What makes a good church?
This is not the label which is the church! A good church (or a good Christian group) is a church whose teachings are truly based on the Bible, which is led by the Spirit of God, and whose members, led by Christ's life, produce the fruit of Spirit.
Mormons, for example, display the name of Jesus Christ in the title of "Church". But this is not the fact of bearing the name of Jesus Christ that makes a movement a church of the Lord! Any group can register the name of Jesus Christ on the front of his building. Many do so elsewhere. But this is what happens inside that counts!
That name, or that group not attached to a name, often citing the fact that it enjoys a good reputation. But this does not guarantee that it is a Church of Christ. Here's what you should know: Do the members of this church have Christ's life? Does the Holy Spirit dwells in them? Does the Bible is properly taught and practiced?
A church is composed of many elements. First, a church is not a building but a group of men and women born again, working for the Kingdom of God and seek the Lord's will, individually and collectively. The question is whether members of a church are really opposed to Christ, they preach salvation by faith alone in the gospel of grace, and if they have the spirit of mission.
You must try to find a church that strives to follow the Bible as best she can, and who feeds the sheep of good food to ensure the growth of their spiritual life. If the sheep grow spiritually, the church will do the same.
The church is it focused on the needs of its members? Cares she send them to maturity? All members of the church they are at work to find lost sheep, or they rely on the work of their pastor or their leaders? A good church is actively engaging all members of the work of the ministry, even if they are young in faith. It also relieves officials, who do not need to handle any problems that arise in the church. This also avoids new ministries pay salaries! Because this is not what the Bible asks us to do.
The church members must acquire the maturity, both in their personal lives and in understanding the teachings of Jesus Christ. We need balance, as regards the exercise of the ministry. Members of a church should not be attracted by opportunities to "enter later in the ministry." This will certainly cause problems in the church. Everyone must participate in the work of ministry.
A good church teaches the fundamentals of the faith to new converts, and sound doctrine to those who are mature (1 Timothy 4: 6, 13-16).
A good church allows its members the freedom to exercise their spiritual gifts and talents for the edification of the church (1 Thessalonians 5 :19-20, 1 Corinthians, chapters 12 to 14).
A good church encourages its members to participate in the work of ministry, as God's life transforms. It also encourages them to answer the call personally address God (1 Tim. 1: 9; Romans 8 :28-30, Ephesians 2: 10 and 4: 12).
If you find a church that actively seeks to achieve these goals, you've probably found a good church! While each church has its own style. You will never find two churches teach the same things in exactly the same way. Some churches practice the spiritual gifts, others not. Others have a different interpretation of the events of late. This can make a significant difference for you personally. But if you realize that a church gives you the opportunity to grow and serve, if its members truly demonstrate the love, you can find your place.
Some churches are using musical instruments during worship, while others do not. Some use old hymns, some modern hymns and a different style of music. Again, it is a matter of personal choice and taste when it comes to finding a church that suits you. The important thing is whether the Christians of this church really want to praise and worship the Lord with all their heart, or if they want "Warm atmosphere" or distract the audience.
A good church should encourage you or help you discern the false religious systems (1 John 4: 1). It must teach you to testify to the followers of different religions. She does not believe that people are free to serve God as they want (Jude 3, 1 Peter 3: 15).
This may take some time before choosing a church. You may need to take some precautions. It may be that you are first attracted by the warmth and friendliness of people, only to find later that they believe in false doctrines. It is good to ask them what their faith tradition and history.
Ask necessary questions before you join. In addition, some confessions are imprecise. You must ask for clarification if you have doubts about certain doctrines. Beware any of you even when a church says that its only creed is the Bible, and that the Bible is their only book. Some sects like the International Churches of Christ also say!
Ask if they accept the Bible as infallible, and if they believe that God has preserved throughout history. They believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and what do they exactly? They believe that Jesus is fully God and fully man? They believe that He rose physically?
Ask them if they are affiliated with a movement or a confederation of some sort.
Are they related or fellowship with other churches of other denominations or trustworthy? What are the books they recommend to their members?
Anyway, you need wisdom. Pray for all the wisdom and discernment all you need for the decision you have to take (Phil. 1: 9). This will avoid unnecessary to spend time in a church, only to realize later that some things you would have known before!
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