Is This Church Right For Me?

What are the biblical criteria you need to be aware of when considering a new church? Let's compare the search for a new church to that of a new home. When looking for a house, people typically ask, “How much does it cost? Is it large enough to meet our family's needs? How well is it built? What kind of neighborhood is it in? Does it have a warm and homey atmosphere? Is it conducive to hospitality?” In the same way, before choosing a church home you need to consider its foundation, structure, function, and environment.

Before we consider those important components, please realize that no church is going to be perfect. Some local churches may be in seemingly excellent condition, while others are obvious fixer-uppers! Many fall somewhere in between.

You must seek God's will; and be led by the Holy Spirit in selecting a church. In addition, you need to evaluate how you and your family can contribute to that ministry so it is not just another church, but truly my church home.

Jesus said that the wise man builds his house upon rock and the foolish man builds his house upon sand (Matthew 7:24-27). When the storms come, the stability of the foundation determines both the direction and durability of the structure. Whether you’re searching for a home to live in or a church to worship in, its foundation is crucial. 

Investigating Its Foundation

Jesus said that the wise man builds his house upon rock and the foolish man builds his house upon sand (Matthew 7:24-27). When storms come, the stability of the foundation determines both the direction and durability of the structure. Whether you're searching for a home to live in or a church to worship in, its foundation is crucial.

Four main components make up the foundation of a strong local church: A Proper View of Scripture: When investigating a potential church home, pay particular attention to how they view the Bible. Do they hold to the inspiration and inerrancy of the Scriptures? Do they believe the Bible is the only rule for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)?

An Emphasis on Bible Teaching and Preaching: Observe what kind of preaching is done. Is it primarily expository or topical in nature? Is the main diet a repetitive salvation message each week, or are believers being fed from the Word (Acts 20:27; 1 Timothy 4:13-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5)? There should be a strong commitment to high-quality Bible teaching.

Doctrinal Soundness: Just as you would inspect the soundness of a house's foundation, so you should investigate the doctrinal stance of the churches you visit. Where do they stand on such crucial issues of the Christian faith as the virgin birth and deity of Jesus Christ; the depravity of mankind; the work of Christ on the cross; His death, burial, and bodily resurrection; salvation by grace through faith alone; the second coming of Christ; and the ordinances of baptism and communion?

Doctrinal Practice: Observe whether the church practices the doctrines they claim to believe and teach. As James said to the church at large, "Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves" (James 1:22; cf. Luke 6:46; John 13:17).