The Right Church
What is the church? Is it a building, or is it more? Actually, it is more than a building. The church building houses the church. There are many different kinds of churches; some are weak, some are strong, and all are not Christian churches but churches of other religions (temples, mosques, etc.). But what is the right church? Churches differ, even among Christian churches, so what is the right church for the Christian? Let’s see what the Scriptures say.
Matt 16:13-20
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
The Christian church is about Jesus being the Son of the living God. If this is removed, it is no longer a church. The church is built on the principle that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (vss. 17 & 18).
The Characteristics of a Strong Church
Now that the foundation of the Christian church has been laid, the fact remains that some churches are stronger than others. So what makes a church strong?
Spirit-Filled Leadership – If a church does not have spiritual leadership, that is a weak church. Remember what Jesus said to His disciples. First, He gave them the Great Commission.
In Matt 28:18-20 He said,
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Therefore, they had the call to go forth and spread the gospel. Imagine spreading the gospel message to the whole world. Keep in mind that this was a time when there was no television, radio, smartphones, internet, etc. This Commission was a great undertaking which is why it is called the Great Commission. But, He is also quoted saying more in Acts 1:4-5:
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Jesus, in addition to giving the Commission, commanded them to stay in Jerusalem until they had received the Holy Spirit. Why? Because He knew that they could not carry out this Great Commission without the power of the Holy Spirit to dwell within them, empowering, enabling them, and giving direction and guidance to carry out what they were called to do.
Jesus told the disciples, in essence, that they were not ready without the Spirit dwelling within them.
The same is true today. No church staff can do God’s work unless they are filled with the Holy Spirit. This truth not only includes the Pastor but the staff as well. Therefore, for a church to be strong, the leadership of the staff must be filled with the Holy Spirit to have the direction, power, and energy to carry out the work that must be accomplished. The Spirit should also be in their lives, exhibiting evidence of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).
Doctrinally sound messaging and teaching – Messaging (preaching) and teaching must meet the needs of the people. Therefore, it must be fastened, fixed firmly on the Word of God. This should be the basis for every individual to have a personal belief in the truth. All personal beliefs must be based on the Word of God they received from the church. We must know what we believe and why we believe it. This truth must also be passed on to children, the next generation (Deut. 4:40; 6:6-7).
Uncompromising in its convictions – a strong church contains leadership and body that have convictions that they do not lay aside but stand by them. A church with a pastor that compromises the Word of God and where the people compromise their convictions is a weak church. A strong church of God is built on a strong conviction—a “rock” that stands firm on the Word of the living God.
Strong emphasis on faith and prayer – A strong church emphasizes faith and prayer to its congregation. A life without prayer is a weak life. If one does not pray, it is unlikely that one will live a godly life. Therefore, a church must emphasize prayer. Without faith, we cannot please God, and prayer strengthens faith. The power of the Holy Spirit flows through individuals of prayer and faith.
Sanctified worship service – The worship service of a strong church should provide the atmosphere in which individuals experience God’s presence and leave renewed in their commitment to obey and serve Him. The church should be a spiritual hospital that renews and strengthens its congregants. There is strength in numbers.
Generosity and Faithfulness in giving – A strong church comprises individuals who are faithful and generous in their giving. People, who obey God, walk in His way, and follow Him will give because the Spirit of God motivates them to do so.
Strategically organized – A strong church is organized to reach its God-given goals. Jesus was organized, and the first church was organized. A strong church is organized in a way to efficiently use its resources (time, money, human resources) in a way that it functions in a way that benefits its members and community.
Encourages the utilization of Spiritual gifts – Spiritual gifts are bestowed upon all Christians by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:7).
Rom 12:5-8: reads:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
The passage informs us that “everyone” should work together under the command and authority of Christ, using their spiritual gifts to build up the church.
A very strong church is a church where individuals operate out of their gifts. People are the happiest and most efficient in the church when they use and bless others with their spiritual gifts.
United in spirit – A strong church consists of people who are united in Spirit. Jesus said in Mark 3:25, “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
The church holds no exception to Jesus’ statement. When a church is divided, it is severely weakened, incapable of effectively functioning as a body of Christ.
Scripture says in Eph. 4:3-6
3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit— just as you were called to one hope when you were called—
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. NIV
Notice how many times “one” is mentioned in this passage. It is the will of Christ for His church to be in unity. It is the only way “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18).
