1. The atmosphere seems more like a family reunion than a funeral parlor. There is a “buzz” of joy as people greet one another, smile, laugh, or hug in an evident spirit of love and unity (John 13:35, Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
2. Everyone is welcomed with the same level of enthusiasm, whether they are members or visitors; are widowed or single or married; are black or white or red or yellow; are dressed in the latest fashions or wear faded jeans (James 2:10-5, Luke 21:1-4, 1 Corinthians 7:25-35, Acts 10:34-35).
3. Older folks are cherished as treasures, and children are clearly valued and a place is made for them (Proverbs 16:31, Matthew 19:13-15, 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Matthew 18:5).
4. The congregation doesn’t neglect the Lord’s Supper, or casually treat it as a routine ritual, but observes it each week with reverence and respect (Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Acts 20:6-7).
5. During the message the preacher isn’t too timid to speak openly of sin, and expose it as the destructive force it is (1 John 1:8-10, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11), but when he talks about sinners, he remembers to say “we” instead of “you” or “they” (1 Timothy 1:15, John 8: 1-11, Luke 18:9-14).
6. The congregation demonstrates an active concern for the least, the lost, and the lonely in its community. The poor and unfortunate are treated with compassion, not contempt or indifference (Luke 7:18-22, 1 John 3:16-18, Galatians 6:9-10).
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7. Lots of people bring their Bibles, open them during the class discussion and the sermon, and are encouraged by speakers to refer to them (Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:14-17).
8. The church is urged to seek truth in God’s Word and avoid error, yet no appeals are made to religious pride or prejudices, and sectarian bitterness and hatred towards those who are sincerely wrong is discouraged (Matthew 7:15-23, John 9:51-56, Galatians 6:12-16).
9. No name of any human being is referred to as a source of ultimate authority, and no one in the congregation wears any religious title or attire that would mark him or her as being superior to the rest of the members (Matthew 23:5-12, 1 Corinthians 1:10-23, Acts 10:25-26).
10. Most importantly, the name of Jesus is heard frequently, and the congregation is reminded that as his disciples they look to Jesus as their Master and their model in all things (Colossians 3:17, John 12:44-50, John 12:15-17, Romans 8:29).
Obviously this list is not exhaustive – for a complete set of guidelines, consult your New Testament. However, I hope it is suggestive of the fact there are indications of spiritual health you can and should see in a congregation. When looking for a new spiritual family, don’t just wander into the nearest open door: seek that congregation which best corresponds to God’s idea of a good church!
–Dan Williams