STEP #1- What to Look For in a Local Church
Some of the qualities you will want to look for in selecting a local church are:
1. A church that is led by a godly pastor, who exhibits the following qualities according to Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4):
2. A church where the Word of God is taught in full, without compromise (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. A church that is active in home and foreign missions (Acts 13:1-3, Matthew 28:19-20).
4. A church where the gifts of the Spirit are allowed to operate freely, but orderly (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 14:40).
5. A church where there is freedom in worship to express your praise and adoration for God (Ephesians 5:19, John 4:24).
6. A church where your ministry gifts are developed (Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 12:28).
7. A church which is full of love (Revelation 2:4, 1 John ch. 4, 1 Corinthians ch. 13).
A warning about cults: We would also like to caution you about churches or groups which teach things opposed to the Bible, or whose leaders claim to have some sort of new or hidden revelation that is either subsequent or of equal importance to biblical truths. These may appear as ministers of light but are in reality false prophets and deceivers (Matthew 7:15, 2 Corinthians 11:14, Revelation 2:20, Matthew 24:24, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 1 John 4:1-3, Ephesians 4:14, Acts 20:27-31). Groups and leaders such as these are to be absolutely avoided.
Next, Step #2: What God Requires of You in the Local Church
1. A church that is led by a godly pastor, who exhibits the following qualities according to Scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9, 1 Peter 5:1-4):
- The husband of one wife
- Self-controlled
- Wise
- Has a good reputation
- Hospitable
- Able to teach
- Manages his own household well
- Not a new convert
- Free from the love of money
- Not self-willed
- Not given to wine
- Not quick-tempered
2. A church where the Word of God is taught in full, without compromise (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. A church that is active in home and foreign missions (Acts 13:1-3, Matthew 28:19-20).
4. A church where the gifts of the Spirit are allowed to operate freely, but orderly (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 14:40).
5. A church where there is freedom in worship to express your praise and adoration for God (Ephesians 5:19, John 4:24).
6. A church where your ministry gifts are developed (Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 12:28).
7. A church which is full of love (Revelation 2:4, 1 John ch. 4, 1 Corinthians ch. 13).
A warning about cults: We would also like to caution you about churches or groups which teach things opposed to the Bible, or whose leaders claim to have some sort of new or hidden revelation that is either subsequent or of equal importance to biblical truths. These may appear as ministers of light but are in reality false prophets and deceivers (Matthew 7:15, 2 Corinthians 11:14, Revelation 2:20, Matthew 24:24, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 1 John 4:1-3, Ephesians 4:14, Acts 20:27-31). Groups and leaders such as these are to be absolutely avoided.
Next, Step #2: What God Requires of You in the Local Church