"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
— Hebrews 10:25 (KJV)
Church Search Checklist
Complete these steps when visiting potential churches
Visit church website & read their statement of faith
Attend a Sunday service and take notes
Listen carefully to the sermon - is it biblical?
Observe the worship - is it God-focused or performance-focused?
Talk to members - are they welcoming and genuine?
Meet with the pastor - ask about theology and vision
Church Search Stories
Believers who found their church home using biblical wisdom
"I visited 8 churches before finding the right one. This guide helped me know exactly what to look for. I almost settled for a church with great music but weak preaching—this resource saved me from that mistake."
Brandon T.
Found His Church Family
"As a brand new Christian, I had no idea what made a church 'good.' The red flags section was eye-opening. I realized the church I was attending avoided talking about sin and the gospel was never clear."
Amy L.
New Believer
"Even as someone planting a church, this resource challenged me. The section on biblical community and accountability reminded me that a healthy church is more than just good sermons—it's a family."
Marcus W.
Church Planter
4 Essentials of a Healthy Church
Look for these non-negotiable characteristics when searching for a church home.
Bible-Centered Preaching
The Word Must Be Central
A healthy church teaches the whole counsel of God's Word—not motivational talks, not self-help sermons, but expository, Christ-exalting preaching.
Sound Doctrine
Truth Without Compromise
A healthy church holds to biblical doctrine without compromise. They don't bend to culture or popular opinion—they submit to Scripture alone.
Gospel-Centered Culture
Jesus is the Main Thing
A healthy church keeps the gospel central—not programs, not entertainment, not social issues. Jesus Christ and His finished work are the focus.
Biblical Community
Real Fellowship and Accountability
A healthy church isn't just a Sunday morning event—it's a family where believers love, serve, disciple, and hold each other accountable.
Red Flags to Avoid
Here are warning signs that a church may not be healthy. Some are deal-breakers, others are concerns to watch.
The pastor rarely preaches from the Bible
The gospel is never clearly explained
Sin and repentance are avoided
The church is more focused on entertainment than worship
There's no church discipline
The pastor avoids controversial biblical topics
Money is constantly emphasized
How to Get Plugged In
Once you've found a healthy church, here's how to make it your home.
Visit Multiple Times
Don't judge a church on one visit. Attend for 3-4 weeks to get a real feel for the teaching and culture.
Action Step:
Attend Sunday services consistently for a month
Meet with Leadership
Schedule a meeting with the pastor or an elder. Ask about their doctrine, vision, and how they handle sin and discipline.
Action Step:
Request a meeting to discuss the church's beliefs and mission
Join a Small Group
The real church happens in smaller settings. Join a small group, Bible study, or discipleship class to build real relationships.
Action Step:
Sign up for a small group or Bible study
Serve Somewhere
Don't just attend—serve. Use your gifts to build up the body. This is where you'll grow and build deep connections.
Action Step:
Ask how you can serve in a ministry area
Pursue Membership
If the church is healthy and you're committed, pursue formal membership. This shows your commitment and allows you to be shepherded.
Action Step:
Complete membership process and covenant with the church
Continue Your Journey
Keep growing as a believer with these essential resources
Need Help Finding Your Church Home?
This page covers the essentials of what to look for in a church. The full guide includes 20+ pages with detailed church selection criteria, red flags to avoid, and practical steps to finding a biblically sound church.
✓ 20 pages • ✓ Church selection criteria • ✓ Red flags to avoid • ✓ Biblical teaching standards • ✓ Community assessment