Question:  Dear Greg,

            My wife has recently become involved with a church in her home state of Virginia.  She will be moving back there shortly and I will follow in about six months.  I have not been able to attend any services with her yet due to my work schedule.  At this time she is very vulnerable emotionally and spiritually due to the death of a close friend of hers.

            I have been told by my wife that the pastor “dances with the Lord” among other things.  I know that people worship in many different ways that are biblical, but I know that ministries such as Benny Hinn’s and the like do similar things.  However, the teachings of Mr. Hinn and his counterparts are not entirely biblical.  My wife seems to have found joy and hope by going to this church and I do not want to spoil her experience by being overly protective of her during this time of spiritual vulnerability.  There are just so many ministries out there that are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

            Ron

Answer:  Dear Ron,

            Churches should “major in the majors”—that is, a church should place Jesus Christ and the gospel at the center of all that they do and proclaim.  The church should be based upon the Bible.  According to the Bible the church should not claim to be the only true church or better than other churches because of activities that are not regarded as core teachings of historic Christianity—by both Bible teaching and the practice of the orthodox body of Christ over time.

            After you attend this church let us know if you have further, specific questions.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht