Question: Dear Greg,

I am currently searching for a church. I have been to an American Baptist Church, Methodist Independent Churches and the Pentecostal Church. I am finding that there are differences. However, it is confusing.

I am leaning more towards the Pentecostal because of their unity, but I struggle with their belief about the outward knowing of conversion is that you speak in tongues. Which of all the churches is correct? What should I be looking for?

I love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind and I have prayed about this…help!

Robin

Answer: Dear Robin,

Perhaps we should begin with one of your last statements – "which of all the churches is correct?" Here are some issues that should be considered when looking for a church home:

  1. Christ centered. A church should be centered in Christ – his coming, his work on the cross and its significance and his resurrection.
  2. A healthy church is focused on the gospel – not on glitz, excitement, entertainment, etc. A healthy church can be fun, interesting, etc. – but a fun and interesting church is not, de facto, healthy. A healthy church is well-balanced.
  3. A healthy church understands, upholds and teaches the basic and core teachings of the historic Christian faith.
  4. A healthy church does not claim to have superior understanding, more knowledge, better doctrines – and certainly does not tout itself as the only true church. One of the foundational and core beliefs of the historic Christian church is that the body of Christ is worldwide – that it is united – and that no one denomination encompasses the body of Christ.
  5. The preaching in a healthy church is centered in and on the Bible – not co-equally with the teachings and writings of the founding pastor, or any other human leader.
  6. A healthy church will understand and strongly warn of the dangers of legalism – teaching and believing that salvation is by faith alone, by Christ alone, by grace alone.

A side issue – not all Pentecostal churches believe and teach that tongues is a sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those that do are biblically incorrect in insisting on such an emphasis.

If you decide to visit a church – and become a member of a church, such a decision is not a life-long commitment. Your spiritual relationship is with God and with our Lord and Savior. Churches – denominations – human beings – come and go – but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Do not fear that you cannot leave a church if you feel it is not the place for you.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht