number of people who are very serious about a 24/7 relationship with the Savior. They attend church out of convenience, habit or trying to impress people.

I remember years ago meeting a young man who enjoyed attending a large church in the city where I was a pastor. They broadcasted their Sunday morning service on local television.

Whenever the camera would come in his direction, he would jump up and down hoping they would put him on the “air.” He would go home and call all his friends to see if they saw him on TV that morning. That is just wrong.

We do need a revival in our faith. People need to get serious about Jesus Christ and His church. He is the Savior of the world who alone can really change and transform their lives into an image of God.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians that when they made the decision to become a follower of Christ, everything would be changed. The old ways, lifestyles, and bad habits were gone. Everything took on a new perspective as it related to Jesus Christ.

We are living in a needy and hopeless world. A spirit of despair seems to be gripping more and more Americans. If there ever was a time that we needed to get right with God and get involved in a good church, the time is now.

I will admit that finding a good church is very difficult in 2015. There are a lot of OK churches but it is hard to find one where you fit in and can be nurtured in your walk with God.

No church is perfect. I hope you are happy to hear that. Because of that, don’t spend your life trying to find that elusive dream church. It doesn’t exist!

There are some very important elements of a good church. First of all, it needs to be a Bible believing church that preaches, teaches and practices the values and standards of God’s Word. Church is about worship and encountering a Holy God when we come into His house.

Secondly, you need to establish a great relationship with the Pastor. Most churches revolve around the personality of the minister.

Find some time to take him out for lunch or invite his family to your home for dinner. There are endless ways you can get to know your parsonage family better.

Lastly, build relationships within the church family. One of the greatest assets of a local church is that they build solid relations among the people.

That brings people to the church. They can’t wait for the doors to open so they can be with their church friends.