We know that many EV readers have awakened to the gospel, but they are in churches where the same thing did not happen, we already published a series of Bobby Jamieson, from the Ministry of 9 Marks, where he talks about the (almost impossible) difficulty of changing churches, without changing pastors or causing division:
1. Why can’t you change your church 2. When can you change your church?3. How to change your church 4. How to live with what you can’t change
In addition, we’ve published some recommendations from R. W. Glenn on “what to look for in a new church. “
Mark Dever, in his book Nine Marks for a Healthy Church, sets good guidelines on what to look for in a new church. Below is a brief tip from Dever on how to find a healthy church (adapted from What is a healthy church?)
1. Pray.
2. Seek the advice of a pious pastor (or former interests at stake)
3. Keep your priorities firm:
(a) The gospel must be truly affirmed, clearly preached, and lived faithfully. A serious failure in one of these gospel expressions is quite dangerous.
b) Preaching must be faithful to the scriptures, personally stimulating and essential to the life of the congregation. It will only grow in your spiritual life where the scriptures are treated as the supreme authority.
c) It is very important to consider how the church sets guidelines for baptism, the Lord’s food, membership, ecclesiastical discipline, and who has the final say in decisions.
d) In short, look for a church that shows the nine marks of a healthy church (see more at the end of the article for more information)
4. Make a diagnosis of yourself using these questions
a) Would I like to find a woman who was raised under the teachings of this church?
b) What portrait of Christianity will my children see in this church? Something different or very similar to the world?
c) Would I be pleased to invite non-Christians to come to this church?In other words, would you clearly hear the gospel and perceive lives here that correspond to the gospel?Does the church like to welcome and reach non-Christians??
d) Is this a church I would like to pastor and serve?
5. Consider the geographical location. Does the church’s physical proximity to your home encourage or discourage frequent participation and participation?If you move in, try to find a good church before you buy a house.
[dt_call_to_action content_size?normal?text_align?left?background?fantasy?line?true?style?2?animation?
The Ministry of Faith has published the eBook What is a Healthy Church?Free download, as well as other good content!
[/ dt_call_to_action]
Yes, we know it’s hard to find a church that shows all the marks, so which ones do you prioritize?What healthy church? Duty divides the nine marks into essential and important elements Among the nine marks, the first three are essential: (1) the preaching of the exhibition, (2) biblical theology, and (3) a biblical understanding of Good News. In other words, pay attention to the preaching of the church!Does the pastor expose the Bible or simply use the Bible as an excuse to say what he wants?Do you illustrate the exhibition or continue to tell stories?you say clichés of power and victory or preach the Bible?In a month of preaching, have you preached different topics or just what you like best?Do you preach a theology that comes from the Bible?are two poisoned opposites!If nothing has been said about the gospel in a month of worship (except at dinner), it is probably not a healthy church.
Finally, we know that the situation is unpleasant. But remember: being a member of a sick church is always better than not being a member and disobeying the divine commandment.
When we become members of a church, we hold hands to get to know each other and be known. We agreed to help and encourage each other, when we need to remember God’s work in our lives, or when we need to be exhorted about the great differences between our word and our lives.
We must stop trying to live the Christian life alone. We must, individually, live in alliance with others to follow Christ. Christians must stop being selfish in their understanding of Christian life. The Christian life is not limited to you and those you seek to reach. God also wants you to be part of helping make disciples of the flock you have already saved.
? Mark Dever on Nine Marks for a Healthy Church
Be sure to download and read the eBook. This will help you a lot!