San Diego Churches Online

This site was created to help San Diego county residents looking for a church home to find a church home. This site is not limited to any one particular denomination.

What to Look for in a Church

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Biblical Criteria For Churches

The following information is provided courtesy of Pastor Steven C. Myatt, of Vista Assembly of God in Vista, CA.

What does the Bible teach about the purpose, function, and organization of the church? When looking for a new church home, consider these Biblical criteria:

1. The Centrality of Christ as the Head of the Church.
   "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church." 
   Ephesians 1:22
   
   
2. Active involvement in Carrying out the Great Commission.
   "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
   
   
3. Commitment to the Word of God and Sound Doctrine Based on the Word of God.
   "If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed." 
   1 Timothy 4:6
   
   
4. Teaching of the Word of God
   "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching, and to teaching." 
   1 Timothy 4:13
   
   
5. Sound and Mature Leadership
   "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, and in purity. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."
   1 Timothy 4:12, 16
   
   
6. Meaningful Worship
   "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
   Ephesians 5:19-20
   
   
7. Godly Vision
   "Where there is no vision, the people perish. . ."
   Proverbs 29:18
   
   
8. Prayer
   "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings, and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
    1 Timothy 2:1,2
   
   
9. Unity of the Spirit
   "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
   Ephesians 4:3
   
   
10. Exercising the Gifts of the Spirit
    "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
    1 Peter 4:10
    
    
11. Training and Equipping to Serve
    "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
    Ephesians 4:11,12
    
    
12. Ongoing Discipleship
    "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
    2 Timothy 2:2

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