Choosing a church home can be a daunting task for many Christians. With so many options available, how do you know which church is right for you and your family? The Bible offers some guidance on what to look for in a faith community.
At its most basic level, a church is a gathering of believers who meet together to worship God, study Scripture, pray and fellowship together. The Bible uses words like “ekklesia” in Greek and “qahal” in Hebrew to describe the assembly of God’s people. This assembly was central to faith in both the Old and New Testaments.
The book of Acts describes the origins of the Christian church in Jerusalem as believers gathered after Jesus’ resurrection. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:42-44).
This passage gives us a glimpse into the key elements of that early church: teaching, community, sacraments (like communion), prayer and ministry. These five pillars formed the foundation of the growing first century church as it spread beyond Jerusalem and are still central to church life today.
The New Testament highlights some additional factors to look for in a healthy church. Here are several biblical principles to keep in mind when choosing a church home:
Sound Teaching and Preaching
One of the primary purposes of church gatherings is to teach God’s Word faithfully and apply it to our lives. Paul instructed Timothy, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13). He also explained to the church at Ephesus some of the purposes of church leaders: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).
One of the key things to look for in a prospective church is solid biblical teaching across all ministries. From the sermons to the youth group lessons to the small group studies, the teaching should align with Scripture. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Faithful Gospel Message
An authentic church upholds the truth of the gospel as presented in the Bible. The core message of Christianity centers on Jesus Christ and the salvation we have through his life, death and resurrection.
Paul summarized it this way: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Check that the church you are considering clearly articulates the biblical gospel of Christ’s redeeming work. Be wary of places that teach a different gospel or add requirements to salvation other than faith in Jesus. “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-7).
Emphasis on Bible Study
A strong church prioritizes teaching directly from the Bible and studies that help people understand Scripture. Bible studies, Sunday School classes, small groups and sermons should point people back to God’s Word as the ultimate authority.
These groups provide opportunities for people to ask questions, discuss application to real life and support one another in obedience. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). Bible studies should also equip members to rightly handle Scripture on their own. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Sacraments and Ordinances
Most Protestant traditions practice two sacraments or ordinances established by Jesus: baptism and communion. Check that the church you choose adheres to and practices these in line with Scripture.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus instructed his followers to be baptized as a public display of their new life after committing themselves to him.
He also initiated communion or the Lord’s Supper. “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me’” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). Regular communion reminds believers of Christ’s sacrifice.
Outward Focus with Service and Evangelism
The church exists not only to build up members but also to reach out with the love of Christ. A faithful church practices service, generosity and shares the gospel.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). It should be involved in ministries that care for those in need both locally and globally.
It should also have a heart for evangelism and making disciples: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Loving, Accountable Community
The church is described in the Bible as a body of interconnected but diverse parts, the family of God, a kingdom community and the bride of Christ. That implies a close community of faith marked by love.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
This love shows itself through bearing one another’s burdens, encouraging spiritual growth in each other and coming alongside each other in times of need. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
It also involves correcting each other gently when needed. “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). And leaders in the church provide oversight and guidance. “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17).
Unity Across Diversity
The universal church includes believers from every tribe, tongue and nation. And local churches have the privilege of modeling that reconciliation and unity across racial, cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
The apostle Paul described it this way: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).
Our oneness in Christ supersedes earthly divisions. A healthy church seeks to be a united community that welcomes all who follow Jesus.
Commitment to Truth and Holiness
Finally, a solid church is committed to upholding biblical morality, holiness, justice and truth – not wavering with the changing cultural tides. There is an unwavering allegiance to the authority of Scripture.
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). And, “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12).
A community rooted in God’s Word provides a safe place to ask questions, grow and deal with doubts. The church is a support system to help members follow Christ faithfully even in a skeptical world.
Choosing a church home may feel overwhelming, but if you prayerfully evaluate potential churches against these biblical standards, you can find the right fit. Look for gospel-centered preaching, Bible-driven studies, sacraments practiced, needs-focused service, evangelism, loving community, diversity within unity, and commitment to biblical truth and morality. And of course, seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit! He knows exactly where you need to be planted.
“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 10:25). Our faith was never meant to go solo. We need church community and fellowship with other believers to thrive spiritually.
With the leading of the Holy Spirit, you can find a faithful church home where you can worship, grow in understanding of Scripture, find encouragement and accountability, use your gifts to serve, be equipped to share your faith, and experience authentic Christian community. The right church family provides a place where you can walk out your faith alongside other Christ followers and deepen your relationship with God.