DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD AND BAD CHURCH?

RUSS HOBBS MINISTRIES

What Makes a Church a Good Church?

When trying to find a good local church, it’s good to remember that, just like the people in them, no church is perfect. However, there are many important issues that should be considered when choosing a church. Some people live close to only a few churches, and their choices will be limited, but for others there are many more options. Be sure to pray about the churches you’re considering, to be sure you’re following the Lord’s leading as you search. Be sure to read a church’s doctrinal statement or statement of belief to find out about their stance on important issues. If from this initial research a church seems to be good and solid, visit the church (including small groups or Sunday schools classes) several weeks while prayerfully considering whether to join as a member.  Here are some important factors to consider.

1. What is being preached and taught? The Bible is clear that we should only listen to those who preach the true gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:6-9). If any other message is being given in its place, then it is not a Christ-following church and we should move on to another one (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15, Colossians 1:18). The church should be speaking God’s truth as given to us through His inspired Word, the Bible (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

2. Is the church a place of fellowship and community? The early church of Acts 2:42-47 “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Also, the church you choose should be welcoming to all. We should welcome sinners and seek to lead them in developing a relationship with Jesus Christ. The people of the church should be committed to encouraging one another to grow in the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

3. Is the church focused on reaching out to others, outside the church, with the message of the gospel and practical service? Christ commanded us to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth, to all unreached peoples (Matthew 28:19-20).

4. Does the style of music and ministry fit with your taste or preferences? The older hymns are often rich with truth and important doctrines that can bolster our faith, and there are also many newer songs and choruses that are uplifting and encouraging. The purpose of music in a church should be to lead the people closer to the Lord in worship and adoration. Many of us are used to one style of music as opposed to another, just out of habit or childhood experiences. While music style should be taken into consideration, it should not be the deciding factor in finding a good church.

Here at Russ Hobbs Ministries, we believe that a good church incorporates expositional preaching and teaching, intentional discipleship, evangelistic fervor, scriptural fidelity, Biblical leadership, a dedication to serving others, servant leadership, clear vision and strategy and a commitment to gathering together.

Additionally, in short, RHM believes that a good church is one that offers the following.

• Centered on the Gospel of Christ-1 Corinthians 2:2
• Committed to sound Biblical Doctrine-Titus 1:9, 2:1
• Faithful to Biblical preaching Acts 20:27
• Offers worship that is Biblical and God Centered-John 4:3-24
• Produces leaders that are Biblically qualified and mutually accountable-1 Peter 5:4, Ephesians 5:23
• Has pastors and leaders that are able to shepherd the sheep-Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2
• Practices Biblical Discipline-1 Corinthians 5:6
• Equips its members to serve God-1 Peter 4:10, 11
• Offers a Community culture of grace, love and peace-Proverbs 19:11, 1 Peter 4:8
• Has an outward focus on evangelism and church planting-Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8

What would you add to this list as being Biblically important? Have you experienced a negative church experience? Want to talk about it? Contact Russ Hobbs Ministries, E-mail rhobbs@dejazzd.com to schedule an in-person or online session TODAY.