Genuine love for one another – Loving one another is what Jesus embodied. The rock on which Jesus would build his church has been identified as Jesus himself. His work of salvation by dying for us on the cross was the greatest act of love. As a result, His church must exhibit love. Scripture says in Eph 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
NIV This is what we must do if we are going to be one with Christ and build His strong church.
A vision for a lost world – A church that does not have a vision for the world is not a strong church. Prov 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…”
The church is to carry out the vision of Christ, the Commission, and spread the Word all over the world, reaching as many as possible with love and unity in the spirit of Christ.
Conclusion
Is your church weak or strong? It matters where you go to church. We must be aware.
Amen
Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.
Blessings
“Hey, reading this blog got me thinking about how to choose a good church. I do agree that the right church isn’t just about being cool or having a certain style kind of buildings, but it’s really about finding a place where you can connect with God and grow your faith with people who are nice and helpful. True… it’s important to find a church with friendly people and lots of ways to learn more about God, but at the end of the day, we should trust our own feelings and find a church that feels like home to us. It’s not the same for everyone, you know?
Stop generating
Greetings, Raymond.- While it is vital for the church to feel “at home to us,” it is equally vital to what makes us feel at home. We can feel at home in the wrong church. This fact is why we must allow ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit to a church with the characteristics of the article. The church must feed us the truth for us to obtain spiritual growth. This goal should be the same for everybody. It truly matters where we go to church!
Thanks for commenting!
Indeed; there are many churches today that claim to be the “true church” but when you dig into their theology, they don’t believe that Jesus is the Christ, which means “Messiah.” What’s more disheartening is that they claim to be the church of Jesus Christ but they do not believe in His divinity.
With all the many churches that exist today, how do we know which is the right church? I agree with your descriptions of the right church: spirit-filled, sound doctrines, uncompromising, united and organized, generous givers, and all that. And these characteristics are what make a church strong.
But my question is, do you think the people who attend a church that does not have all these qualities of the right church are truly saved? In other words, does going to a “weak” church have an impact on one’s salvation? What if that person sincerely repented of their sins but attends a church that is not spirit-filled?
Greetings, Alice – It is very difficult, if not impossible, for an individual to grow spiritually in a weak church. Look at what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in1 Cor 3:1-3
1 Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly — mere infants in Christ.
2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.
3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men? NIV
When Paul first started the church at Corinth, because the members were worldly, he could only teach them the milk or the basics of the Word and not solid food or the more profound things of the Word (vss. 1-2). After some time had passed, we see in verse 3 that they were still worldly. The church had not grown, and the members were carnal, behaving like the world.
Spiritual growth is crucial for a Christian’s development (2 Peter 1:3-11). If we are not moving ahead, we are falling backward. It matters where we go to church!
Thanks for commenting!
Although I feel the message then was a lot harder, I also feel like the message now is also harder as many worshipers have dissappeared from Church.
It’s true, we must be in a place that is a good Church, and spread the message much like the gospel has been spread in the past.
Finding true belief in the holy spirit will help guide you and that message, would you agree?
I agree, Jeremy – yielding to the Holy Spirit and following Him will guide us to the right place and carrying the message.
Thanks for commenting!
This is thought provoking article on the church. You have placed an emphasis on the pastor being the center of the church when guided by the Holy Spirit. I agree, but I tend to think of the church as described in 2 Peter 2:5. The members, led buy the pastor are the church visible to the world. If believers are living stones, that implies that roles can change as life changes. People can grow in leadership and become a huge part of the wall or stones or at times just be a small stone taking up some space and adding to the structure. Believers are livings stones that are visible to the world. Thanks for the article.
Greetings Anastazja – In 2 Peter 2:5, it appears that Noah was the preacher guided by God and led his family to be saved. No one else would believe him. The Pastor/preacher is the flock’s leader and leads that flock in righteousness according to the Word of God.
Thanks for commenting!
Hi Nathaniel,
Formatting issue in your latest article “America on the Decline” (I hate it when it does that).
Insert a picture and it squeezed the text down the left side.
Great article(s) with many links and discussions about the topic
No questions about your site.
I can relate to the issue about finding a church fit. Anymore, the churches seem to think they need to provide a Las Vegas or Broadway show complete with a mini orchestra, worship team and light show. Very discouraging for when you want to just “connect” with God.
