Is Coronavirus Ushering in the Antichrist's One-World Government? They have convinced themselves that speaking the truth by itself is the best way to love. But Jesus was clear that discipline is an act of love: If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. There are many other amenities people look for in churches, but these are the most important qualities. And isn’t that why we’re joining the church in the first place? - God accepts us, not based upon outward appearance or even our works, but by his grace towards us in Christ.

Ungodly leaders use discipline to protect themselves against those who threaten their power (3 John 9–10).

On top of this, the challenge becomes increasingly difficult when we aren’t really sure what to look for in the first place. “Successful” Christian leaders (meaning those with large churches and ministries) write books on leadership which seem based more upon management and marketing techniques than upon Scripture. In HELP!

Are the leaders committed and equipped to minister God’s Word, not just publicly before a crowd, but also to individuals and families who need comfort and encouragement (Acts 20:20)?

Are people accepted and welcomed into this church regardless of age, ethnicity, social background, spiritual weakness, or differences on secondary issues (such as educational choices for children, views on food and drink, the place of children and youth programs in the church, views of the end times/ rapture, etc.)? The most important doctrine on which a church must be clear is that of salvation (Galatians 1:8). They all love Jesus and the gospel. We shouldn’t select a church just because they focus on the things we like or cater to our desires.

He is also concerned about the influence that doctrinal error and immorality may have on others in the church.

5. It has often been said that there is no perfect church. When my wife asks me how she looks, if her makeup is running and her hair is messed up, letting her go out in public without letting her know might spare her feelings in the short term, but it isn’t loving. Love always speaks the truth. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. Sure Sounds Like Amazon’s New ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV Series Is Going to Have Nudity, Yet Another Survey Shows Christian Pro-Life Support Dropping, ‘SNL’ Drops This Weekend’s Musical Guest Because, COVID, RELEVANT’s Definitive Ranking of Sufjan Stevens’ Albums, Why You Should Be Going to Church — Even If That Looks a Little Different Right Now, Living As a People Pleaser Will Suck You Dry. In these models, the leader is regarded as the key to success.

God’s worship is still holy under the New Covenant. Thanks for the welcome Pam. Paul Tautges Christian Blog and Commentary, A Prayer for Patience & Peace - Your Daily Prayer - October 7, 7 Things to Do When You Know You've Made a Mistake, 10 Verses to Memorize and Pray for Healing, The Failure of History - Crosswalk the Devotional - October 8, Our Heart's Desires - In Touch - October 7.

A brand new mini-book answers these questions, and more. Find a good church so you encounter Jesus and help others encounter him. They speak the truth harshly and tactlessly. - A faithful preacher preaches only the Word of God, his sole authority. What to Look for in a Church #5: Church Unity and Fellowship. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2020, Crosswalk.com. Many churches say they preach the Bible, but the content and intent of the passage don’t shape the message. Some don’t even believe that they are called to do so, but refer their members to outside “professional counselors” who may offer unbiblical advice. But if he won’t listen, take one or two more with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. The church is not merely a crowd gathered on a Sunday. You were created and saved for great things. You can find more of his work on Facebook or you can follow him on Twitter @tedwardsccc. Commitment to Expository Preaching “Expository” means the content and intent of the Bible passage shapes the content and intent of the message preached (Mike Bullmore). Paul also encourages the body to practice redemptive discipline in 1 Corinthians 5. Not all worship is acceptable to God (Isaiah 1:14; Matthew 15:8–9). Paul said that he was eager to go to Rome to preach the gospel to believers (Romans 1:15). Learn more. Is this a church in which others will disciple you and you will have opportunity to disciple others?

Whenever sinners work together in close quarters, whether in churches or in families, conflict and disappointment will arise.

Some have been looking a long time. - Church leadership in our day often seeks to reflect the charisma, drive, and vision which our culture looks for in leaders in business or politics. for sure.

First, let's look at what the church should have, and second what the church should not have. This is not a document only for Americans The fifth thing to note about the encyclical is that it is written for the entire world, not just for the church and not for the United States. Does This Church Have an Outward Focus—Missions, Evangelism, and Church Planting? Members of the local congregation are responsible for one another’s discipleship, both collectively and also individually. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.” (1 Corinthians 5:6).

The heart of God bleeds and breaks for the lost. Are members free to use their gifts and even to start new ministries?

Based solely upon Scripture, here is a list of the ten most important questions to ask yourself and a few selected thoughts under each (the author fully develops each in the book). He seeks worshipers who worship in spirit (sincerely and from the heart) and in truth (John 4:23–24). Have Churches Killed the Idea of Romance? HELP! They put people out for minor doctrinal differences or infractions. Is this Church Centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ? So, what should we look for when searching for a church home? By this I mean they should have the courage to practice church discipline on those who refuse to repent from sin. You don’t want to wander around for many months from church to church when you could be building up a church family and glorifying our Lord Jesus. Most commonly fail to practice church discipline. Is the Bible Faithfully Preached Week after Week? Join a church where leaders and members remind and equip you for the disciple-making mission Jesus established for all his followers. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. What you should expect to find in a good church. Does this Church Equip Its Members to Serve God? Yet visiting churches and checking out websites is time-consuming and often frustrating. Does This Church Community Have a Culture of Grace, Love, and Peace? Being Gospel-centered means we are fully reliant on the grace of God for all we do. There are lots of the theological arguments between denominations and even between churches within those denominations. I am honored to be writing along side another godly man. Make sure a church has its essentials right, and then sort through the rest with discernment and open hands. Your email address will not be published. A church with a heart for outreach cares more about getting people to know Jesus than about getting people to become members.