Step four of seven

Find your people.

Christians have always gathered. A good church is where you’ll be taught, known, and cared for. Here’s how to recognise one — and where to look.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

  • The Bible is read aloud, preached, and explained — every week.
  • The gospel is clear: Jesus died for sinners and rose again; salvation is by grace through faith.
  • The essentials are held: one God in three Persons; Jesus fully God and fully man; his bodily resurrection.
  • Baptism and communion are practised.
  • People know each other’s names. Leaders are accountable to others.

RED FLAGS

  • You’re not allowed to ask questions.
  • Pressure about money, or promises of wealth and health.
  • One leader who cannot be questioned or corrected.
  • “We alone are the true church.”
  • A different Jesus: less than God, or a book that overrules the Bible.

FOUR QUESTIONS TO ASK A PASTOR

  1. What do you believe about Jesus?
  2. How does someone become a Christian?
  3. How would I get to know people here?
  4. How does the church decide things, and who holds you accountable?
9Marks Church Search DIRECTORY The Gospel Coalition DIRECTORY

A listing is not an endorsement — take the checklist with you.

Have a question? Ask a real person →  ·  All steps