Glas to see this site and best wishes that it keeps moving forward and planting spiritual seeds. Religion and church matter is very controversial.
Greetings Rick – The world has undoubtedly infiltrated the church with its dazzling entrapments. This world atmosphere penetrates right through the congregation. God desires to be worshipped in Spirit and truth (John 4:23), and He is not pleased with what goes on in many churches.
It matters where we go to church!
Thanks for commenting!
Dear Nathaniel, I was intrigued by your article! I am impressed in your knowledge of the Scriptures and commend you for having a strong enough faith in our Eternal Father to be willing to quote the passages of the Tenach and Torah (Old Testament) as well as the New Testament! It is obvious that you truly do have a heart of compassion and you seek to uplift those who may be lost or confused and uncertain as to where to turn.
A few things I would like to historically point out to you in order to challenge your spiritual development, and help you to seek a deeper knowledge of our Eternal Father, and his Only Begotten, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Yeshua) first off, to truly be in tune with the LORD’s Will, it is encouraged in the Scriptures for you to place HIM above all others, including your preferred religious house of worship. It was common in the times of Jesus (Yeshua) for every member of the community to have a private alter dedicated to the LORD of Heaven in their homes, and for them to even wear physical reminders of the person belonging to God. As a matter of fact, it is a command in the Old Testament to dedicate your house unto the LORD. This is not only done by the homeowner, or head of the family praying for the home to be blessed, but as a righteous father, to teach his wife and children the ways of the LORD, and not leaving those duties ONLY to the pastoral staff overseeing a congregation.
Concerning the Holy Spirit (Spirit of Wisdom) This Divine Sacred Presence is very kind and sensitive, and will not dwell where The Spirit is not invited or welcomed! However, as you choose to ask Heavenly Father personally if there is anything that does not please Him in your home, as you remove those items or throw them out, a new view will come into your heart and mind, and over time the sensitivities to how the Divine is speaking to you personally will become more intense. The Holy Spirit was not ONLY for the first Apostles, but is available for EVERY BELIEVER who will lovingly accept the guidance given.
As our Eternal Father is a personal God, and true father to all the world, He knows each one of us by name, and is NOT to be “served in fear” As that mindset makes it sound as if He was a cruel totalitarian, or someone who is bent on keeping a record of wrongs and then telling you, “Sorry, you do not measure up, good luck next time!” This cruel picture cannot be further from the truth of the divine!
Concerning the forces of darkness, the Light drives out all fear and all darkness, and the LORD inhabits the praises of His people. I find when my heart is in the most conflict, that singing songs of faith, in particularly songs that recognize and honor the atonement of our Savior helps to restore peace to my soul and drives out the feelings of uneasiness and Despair.
Be FOREWARNED, and HEAR ME with absolute clarity, to disrespect or insult an evil entity will place anyone who does so in danger! In the Book of Jude, the Scriptures state that “When the Archangel Michael was disputing with Lucifer (The Devil) over the fate of the body of Moses, the only words the Archangel stated was “The LORD Rebuke YOU.” He did not insult, he did not defame, and he did not belittle! One of the things I witnessed years ago within a fundamentalist faith was the pastor leading the congregation in songs of “battle worship” which included insults to the enemies of heaven! This is NOT a righteous situation, and it is far better to focus on light, love, positivity and healing, and if it becomes necessary to drive out a darkness to do so through songs of deliverance that do not address the enemy, but simply call on the Love and Protection of the Holy One of Israel!
At one time, I was in a location that I will not disclose, and the congregation was praying for a young woman who was in the hospital. The woman who wanted to intercede for her was a stranger to the congregation, but a friend to the woman who was ill. Suddenly this woman as they laid hands upon her, began to have her own spiritual issues manifest, causing the entire congregation to get excited and into chaos! The pastor was trying to stop the chaos and help the woman, but as all people lost focus and peace a spirit of confusion was starting to come over the entire congregation! Slowly, softly, tenderly, without addressing the darkness, I simply started singing in the language the people would all understand the songs we all knew that honored Christ and the atonement. Soon other women joined me in the worship, and slowly the chaos dissipated and peace was restored. The woman who had volunteered to intercede returned to a state of calm, and the prayers were ended. I was standing in the back at the time. And I was a friend to the young pastor who was overseeing that meeting, he came to me to thank me for restoring order……
A Strong Church will NOT address the darkness, because to Address the darkness invites it into your life, causing confusion, and heartache!
