Mohr Family Travels
How do we find a church? What are you looking for? Our first travel location landed us in Amarillo, Texas. We immediately looked for a church to plug into, where we could glean from the community of a church and its parishioners, and our family could serve and encourage them as well. There was a fall festival in full swing at a larger church downtown, so we attended in hopes of meeting people and finding a temporary church home. I don't have a problem grilling a pastor, I tend to be a "get to the point don't beat around the bush" type of person anyway. Everyone is busy these days, plus I am truly excited to find a place to be on Sunday. When 'interviewing' a potential pastor I ask questions that can be answered swiftly:
Do you preach topically or expository? Expository preaching is our personal preference because there is less susceptibility to cherry picking verses to meet another person’s narrative.
If expository, what book and chapter are you in right now? He will either answer with a book you have read and studied or haven't. Either way, it is exciting to visit in depth a book you have been through, or one you now get to learn from!
Do you have a preference on what Bible translation you use? Personal preference. We enjoy NKJV, ESV, NASB, NLT
Does this church have an elder board or deacons? This is a good one because who is holding whom accountable? Do the people in charge have no one to hold them accountable for anything? Is it the pastor, one other guy, and a secretary? Just be careful.
What does your children's ministry offer? I don't bring my kids to church to be entertained. I bring my kids to church so they can experience other adults pouring the word of God into their little worlds. Maybe a Wednesday night volunteer will explain a parable in a way I haven't, and it clicks and sticks to my four-year-old. Perhaps they can be a witness to an established group of kids all coming together to praise God and know they aren't the only kids who are learning scripture and applying it to their life. However, you can rest assured, we do not give up one evening a week for formal entertainment.
Is there a men's group? Iron sharpens iron. My two big boys and husband have great discussions and fellowship at our home churches men's group. There needs to be accountability for men in the church, men's group can be a great resource. Be careful not to fall into a "club" of sorts.
Eventually we found a pastor whose convictions lined up with ours. Please note that convictions are not a hill to die on. Is God's words being preached? Yes?
Mrs. Mohr
Amarillo fun
