Finding a Church

The Church that Christ founded. This chapter’s title isn’t technically correct, but I’m using it because that is the terminology most people are familiar with. A more accurate title would be “Finding a Local Congregation.” As Bruce Eubank says,[1] “We don’t go to church, for we are the Church. We assemble together for worship, Bible study, and to hear the Word of God preached.” The word church (Greek ekklesia) means congregation, assembly, or called-out ones; that is, “the people of God” (Heb 11:25; 1Pe 2:10).[2] The building where the local congregation gathers is just that: a building (or room) where it’s convenient to meet; it has no significance in and of itself before God, as “the Most High [God] does not dwell in houses made by human hands” (Act 7:48–50; cf. Act 17:24–25; Isa 66:1–2; Psa 92:8; 123:1; 2Ch 6:18).[3]

Consider the following:

1. “One body and one Spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God” (Eph 4:3–6; 1Co 1:10–13; 12:13; Eph 2:18; Php 1:27): There is “one body” of worldwide believers in Christ (Rom 12:4–5; 1Co 10:17; 12:12–13, 20; Eph 2:16; 4:4; Col 3:15) comprised of those who have been baptized into Christ, who are “worshiping in spirit and truth” (see Joh 4:23–24; cf. Psa 145:18; Jud 3), who are obedient in faith, and who have “continued in the faith” (see Col 1:23). This “one body” is identified in Scripture as the “church[es] of Christ” (see Rom 16:16) or the “church[es] of God” (see Act 20:28; 1Co 1:2; 10:32; 11:16, 22; 15:9; 2Co 1:1; Gal 1:13; 1Ti 3:5; 1Th 2:14; 2Th 1:4).[4]^{, [5]} Furthermore, this single Church was established by Jesus (Act 20:28; Eph 1:22; 4:15; 5:23; Col 1:18), not by men, committees, councils, synods, or institutions. Wayne Jackson writes:[6]

Why would men set aside that name, and designate themselves by human heroes (e.g., Lutheran)? Or name themselves after some form of organization, (e.g., Presbyterian)? Or adopt titles according to some individual point of doctrine they espouse, (e.g., Baptist)? There is no scriptural basis for this common practice.

Tell me please, why are those who profess allegiance to Jesus Christ dissatisfied with simply wearing the name “Christian”? Why are they not known as just “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16) or “church[es] of God” (1 Cor. 1:2)—either appellation being entirely scriptural. There is no solitary, exclusive name for the Church. But whatever you call it, you need to call it what it is, and not what it is not.

The Church is not a Pentecostal church just because it was established on the day of Pentecost. The Church is not a Baptist church just because it advocates baptism. The Church is not a Congregational church just because it is organized congregationally. The Church is the Church of God (1 Cor. 1:2), because God planned it.

2. As with most things, man has completely distorted, twisted, hidden, and even annihilated the simple and pure truth of Scripture. The hundreds (thousands?) of denominational divisions and sects that we see today are not biblical (Eph 4:5; 1Co 1:10).[7] In fact, Jesus prayed expressly for unity among believers (Joh 17:11, 19–21), yet despite that, the “schemes”[8] and false teachings of man and the devil have continued unabated for over two thousand years and have led to countless divisions.[9] Wayne Jackson further writes:[10]

The unity of the body of Christ is paramount (cf. Psa 133:1). It is that which the Holy Spirit desires and instructs to be maintained, and issues in the “bond” that ties Christians together in peace (vv. 2–3).

David Lipscomb writes:[11]

The Creator, Preserver, and Benefactor of all things, who overrules in, through the universe, and dwells and works in every obedient heart “both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:13 [KJV].) This perfect and complete unity in the creation, preservation, and direction of the universe and of all the loyal and true subjects of God is given as the strong and irresistible appeal for unity among the children of God, in his body, guided by his Spirit, It is not a plea for denominational union. There were no denominations in the days of Paul. It is an earnest plea for unity and oneness in the congregation of believers in Christ in a given locality in doing the work of God on earth. It is a grievous sin against God for men to destroy the unity of the body of Christ by personal ambition and strife and bickering.

3. The Church began on the day of Pentecost (Act 2:1–4) when the Spirit was “poured out” (Act 10:45; Rom 5:5) on the apostles and early believers.
4. The “church of Christ” has local gatherings in each city, town, or locale as appropriate and warranted (see 1Co 1:2; 2Co 1:1; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1; Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14).
5. A true “church of Christ” will have all of the following characteristics:
   • They will simply go by the name(s) given in Scripture, which is the “church of God” or the “church of Christ” (see Rom 16:16), usually prefixed with the town or locale name (indicating its location).[12]
   • They will teach the Gospel correctly, free from the false teachings and fake gospels of men, committees, and institutions (Joh 4:23–24; Jud 3).[13]
   • They will “gather together” on the “Lord’s day” (Rev 1:10), which is “the first day of the week” (i.e., Sunday; see Act 20:7; Mat 28:1; Mar 16:2; 16:9; Luk 24:1; 1Co 11:18; 16:2; Heb 10:25)—beware the modern-day “Pharisees” and Sabbath Keeper “wolves.”[14]^, [15]^{, [16]}
   • They will hold services in an orderly, organized, and respectful manner (1Co 14:40), with only a cappella singing by members (Mat 26:30; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). They will not consider worship as entertainment or an “experience,” nor include musical instruments, singing groups, solos performed for an audience, rock bands, yelling, shouting, dancing around hysterically, chanting, babbling, speaking in gibberish, emotional audio-visual stimulations, and so on.[17]^,[18]^, [19]
   • They will have “overseers” (see Php 1:1; 1Ti 3:1–2; Tit 1:7; also “elders,” Act 11:30; 14:23; 15:2, 4, 6, 22–23; 16:4; 20:17; 21:18; 22:5; 23:14; 24:1; 25:15; 1Ti 5:17; Tit 1:5; Jas 5:14; 1Pe 5:1, 5; Rev 4:4, 10), who are chosen in accordance with scriptural qualifications (1Ti 3:1–7).[20]
   • Its “overseers/elders” (see above), “preachers” (see Rom 10:14; 1Ti 2:7; 2Ti 1:11; 2Pe 2:5), and “teachers” (Act 13:1; 1Co 12:28–29; Eph 4:11; Heb 5:12; Jas 3:1) will sincerely love God. You can usually tell whether this is so by watching their behavior, their demeanor, their language, and so on. The “fruit of the Spirit,” which is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control,” should be evident (Gal 5:22–23; cf. 1Pe 1:6).[21]
   • They will teach, preach, and read (openly, publicly) the Word of God in an expositional manner at every service (Act 2:42, 20:7; Eph 4:11; Col 4:16; 1Th 5:27; 1Ti 4:13; 2Ti 4:1–5; Jas 3:1) and not just use Jesus and the Bible as a prop behind them on stage while they tell jokes and cutesy stories of how good your life will be and how rich and successful Jesus will make you (and them).[22]
   • They will be active in faith and service for the Lord (Mat 5:13–16; 20:28; Mar 10:45; Rom 12:7; 1Co 15:58; 1Th 1:3; Joh 5:17; Jas 2:22).
   • They will conduct baptisms by immersion for adults (Mat 3:16; Mar 1:10; Act 8:39) who “believe” (Mar 16:16; Act 8:37). This baptism is “for the forgiveness of your sins” (see Act 2:38; 8:36–39; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16; Mar 16:16; Joh 3:3–5; Gal 3:27; 1Pe 3:21; Rom 6:3–10; 1Co 6:11; 12:13; Col 2:12; Tit 3:5–7; 1Jn 5:6; Eph 5:26; Isa 1:18; Jer 31:34; Psa 103:12) as specified in Scripture, and it is done on the very same day someone comes to faith in Christ (Act 16:33; 8:36; 22:16)—that is, immediately, not weeks, months, or even years later, as is common in today’s apostate churches.[23]^{, [24]}
   • They will train up their members to be constantly “grow[ing] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2Pe 3:17–18) and maturing in faith (Heb 5:12; 6:1; 1Co 14:20; Eph 4:13)[25] so they aren’t “tricked” or “deceived”[26] into following “a different gospel … a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you” (i.e., fake gospels; Gal 1:6–9; 2Co 11:3–4; 2Ti 4:3–4).[27]
   • They will exercise discipline with members and will also lovingly “admonish” (see Act 20:31; Rom 15:14; 1Co 4:14; Col 3:16; 1Th 5:14; 2Th 3:15; Col 1:28), “teach” (1Co 4:17; Heb 5:12; 1Ti 3:2; 4:11; 6:2; 2Ti 2:2, 24; cf. Rom 12:7; 1Co 12:28–29; 14:26; Gal 6:6; Eph 4:11; Col 1:28; 3:16; 1Ti 2:12; 4:13; 5:17; 2Ti 3:16; Tit 2:3; Heb 6:1), “correct” (see 2Ti 2:25; 3:16), ”rebuke” (1Ti 5:1; 5:20; 2Ti 4:2), and “restore” (Gal 6:1; Jas 5:15) members who are going “astray” (Rev 2:20; 2Co 11:3; 1Ti 6:21; 2Ti 2:18; 2Pe 2:15).
   • They will show no favoritism due to appearances, wealth, status in the community, business and political affiliations or connections, and so on (Jas 2:1–9; Php 2:3–7; Rom 12:16; Gal 3:28).
   • They will be focused exclusively on building “the kingdom of God” (Col 4:11; Act 1:3; 8:12; 14:22; 19:8; 28:31; 1Co 4:20; Rom 14:17; 2Th 1:5), not on the political, economic, and nationalistic activities and agendas of man and this fallen world (Php 3:20; Mat 16:23; Mar 8:33; Col 3:2; Joh 15:19; 1Pe 2:9; 2Ti 2:1–5). Such activities drain much-needed energy that could be used instead to grow God’s kingdom and lead more people to salvation (Mat 9:37; 2Ti 2:4–5). We must always be mindful that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Php 3:20), where Christ is (our Lord and King), not here in this fallen world.[28] We should also, therefore, have our priority set on “seeking the things above, where Christ is” (see Col 3:1; Jas 4:4) and not on the material things “of this world,” which is “passing away.”[29]
   • They will take a free-will offering from members according to the heart and ability of the believer (1Co 16:1–2). A Christian should contribute financially as you are led to out of a “cheerful” heart (2Co 9:7–15; Mal 3:10),[30] being grateful to the Lord for any material blessings He has given you (1Co 10:26; Jas 1:17; Eph 3:20; 2Pe 1:11; cf. Luk 12:15–21) and as you can manage responsibly (1Ti 5:8).[31]
   • They will observe communion—“breaking of bread” (see Act 2:42, 46; 20:7, 11; cf. 1Co 10:16–17), “the Lord’s Supper” (1Co 11:20; cf. 1Co 11:23–30; Mat 26:26–29; Mar 14:22–25; Luk 22:17–20)—each “Lord’s day” (Sunday; Rev 1:10) “in remembrance of Me [Christ]” (Luk 22:14–20).[32]^, [33]
   • They will have a heart for the lost and be a “light” to the community (Mat 5:14–16; Rom 2:19–20; 1Th 5:5; Joh 12:36; 2Co 6:14; Eph 5:8–14; Php 2:15; Rev 1:20; 2:1).
   • They will be “fervent” in prayer (Acts 12:5; cf. Acts 2:42; Php. 4:6; Jas. 5:13; 1 Cor. 14:14–16) for themselves, other Christians, the community, leaders, and the lost (to come to know Christ).
   • They will welcome and love all who come, no matter what sins those people are (or have been) involved in (Eph 2:1–3; 1Ti 1:13; Joh 12:46; Act 10:43; 13:39; Rom 1:16; Mar 3:11). This is not an excuse, however, to tolerate continued, willful sin by members after they have come to faith in Christ.[34]
   • They won’t establish man-made positions and titles, nor will they elevate men in a leadership hierarchy[35]^{, [36]}—doing such is not in agreement with Scripture, for we are all equal in Christ (Mat 20:20–28; 23:8–12; Mar 9:35; 10:42–45; Luk 6:40; 22:26–27; Joh 13:14–17; Rom 12:4–5; 1Co 12:12–13; 2Co 1:24; 4:5; Eph 4:2–6; 1Pe 5:1–3, 5–6) with differing gifts. As it is written, “Some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ,” according to the grace and pleasure of the Lord (Eph 4:7, 11–12; 1Co 12:18). Only Christ is the head of the Church (Col 1:18; 2:19; Eph 1:22–23; 5:23–24; Act 20:28)—not other men, nor so-called “pastors” elevated into leaders, nor committees, institutions, parishes, cardinals, or the Pope. Additionally, the practice of having one person act as the sole church “leader” with the title of “pastor” or “senior pastor” isn’t biblical.[37] We should always remember that we are each and only sinners saved by the grace of God (Gal 3:22).
   • They will not have women in positions of leadership, teaching, prayer, or authority over men, but in all other aspects, women are fully equal with men (1Ti 2:11–14).[38]
6. Note that the instructions (praise and admonition) to the churches in Revelation (see Rev 2:1–3:22) were written to real, literal churches when John lived.[39] Those verses contain a wealth of information for the born-again Christian on what Christ expects from churches (and also from individual believers) who “call on the name of the Lord” (see Act 2:21; 22:16; Rom 10:13; 1Co 1:2; Gen 4:26; Isa 12:4; Psa 91:14–15; 105:1; 116:4, 13, 17). Those instructions apply equally to churches (and believers) of every age, including today. We can learn much from what Christ says to each of the churches and take great heed, for there is a little (or a lot) of each church in each of us individually. If Christ’s warnings to the churches apply to your congregation or yourself, pay close attention and strive to correct that.

