God refers to the Israelites as lost sheep. God blames their shepherds who led them astray. There is a message for sheep and shepherds - congregants and elders, respectively.
Congregants, choose your church wisely and take your time to let the teachings of the church and the practices of the church become apparent. I would allow 6 months or more to pass while you are weekly attendees. make sure that the church's statement of faith lines up with Scripture. Ensure that their teachings throughout the church line up with their statement of faith. Make sure that their practices line up with the statement.
Be engaged with the choosing of the church's elders. Get to know those who are proposed. Pray and fast for discernment if you are given the opportunity to vote on them. Be seeking the Holy Spirit's affirmation that the particular elder is being chosen by the Holy spirit.
Elders, as the church's shepherds, please take your responsibility seriously. You will be held to a high standard by Almighty God and you will be held to a degree for the souls for every member of the congregation.
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