Part Two: Questions 6-10
Based on Acts 20:17-35
(Editor’s note: Part one covers questions 1-5. Part three covers relevant FAQ’s)
There is increasing news across North America that more and more people are attending church regularly.
Why? There is a greater hunger to know the true meaning of life. Recent scientific studies show there is a neurological link between prayer and the release of serotonin that helps regulate mood, emotional balance, and overall mental health. What about you? Have you considered joining a church near you?
(use the following links against the blue hyperlinks given above ..
- Study: Gen Z Now Leads in Church Attendance
- Church attendance growing in smaller denominations
- Gen Z men returning to church in surprising numbers in faith resurgence
- Three-fourths of Millennials Seek Meaning and Purpose, CRC Study Finds
- The neurobiological link between prayer, breath control and serotonin release
However, how does one choose a church? Here are ten biblical criteria drawn from Acts 20:17–35. In Part 1 we covered the first five questions. In Part 2 we will cover the second set of questions.
- Shepherding Or Pastoring: Is Comforting Care Of The Christ-Centred Shepherding Visible? (v.28)
“…to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
Seek a church where the members are shepherded with care. The flock of God is treated as those purchased by Christ’s own blood. A church where spiritual care, protection, and nurture flow from deep reverence for their Good, Great and Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, their Lord (John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20–21; 1 Peter 5:4).
The imagery of the shepherd for church leaders is an intentional biblical picture highlighting the various roles of care that are expected. Therefore, look for a church that does not view the congregation as a platform for personal ambition but considers it a privilege to care for the flock of God (1 Peter 5:1-5).
Seek a church where feeding is intentional – a place where multiple avenues are provided for shepherding from Sunday School to Seniors. Since each member has a unique need for care, it may be impossible to cater to each individually. However, see if enough ways have been provided for members to find care and each has opportunities to serve (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
- Maturity & Courage: Is The Church Mature To Identify, And Courageous To Remove, False Teaching? (vv.29-30)
“I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.”
Seek a church that discerns truth from error. It must be a doctrinally strong church that exhibits spiritual maturity and guards its members from deceptive teaching. Join a faithful church that shows courage to confront and correct false doctrine. It must be a church that protects the flock from those who distort the gospel for personal influence.
It is comfortable to choose a church based on programs that cater to a need. However, it is more important that you and your family are protected as you grow in your faith.
- Discipleship & Accountability: Is Honest Accountability & Vulnerable Discipleship Practised? (v. 31)
“Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.”
Seek a church where discipleship is not a program but personal. Where care is for the individual soul rather than a social one. A place where people seek to “live their faith” and “share their lives”. Be in a community that grows together through vulnerability and openness within the guardrails of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A Christ-honouring church practices honest accountability and burdened admonition. Seek a group of people who are nurtured in truth, spoken to with grace-induced tears over sin.
- Grace & Growth: Is The Church Growth Grace-Based Or Works-Based? (V.32)
“And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
Seek a church that rests on the grace of God for salvation – a church where, instead of aiming to “live for Jesus”, they “live in Jesus”. This means looking for a community that refuses to live on its own strength but toils with all His energy, powerfully working in them (Colossians 1:29).
It is a church that depends on God’s Word to build up the believers. And also God’s Spirit for their ability to live the Christian life. Confidence in the Word of God is evident – that the Word is alive and active. A two-edged sword that never loses its sharpness and relevance.
- Generous Giving: Is The Giving Culture Of The Church An Open Secret? (vv. 33-35)
“…In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Seek a church where generosity is Spirit-inculcated – a place where the financial practices are transparent, where the ministries are focused on giving rather than gaining – where hospitality and fellowship are as natural as breathing.
A healthy church is sacrificial in supporting the weak and the vulnerable, where giving is celebrated as an act of worship to the Lord, who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Wow! What a list!
And truth be told, there is no church in Mississauga or, for that matter, anywhere in the world that will meet all these criteria without fault – not till we are all perfected as promised (Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:23). Therefore, may these 10 questions serve as a guide, rather than as a tool for strict judgment.
As we await the glorious perfection to come, pray to God and ask to be guided to a faithful, Biblical community of God’s people. And when you join them, participate in the rhythm of worship and service.
Our prayer is that all churches in Mississauga, GTA, Canada and the world over will be biblically faithful churches. Though for now the struggle to find one is real, we are confident that Christ Himself will “…present the church to himself in splendour, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:27).
It was clarified in the earlier article, but it is worth repeating: we at New Life Bible Chapel are in no way claiming we have met these criteria. We see it in the Bible, and we have seen in church history that God is pleased when a local church is modelled on Biblical patterns – that remains our godly endeavour. We have also answered some FAQ’s that will urge you biblically to join a church.
While it is true that there may indeed be no denominational or non-denominational, evangelical church that meets all these criteria 100%, you are not to be without a church. We cannot be lone ranger Christians. So join a church. A place where the Biblical vision is not lost and where their hope is set on Christ – the One who fulfills all that He promised.
If you wish to explore New Life Bible Chapel, Mississauga, come visit us on a Sunday. We begin every Sunday at 9:30 am with a devotion and an open time of worship before participating in the Lord’s Supper. Our sermons follow a series format and are mostly expository. We also have an Adult Bible Class and Sunday School for kids each Sunday with the intent to grow us as disciples.
We serve families and individuals from across Mississauga, Milton, Brampton, Guelph & Toronto. Whether you’re new to the area or searching for a Bible-believing church that prioritizes gospel-centered teaching, come, we’d love to meet you!
Plan your visit here.
-Viji Roberts & Geo Philips
Call: 1-905-507-6891
Write: Contact@NewLifeBibleChapel.com
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