Guidelines For Picking a Biblical Based Church

 

How do you know the church you are considering is the right church? How do you know the church you are attending is the right church. This decision is a critical part of the believers' spiritual walk.  

It is in the fellowship of other believers that the relationship to both God and to man is nurtured with the results being spiritual maturity. This relationship of the believer to God is in the context of holiness. This holiness should be displayed by actionable / demonstrable love (John 15:12 ) and in obedience to God. (John 14:15,21) according to his word.

Due to the fact apostasy and heretical teaching abound in the institutional church of today, picking a church home is not an easy task no matter where you reside on planet earth. Not all churches are the same, an ever increasing number have abandoned Biblical teaching, making the task to pick a Bible believing church more difficult and time consuming. Despite the effort required in picking the right church it is vital that one do so, picking the right church can mean the difference between heaven and hell and reduce the risk of being spiritually deceived.

Before you continue, keep in mine there is no perfect church, the church consist of imperfect human beings,who are saved by the grace of God. This is not to say that the Biblical standard for choosing a church should be lowered but our expectation concerning those whom we encounter within the church should be reasonable and practical and with an attitude of forgiveness.     

There are numerous sites with varies criteria for choosing a church. I believe the Bible teach that assessment should be done in at lease the following 9 categories these categories should have an emphasis reflecting the 21 century church culture in light of the non changing Biblical directive. These categories are applicable regardless of church size. A church who is biblically sound in the following areas would typically indicate a sound church.

1. The Bible is taught systematically and in its entirety  (book by book verse by verse) - Matt 4:4; Acts 20:26-27;  2 Tim 3:16 This should be the main thrust of teaching from the pulpit and Sunday School, with and occasional topical study. Topical studies are typically done during the midweek services or classes during the course of the week, may also be taught between books during Sunday morning service.  2. Doctrinal Integrity - 2 John 1:9; Titus 1:7-9  - Ask for the church's doctrinal statement, read it carefully along with your Bible to see if it aligns up. If you read something that seems questionable or you don't understand what is being conveyed ask questions. If your questions are brushed off or treated with indifference, this is a sure sign that this is not the church for you; leave.

If the church has no doctrinal statement, leave, in an age where people are believing any and everything, it is imperative that a church clarifies its core doctrinal beliefs.
3. Doctrinal Practice - Doctrine for the sake of having doctrine is useless unless it's internalized and integrated into the behavior of the believer (Titus 2:1; James 1:22-27). Therefore a church based on biblical truth should conduct itself to the same. 

If a church's doctrinal practice differs from its doctrinal statement, leave. This practice of duplicity is a sure sign that something is wrong.		 4. Loving, Interpersonal Relationships among believers - There should be genuine care and concern for fellow believers John 13:34; John 15:12,17;  1 John 2:9;  1 John 3:17; 1 John 3:23;  2 John 5 
5. Biblical Separation - find out what institutional associations the church may have and what do these institutions believe.

Avoid a church that have associations and or invite those who do not hold to Biblical truth. (2 John 1:8-11)

 This is not and injunction against all associations with unbelievers. (1 Cor 5:9-11, 1 Cor 10:27) Paul encourage the Christian believer who is married to a non Christian to remain in the marriage as long as possible. (1 Cor 7:12-16).

The relationship association to avoid is one involving shared purposes and activities. This partnership is seen in the relationship context of those who are unequally yoked, with those (Buddhist and Christian or a Mormon and Christian, Non Bible believing church with a Bible believing church, etc.) who do right according to God's word and those do not follow God's word. (2 Cor 6:14). 		6. Evangelism of the Loss  / Missions  - This is a task given by Jesus himself. One should find and active involvement by the local church in participating and supporting missions. (Matt 28:19-20)
7. Discipleship - The church should be engaged in "making disciples". This "making disciples" should be brought about by sound Biblical teaching and exhortation to live out that teaching in the walk of life. 8. Do not rush to join a church take the time to investigate what the church is about. (1) Visit the Sunday school class  (2) Talk to others about the church, including the Sunday school teacher, on church beliefs and practices (3) take notes during the Sunday Service and review them (4) Attend the new beginners class if its available. These allow you to learn of the church's mission, vision, organization structure, etc  (5) Church Associations (6) Make arrangements to talk to the pastor if he has not already visited you.
It has been my experience that it takes about two - four months to gain a comprehensive understanding of what the church is all about (7) If what you have discovered about the church aligns up Biblically, by all means join, get involved with the church's ministry according to how  God has called / gifted you, support your church financially and with your time.  
9. Ensure that the following is not being taught: [Only the current major movements are covered]

(a) Word of Faith " - This movement is also  known as the 'name it and claim' or 'health and prosperity movement'. The teaching within this movement are;
   1. Denies the deity of Christ
   2. Demotes God and elevates man to Godhood claiming man is a    
       little god and God can only act in the earth realm if man gives   
       him permission through prayer.
For more information see article/video's  Word of Faith another Jesus another Gospel

(b) Purpose Driven - Teaching based of off Rick Warren books "Purpose Driven Church and Purpose Driven Church"  -
For more information see article Rick Warren

(c) Seeker Sensitive  - This is a technique that seeks to market the church through secular market strategy, surveys, polls and other business techniques, rather than beginning with scripture on what God says the church should be. This primarily is an attempt to please the unbeliever rather than Christ.
For more information on seeker sensitive see video's click here.

As and addendum and a bullet point summary the following is mentioned by Don Koenig from an article title "How to find a good Church" [1]

  • Avoid churches that allow those who live in a known sinful lifestyle to have leadership positions in their church
  • Avoid churches that add works, obedience, or keeping rules of their church as a requirement for salvation
  • Avoid churches that go beyond what scripture teaches to new "truths", doctrines and experiences
  • Avoid churches that primarily have seeker-friendly worship services orientated to attract unbelievers
  • Avoid churches that say unfulfilled prophetic scripture to Israel is now spiritualized to the Church
  • Avoid churches that avoid teaching certain parts of the Bible
  • Avoid churches that primarily have Bible studies out of books and magazines instead of the Bible
  • Avoid churches that have a woman as head pastor
  • Avoid churches that say tradition is as important or more important than what is written in scripture
  • Avoid churches that think Christian fellowship means fellowship only one or two hours on Sunday
  • Avoid churches whose leaders manipulate you or coerce you to do things you do not feel God wants you to do or has gifted you to do
  • Avoid churches whose leaders think they have a special anointing and who always have a new word from the Lord
  • Avoid churches that believe the gifts of prophecy and tongues can be learned
  • Avoid churches where prayer is by rote
  • Avoid churches that say other books besides the Bible are also the word of God
  • Avoid churches where salvation only comes from following their methodology of baptism
  • Especially avoid churches that do not hold to any of the foundations of the faith as found in the apostle's creed given below.


MODERN ENGLISH VERSION
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy *catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN.

*(catholic in this creed means the one universal church, not just the Roman or Orthodox Catholic denominations)

 

  [1] How to find a good Church by Don Koenig