Thank you for your wanting to reach out to those who may be seeking a closer walk with the divine! I hope you and your family will take to heart my insights and consider how to ask the Holy Spirit to come to be within your home more fully. Everyone is on a journey, even me! And with that being the case, my encouragement to you, is to constantly speak with the Holy Spirit and with the Eternal Father and his beloved son Yeshua, Jesus Christ. Ask them what you and your family need to do to serve HIM more, and let HIM direct you. Sometimes that is staying true to your pastors, and sometimes it is you moving into a “weaker church” in order to build up that pastor, who may be weary, or that congregation, that has never heard the truths you possess. Choose Wisely, and God Bless!
Thank you for your comments, Angela.
Your article is so true. Your salvation can really be influenced by the church you attend. Not all churches truly preach the word of God.
I especially appreciate the Characteristics of a Strong Church you listed. One should really investigate these points carefully and pray about them before settling into just any church.
For sure, ChrisnaE, it matters where we go to church! Thanks for commenting!
Hi, You have done an excellent job on this. The subject matter is perfect, and biblical references are to the point. The menus are very friendly, making them simple, effective, and, most importantly, easy to use. I like that the affiliate links are to the side and don’t distract from the story or the truth contained
Thank you for your comments, Ian. Please feel free to visit anytime. New content is published chiefly weekly.
God bless!
I agree with you that a strong church needs strong leadership. I would go to a church that taught people to live up to the image of God. After all, we were all made in his/her image, so how dare we not live up to that image? God gave us the ability to do and be anything. We owe it to ourselves to live up to that. Churches would be better attended if they showed people how to live up to their potential and coached their followers to follow their hearts and dreams.
Greetings, Diane – For sure, we are to live up to the image of God, actually imitators of God (Eph. 5:1 NIV). However, we must be careful with our hopes and dreams because they may not be what God has planned for us. Living up to God’s image involves allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us in following His (God’s) will for us. This following of the Spirit is how we have a truly blessed, successful life. Churches should encourage the same.
Thanks for commenting!
Hi Raymond,
I agree that it’s vital to find the right Church. A Church where you feel at home and can be yourself.
One that offers guidance and support.
In 2022 I had a job where I had to visit several Churches. I listened to each service and was drawn to one particular Church due to the minister. I liked the sermon, personality, and atmosphere of the Church.
With all the different Churches that exist, how do you choose the correct one?
Do you have any advice for us?
Thanks for sharing!
Greetings, Susan – A church that teaches Biblical principles and allows the Holy Spirit to flow freely is a church to consider.
Thanks for commenting!
This is a great article. Especially when you are looking for a good church to go to. You will be able to see what makes a church strong.
The church that I go to is a strong church judging by what your this article is stating.
We are in unity with the Holy Spirit, and with prayers as well.
This article proved to me that I go to a strong church.
Thanks for sharing this!
Greeting Marc,- Congratulations on your involvement in a strong church. May you continue your strong walk with the Lord.
Thanks for commenting!
The right church or true church is the one that Jesus establish which can be discovered by following His teachings. Now I know that there are so many people that claim to be Christians but when you see the way they dress, talk, and carry themselves you know that what they proclaim is far from the truth. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit therefore we must keep them holy and this can only happen as we follow the teachings of Jesus.
Amen, Norman, – Thanks for commenting!
I come from the Jewish world and we have a synagogue, but like in the Christian world there are many shades.
I really connected to the need to find our holy place as a place that is a stable and solid rock, but in the same way to find the Spirit of God within us.
God bless you
Greetings Elijah – For sure, a solid place of worship can aid and lead us to find the Spirit of God within us.
Thanks for commenting!
Hello, I liked your criteria for finding the right church. So many churches want to focus on marketing tactics, forgetting the very core of the Gospel’s message. I especially like that you quoted sound messages and doctrines because the Jezebel’s spirit is currently ruling many churches. And I enjoyed the encouragement to use your spiritual gifts. Not every church is doing that anymore!
Worldly tactics are infiltrating the church, the Holy Spirit departs, and the Jezebel spirit is very much alive. Anyone who is witnessing these factors in their church should find another one.
It does indeed matter where we go to church!
Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for sharing this article on “The Right Church.”
