Finding a faithful church
The Christian life is lived with a local church. Here's what to look for.
Why you need a church
The New Testament knows nothing of a Christian with no church. Believers are a body; each part needs the others. Church is where you're taught, cared for, corrected, and given ways to serve.
Marks of a healthy church
The Bible is preached faithfully, explaining what the text actually says and applying it.
The gospel is clear: salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
Baptism and the Lord's Supper are practiced as Christ commanded.
Leaders are qualified, accountable, and care for people (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1).
Members love one another, pray together, and call each other toward holiness.
Then commit
No church is perfect. Once you've found a faithful one, stop shopping. Join, show up weekly, meet with the pastor, and look for a small group.
From Scripture
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
Put it into practice
- Use the church finder to pick two churches to visit this month.
- After a visit, ask: was the Bible opened and explained? Was Jesus clearly preached?
These notes are pastoral commentary. Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible.