What Should You Look For In a Church?
Recently, when one of my children needed a new car, we made a list of criteria: low mileage, one or two previous owners, and it must be clean and run well.
Similarly, finding a biblical church requires clear criteria. Whether you’re relocating for work or feel your current church isn’t biblical, it’s essential to know what to prioritize in your search.
The Bible outlines numerous criteria for selecting a church, but which are the most critical?
The first criterion for evaluating a church is how serious it takes God’s Word.
While one might assume that all churches respect the Bible, many only offer token platitudes. Most affirm the Scriptures yet fail to embody the Bible's teachings.
Paul’s exhortation in his letter to Timothy illustrates his deep convictions regarding the Word of God. These convictions led to biblical actions.
“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:16-4:2).
Paul believed the Scriptures are powerful to save the sinner.
It was from the Bible that young Timothy came to faith. Through the sacred writings he learned he was a sinner and God was a great Savior.
This must be the conviction of every Christian—that God’s Word is what opens the sinner’s mind and leads to salvation.
Next, Paul’s convictions concerning the Word of God deal with the Bible’s origins.
Paul affirms, “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16).
This phrase reveals that God’s Word came to us from Him. The Greek word for "inspired" in this verse is to be understood as “breathed out by God.” The human authors of the Bible were divinely guided by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:2-12).
One’s views of the Holy Bible will determine one’s practice within the life of the local church. Paul’s conviction of the Scriptures drove his methods in ministry. Paul had high respect for the Bible.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness: so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction" (2 Tim. 3:16–4:2).
Paul placed the Scriptures in their rightful place. Notice the language: “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”
Paul viewed God’s Word as sufficient for all ministry within the local church. It was profitable—"helpful, useful”—for every ministry need.
Each one of these nouns—teaching, rebuke, correction, and training—reveals the Bible as an indispensable tool in the life of the church.
Paul’s view of the Bible’s ability, origin, and usefulness shaped his convictions and ministry efforts.
In summary, the search for a biblical church necessitates a deliberate approach rooted in a biblical foundation.
To navigate this journey, it's imperative we prioritize churches that hold God’s Word in high esteem and embody its teachings in their practices.
Evaluating a church through the lens of biblical convictions, as exemplified by Paul’s exhortations to Timothy, will guide you toward communities that not only affirm the Scriptures but also live by them.
By doing so, you can find a church that nurtures your faith, equips you for good works, and ultimately fosters in you a deeper relationship with God.
His for the Master,
Jason
Similarly, finding a biblical church requires clear criteria. Whether you’re relocating for work or feel your current church isn’t biblical, it’s essential to know what to prioritize in your search.
The Bible outlines numerous criteria for selecting a church, but which are the most critical?
The first criterion for evaluating a church is how serious it takes God’s Word.
While one might assume that all churches respect the Bible, many only offer token platitudes. Most affirm the Scriptures yet fail to embody the Bible's teachings.
Paul’s exhortation in his letter to Timothy illustrates his deep convictions regarding the Word of God. These convictions led to biblical actions.
“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:16-4:2).
Paul believed the Scriptures are powerful to save the sinner.
It was from the Bible that young Timothy came to faith. Through the sacred writings he learned he was a sinner and God was a great Savior.
This must be the conviction of every Christian—that God’s Word is what opens the sinner’s mind and leads to salvation.
Next, Paul’s convictions concerning the Word of God deal with the Bible’s origins.
Paul affirms, “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16).
This phrase reveals that God’s Word came to us from Him. The Greek word for "inspired" in this verse is to be understood as “breathed out by God.” The human authors of the Bible were divinely guided by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:2-12).
One’s views of the Holy Bible will determine one’s practice within the life of the local church. Paul’s conviction of the Scriptures drove his methods in ministry. Paul had high respect for the Bible.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness: so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction" (2 Tim. 3:16–4:2).
Paul placed the Scriptures in their rightful place. Notice the language: “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”
Paul viewed God’s Word as sufficient for all ministry within the local church. It was profitable—"helpful, useful”—for every ministry need.
Each one of these nouns—teaching, rebuke, correction, and training—reveals the Bible as an indispensable tool in the life of the church.
Paul’s view of the Bible’s ability, origin, and usefulness shaped his convictions and ministry efforts.
In summary, the search for a biblical church necessitates a deliberate approach rooted in a biblical foundation.
To navigate this journey, it's imperative we prioritize churches that hold God’s Word in high esteem and embody its teachings in their practices.
Evaluating a church through the lens of biblical convictions, as exemplified by Paul’s exhortations to Timothy, will guide you toward communities that not only affirm the Scriptures but also live by them.
By doing so, you can find a church that nurtures your faith, equips you for good works, and ultimately fosters in you a deeper relationship with God.
His for the Master,
Jason
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