Guidelines For Picking a Biblical Based Church

1.The Bible is taught systematically and in its entirety (book by book verse by verse)- Matt 4:4; Acts 20:26-27; 2 Tim 3:16 - This should be the main thrust of teaching from the pulpit with an occasional topical study. Some churches will have topical studies during the midweek services or classes.

2. Doctrinal Integrity - 2 John 1:9; Titus 1:7-9 - Ask for the church's doctrinal statement, read it carefully along with your Bible to see if it aligns up. If you read something that seems questionable or you don't understand what is being conveyed, ask questions. If your questions are brushed off or treated with indifference, this is a sure sign that this is not the church for you; leave. If the church has no doctrinal statement, leave, in an age where people believe any and everything, a church must clarify its core doctrinal beliefs. Which should be Biblically based.

3. Doctrinal Practice Doctrine for the sake of having doctrine is useless unless it's internalized and integrated into the behavior of the believer (Titus 2:1; James 1:22-27). - Therefore a church based on biblical truth should conduct itself to the same. If a church's behavior practices differ from its doctrinal statement, leave. This practice of duplicity, and is a sure sign that something is severely wrong.

4. Loving, Interpersonal Relationships among believers - There should be genuine care and concern for fellow believers (John 13:34; John 15:12,17; 1 John 2:9; 1 John 3:17; 1 John 3:23)

5. Biblical Separation - find out what 'institutional' associations the church may have and what these institutions believe.
Avoid a church that has associations and or invites those who do not hold to Biblical truth. (2 John 1:8-11)
This is not an injunction against all associations with unbelievers. (1 Cor 5:9-11, 1 Cor 10:27) Paul encourages the Christian believer who is married to a non-Christian to remain in the marriage as long as possible. The relationship association to avoid is one involving 'shared purposes and activities'. This partnership is seen in the relationship context of those who are unequally yoked, with those (Buddhist and Christian or a Mormon and Christian, Non Bible-believing church with a Bible-believing church, etc.) who do right according to God's word and those who do not follow God's word. (2 Cor 6:14).

6. Evangelism of the Loss / Missions - This is a task given by Jesus himself. One should find an active involvement by the local church in participating and supporting missions (Matt 28:19-20) locally and abroad. There should also be an active outreach to share the Gospel with the Jews. (Rom 1:16)

7. Discipleship - The church should be engaged in "making disciples". "making disciples" should be brought about by sound Biblical teaching and exhortation to live out a biblical word view.

8. Do not rush to join a church. Take your time to investigate what the church is about. (1) Visit the Sunday school class (2) Talk to others about the church (3) take notes during the Sunday Service and review them (4) Attend the new beginners class if it's available. These allow you to learn of the church's mission, vision, organizational structure, etc., (5) Know what the Church's institution Associations are (6) Make arrangements to talk to the pastor if he has not already visited you. It has been my experience that it takes about four to six months to gain a comprehensive understanding of what the church is all about (7) If what you have discovered about the church aligns up Biblically, by all means, join, get involved with the church's ministry according to how God has called/gifted you, support your church financially and with your time.

9. Avoid churches if the following is being taught:. [not all movements listed. Only the current major movements are covered]

• Avoid churches that say tradition is as important or more important than what is written in scripture
• Replacement Theology - teaches that the church has replaced Israel in God’s plan. Adherents of replacement theology believe the Jews are no longer God’s chosen people, and God does not have specific future plans for the nation of Israel.
• Word of Faith
• Purpose Driven -
• Seeker Sensitive - The modern church movement finds its roots in the philosophies of the mega-church, Willow Creek Community Church, pastored by Bill Hybels. This movement uses 'secular' marketing strategies, surveys, polls, and other business techniques to promote the church instead of relying on scriptural guidance on what God intends the church to be. It also emphasizes that preachers and church leaders should avoid discussing non-Gospel-related topics that might offend non-believers.
  The idea of attracting unbelievers is not new, but must be rooted in 'biblical' teachings. The apostle Paul advised Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. (Col 4:5). He also emphasized the importance of being adaptable and relatable to different people to share the good news(1 Cor 9:22-23). This is the Biblical method of reaching the unsaved, which aims to effectively communicate the gospel while prioritizing pleasing God over pleasing people.
• Contemplative Spirituality
• Baptismal Regeneration - This is the idea that baptism is required for one to recieve salavation. (Eph 2:8-9)
• Teaches more about self than about Christ. Teaching the Bible systematically and contextually easily avoids this.
• Avoid churches that place tradition above scripture
• Avoid churches that go beyond what scripture teaches to new "truths and doctrines based on so called spiritual experiences
• Avoid churches that avoid teaching certain parts of the Bible
• Avoid churches that primarily have Bible studies out of books and magazines instead of the Bible
• Avoid churches that have a women pastors or women teaching men as standard practice in the church
• Avoid churches whose leaders manipulate you or coerce you to do things you do not feel God wants you to do or has gifted you to do
• Avoid churches whose leaders think they have a special anointing and who have new direct revelations or words from the Lord
• Avoid churches that teach that you can speak things into existence