To “worship [God] in spirit and truth” (Joh 4:23–24; cf. Psa 145:18; Jud 3), you will need to “come out of” (Rev 18:4) the so-called “Christian” churches, sects, and denominations that are teaching “a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you” (Gal 1:8–9). This includes the so-called “Reformed,” Calvinistic, modern, denominational, and liberal “Christian” churches of today, for they are, in fact, offspring of “Babylon” (Rev 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2; 18:10, 21; cf. Rev 17:1, 15; 19:2)—that is, they are baby harlots (“images of the beast,” see Rev 13:11–18). Additionally, groups that place man’s (or woman’s) writings on equal footing with Scripture or rely on “false prophets” (Mat 7:15) who claim to have received new “private revelations from God” or introduce new so-called “inspired” books of Scripture are to be avoided.[40] Churches that describe their service as an “experience” are also best avoided.[41]

If you are new to an area, you can search for the name of your town or city along with the words “Church of Christ” to locate one nearby (e.g., “Medford Church of Christ”). But be sure to do proper diligence on any church, whether it has those words in the title or not.[42]^, [43] Be aware that many so-called “Christian” churches, which may even use the name of Jesus or Christ in their names, are not teaching the true Gospel as it was “handed down” in Scripture (Jud 3; Joh 4:23–24). You can use the information in this chapter to check that you are, in fact, in a true “church of Christ.”

Lastly, if there isn’t a “church of Christ” in your area (or prison, for example), start one! The idea that you must be ordained, part of the clergy, or a seminary graduate to start a church is not biblical. All Christians are “priests” (Rev 1:6; 5:10; cf. 1Pe 2:9) of the Gospel in “the kingdom of God” and “ambassadors for Christ” (see 2Co 5:20; cf. Php 1:27; Eph 6:20).

Find a local AZ Church of Christ here.

Amen.