Are you trying to find a good church? Mark Larson of Eternal Investments for God presents these attributes of a good church to help you know what to look for during your search to find a good church home.
Attributes of a Good Church
While considering a church, it is a good idea to make sure the beliefs of the church agree with what the Bible teaches. A few beliefs to make sure a church has are expounded on below. You can usually find out a church's beliefs by visiting their website.The Bible is inerrant and infallible.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God…"2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
Believing that the Bible is inerrant and infallible simply means that it is true. It does not contain false teachings and it is consistent in its doctrine. Simply put, the Bible is God's Word. This is a fundamental belief of a good Christian church.
The Bible is the guide for all faith and practice.
"…and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
A good church should base its actions, ministries and policies on the Bible and its teachings. It is the guidebook, if you will, for leading a God-honoring life and operating a God-honoring church.
God has called each Christian to share the Bible and God's teachings (evangelize).
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Every person claiming to be a believer, or Christian, is called to share his or her faith with others. A church that encourages its members to share Jesus Christ with others is a church that recognizes this call.
Where the Bible is clear, a church should be emphatic. Where the Bible is silent, a church must allow people freedom.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)
"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand."
Romans 14:1-4 (ESV)
There are many gray issues and topics in the world today. A church understanding 2 Corinthians 3:17 and Romans 14:1-4 realizes it should proceed with caution prior to taking a definitive stand on a topic in which the Bible is not clear.
Jesus Christ is God in human flesh.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."John 1:1 (ESV)
Churches that believe the Bible is God's Word and uphold the worthiness of its content will undoubtedly teach that Jesus Christ is God in human flesh. Jesus Christ being God in human flesh is a belief that serves as a cornerstone of Christianity.
All people are eternally lost; salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone and is apart from human works.
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."Luke 19:10 (ESV)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
Although a good Christian church will encourage its members to help others, share their faith and practice spiritual disciples, this same church will teach that salvation is by faith alone.
All ministry that is effective must be empowered by the Holy Spirit.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."John 15:5 (ESV)
Coating efforts in prayer and asking for God's presence is an essential aspect to the effectiveness of any church ministry.
God moves in response to the united and personal prayer of those that believe in Jesus Christ.
"The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."James 5:16 (ESV)
A good Christian church will recognize the power of prayer and will often practice this discipline during services.
The glory of God is the motive of the church's ministry.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
According to the Bible the chief end of any Christian, and any Christian church, is to glorify God. Make sure that the church you choose desires to please and bring glory to God.
If you have any questions or comments you may e-mail Mark at question@EI4G.org.
Mark Larson, guest contributor for About.com, is the founder of Eternal Investments for God (EI4G) an organization dedicated to designing and promoting creative evangelistic outreaches. Mark feels led to inspire and equip Christians with original, timely and effective ways in which they can share their faith. For more information visit Mark's Bio Page.
