7 Marks of a Church You Can Trust

Does the church preach and have a focus on the gospel? At first glance, this may seem obvious, as all Christian churches should be expected to preach the gospel. However, there are many churches that have become accustomed to no longer making the truth of the cross the central focus. Instead, the focus is on the celebrity of the pastor, on grace-filled messages that never discusses the reality of sin, or simply in growing the numbers in attendance; so much so that some churches fail to offer a call for salvation for many services at a time.

Yet, we see in Acts a strong emphasis not on the number in attendance or even the person speaking. Instead, as the message of the cross was preached the primary focus was the number of those who were saved. The “success” of the church was centered around those who heard the Gospel and who believed it. Those in leadership were willing to share the message of the cross by any means necessary. This is not to say that every message should be on the resurrection of Christ. Yet, if the messages never draw you back to God’s love and His redeeming power, one must question exactly what the church centered around.

“Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.” (Acts 2:41)

“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47b)

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When it comes to the local church, there must be a level of transparency from the church leadership to the members. It is essential that members know the church leadership structure, church affiliations, and have an idea where the church finances go. By ensuring everyone is aware of who is in charge, to providing a yearly church update, members should have more answers than questions about the overall makeup of the church. Likewise, transparency from the pastor on areas they struggle with reminds the church family that no one is perfect. A recent Lifeway article shared three reasons transparency is essential in the local church:

1. Transparency is attractive to the nonbeliever.
2. Transparency provides the opportunity to repent.
3. Transparency creates accountability.

Without an element of openness, church members will always wonder “what’s going on,” and if they can honestly share their moments of weakness with those in charge.

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The local church should be a place where believers can attend and hear the word of God. However, it’s essential that God’s word is taught in its proper context. In general, there are two ways the Bible is often broken down: exegesis and eisegesis. The difference between these two words can change the way entire passages and even biblical doctrines are established. Exegesis is the process of examining a scripture in its proper context and determining the meaning. However, eisegesis occurs when one looks at the scripture through their own pre-determined beliefs.

In other words, eisegesis is based on the reader’s current conviction. When it comes to the local pastor, the one who uses the eisegesis method may use Scripture out of context simply to prove their point or manipulate the audience into agreeing with them. For this reason, members must be keenly aware of the word of God for themselves. Rather than take the pastor’s “word for it” doing a thorough study of questionable doctrine is not just a good idea but a God idea. As the Bible says in 1 John 4:3, we must be willing to “test the spirit” and seek to know whether what is being said is from the Lord or the speaker’s flesh.

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

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There should be no question concerning where a church stands in their beliefs. Most modern churches have a section of their website dedicated to answering questions about where they stand on major issues. Does the church believe in immersion baptism, speaking in tongues, miracles, the traditional view of marriage, etc.?

It’s essential to know what is believed before you decide to become a member. Without knowing this, you can become fully involved only to realize you have a strong conviction against a major tenant of the church. Your local church should be open and honest on where they stand, even on the matters that are uncomfortable. If your question is not easily seen on the website, leaders should be in one accord and able to answer in a way that reflects the heart of the ministry. A church that doesn’t share where they stand on issues may be difficult to trust.

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Unfortunately, child abuse/molestation does occur within ministries. When a parent takes their child into a local church, they have an expectation that their little ones will be protected. Although things can still go awry with protocol in place, safety of the children is essential. Policies such as always having multiple adults present in a room, requiring background checks, training on appropriate interaction, not only protects the children but protects the church staff. If there are no protocols in place and no one to turn to when parents feel uncomfortable, it is likely that your children should not be trusted with the church.

If you are at a part of a ministry that may need help in this department, you can find suggestions here for adding security. Child and youth safety should be a top priority for all churches!

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened to his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:5-6)

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Being vulnerable with one another is an essential part of the Christian faith (James 5:16). Yet, vulnerability without confidentiality can cause much hurt and distrust. Members of a local church should feel secure enough to share their weaknesses with leadership and trust that it will not become a sermon topic or a something that others may gossip about. The only exception to this rule would be if a child or person is in immediate danger or you are required to report a crime that has taken place.

Otherwise, as a church member, you should be able to share home issues, problems with depression, struggles with relationships, or other anxieties without fear of hearing of it from another member. A church culture that allows for gossip, even within leadership, can be dangerous and cause people to be led away. If you notice that the pastor or church openly shares what members are struggling with, consider this as a warning to share your personal matters elsewhere.

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Lastly, it is essential that church members can reach out to leadership when in need. This may prove difficult for larger churches. Many in a megachurch may never meet their pastor face to face. However, there should still be some form of access to those who are in charge. Some churches structure this by having a “Care pastor” or a counseling ministry within the church. Whatever the case may be, it is essential that you can meet those in charge, ask questions, and share matters of your heart. Without having access to the pastor or other leaders, it would be just as easy to do church from your living room. If you attend a church that has made the leadership “untouchable,” this may be a sign that you need to find a new ministry to be a part of. It is very difficult to trust someone you cannot get in touch with. Even Jesus was reachable to the people he ministered to.

Overall, there will never be a perfect church. The church is full of imperfect people who are trying to lead others the best they know how. Ultimately, we should follow the Lord’s leading in choosing a church. We must also be aware that when we do discover an area of weakness, we may be the solution to the issue at hand. Rather than run away from the imperfect church, ask the Lord how you can add value.

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