It’s a well-written and informative piece that provides insights into what makes a church strong. The article highlights that the foundation of a Christian church is the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Additionally, it emphasizes that strong churches must have Spirit-filled leadership that is doctrinally sound, uncompromising in its convictions, and places a strong emphasis on faith and prayer.
The article references relevant scripture to support its assertions, making it an informative and insightful read. Overall, this article provides valuable guidance for those seeking a strong and meaningful church experience.
All the best,
Fred
Amen, Fred – Thanks for commenting!
Hi, Nathaniel,
thank you for this post about what constitutes a Church. This is really a daunting task, although at the surface it may look simple! It is true that the building is not the church, but rather the worshipers in the building. That is why one can safely regard the home as the “core church”. You go on to identify Jesus Christ as the foundation of the Church based on Mat. 16: 13-20. Although I share a similar understanding with you concerning what Jesus taught his disciples, yet many claiming to be followers of Christ, today, use the same scripture to assert that it is Peter, the foundation of Christ’s church. I hope you have encountered these “Christians”. How would you explain to them this scripture in its rightful context? Once again, thank you very much for this post.
Greetings, Hawumba – Thanks for your question. The Scripture quotes Jesus as saying, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The church is Christ’s. However, He built it on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, according to Eph. 2:20, “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” NIV
A stable building needs a cornerstone. The cornerstone anchors the building and gives all the walls their line. Jesus is the chief cornerstone of God’s building. The apostles and prophets received and believed in Jesus Christ as their Messiah; then, they took the gospel message out to the world.
Thanks for commenting!
Great encouragement and exhortation for Christians to find the Right church. It is very important to find a church that has the right foundation and that they preach the Word of God, not just interesting topics. My church practices exegetical preaching and goes verse by verse. A church needs to teach the whole truth as God’s inspired Word, from the beginning – Genesis 1:1.
We can’t just choose a church that tickles our ears. You have some great points to guide seekers to the right place. Keep up the good work.
Greetings, Scott – I myself am a fan of exegetical preaching because I think it is the most effective for teaching as opposed to the eisegetical. When we approach the Scriptures with our own opinions and feelings, confusion arises, especially when it comes from the pulpit.
We must be careful how we handle God’s Word, as He said in Rev 22:18-19
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Thanks for commenting!
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Nice article. I like how you have many quotes from scripture supporting what you are saying about having a strong church. good topic for these times as many people are seeking the truth. Visually speaking, you have a lot of text so it can be an intimidating read. However, you make good use of putting parts in bold. Perhaps look at your longer paragraphs and break them up a bit to create more white on the page so that it appears to be an easier read.
Many thanks for your comments and suggestions, Allison.
Have a blessed one!
Well, I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed reading your post. You have to know it really resonated with me. I am a Christian and know that going to a spirit filled church is of vital importance for Christian growth. I imagine you can tell from the comments, that you have really intrigued a lot of people. I am so glad that you quoted scripture to back up what you were saying. That is the most important thing. When people say things we need to be able to back it up with the word of God. And that is exactly what you have done. Congratulations on a most stimulating post.
Greetings Hazel – I am happy to know that this post has blessed you. I pray that you continue with your walk with the Lord and be led by His Spirit.
Thanks for commenting!
Hello Natheniel,
According to importance of finding the right church, which is a topic of interest to many Christians. This type of info. can be important for providing guidance and support to readers who may be struggling to find a church that aligns with their beliefs and values.
Then, if offers practical advice on how to find the right church, such as considering the church’s doctrine, examining the leadership, and evaluating the church’s community. This can be important for readers who may be new to the Christian faith or who are searching for a new church home.
Additionally, the author shares their personal experiences with finding the right church, which can be relatable and engaging for readers. The content can also help to establish a connection between the author and the audience.
Finally, based on my understanding it appears to be informative, practical, and relatable, which can be important for building a loyal audience and establishing the blog as a trusted source of information and guidance for Christians.
Thanks for you efforts
SAM
Greetings, Sam;- I am happy that you found the article regarding finding the right church informative. I pray that it will be so for others.
Thanks for commenting!
The true church is not the building but the a unified assembly of believers. A congregation of believers who spend time to explore the word of faith and help each other live a dedicated life. As believers we need an assembly of faith believing folks to grow. I always look out for an assembly that can help my spiritual and moral growth
That is a great approach, Parameter. We need an environment where we can grow spiritually and help others to do so as well.
Thanks for commenting!