“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
If you read my previous blog post…
I discussed the times when it’s necessary to leave a local church body. While it’s important to leave an unhealthy environment, it’s even more important to heal as best as you can from any kind of religious trauma you have experienced. Being in a healthy church body will help your relationship with God, yourself, and other people.
"What is the purpose of the church?”
- to be a place of fellowship with, love, honor, encourage, instruct; be kind and compassionate to each other (Romans 12:10; 15:14; Ephesians 4:32; ! Thessalonians 5:11; 1 John 3:11) - to partake in the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) - to pray (Acts 2:43; Philippians 4:6-7) - to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ ( Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15) - to preach Biblical doctrine (Ephesians 4:14) - to care for others (James 1:27) - To be the hands and feet of Christ in the world ( 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
The church should also be a hospital, a counseling center, and a spiritual boot camp. It is for the wounded, the hurting, and the broken to be healed, encouraged, and equipped to do the work of the Lord.
Consider these questions to determine church suitability…
- Does this church have Biblical and godly values? Are they walking it out and living like Christ? - Does this church have a clear mission and vision that you can get behind and joyfully assist in? - What are their priorities? - Is there fruit? Do they also walk the walk that they talk about? - Are they warm and welcoming? - Is leadership trustworthy? Could you submit to them? Remember that submission should always be VOLUNTARY, not demanded and not commanded.
Here are some specific things to look for:
Accountability: Is there a plurality of leadership to hold each other accountable to love, live, and lead in a way that is honoring to God?
Bible literacy: Do they preach and teach what the Word says in context and help you to apply it? Do they encourage the personal study of the Word in order to grow closer to God and lead others to Christ?
Community/fellowship (loving, supportive) community engagement: Is it easy to find your people there? Is there community engagement or a heart for it?
Doctrine (orthodoxy); discipleship: What are their doctrinal beliefs? Is there an emphasis on discipleship to help Christians become more like Jesus?
Leadership and shepherding: Are they godly, safe, trustworthy, patient, gentle, kind, all the fruit of the Spirit?
Orthodoxy, orthopraxy, orthopathy: right teaching, right practice, and right heart posture.
REFLECT & APPLY: 1. Are you currently in a healthy local church or fellowship setting? If so, how did you find it? 2. What do you look for in a healthy church? 3. If you haven’t found a healthy local fellowship yet, what do you believe the hold up is?
