New Year, New...Church?

Welcome to 2025, ladies and gents!

If you are like me, you are already preparing for Christmas because how are we in the middle of January already? 😮‍💨

That aside, I hope life is taking you well, wherever you are.

We started a mini-series on church; leaving, choosing one and staying in one...The works.

I am learning brevity as one of my goals this year, and I hope this blog makes this obvious (lol).

I am no pastor, but I have seen a few things that have made me believe that not all churches have the presence of God in them. From churches performing false miracles to others with poor accountability systems and blatant signs of abuse to money-making institutions in the name of Jesus, I think it's safe to say that without discernment, you can easily land yourself in an empty house.

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV: "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Period.

Am I in a Healthy Church?

If you have read up to this far and are wondering if you need to stay or leave (or have noticed some of the things mentioned earlier), I suggest a few questions to ask as a health meter for your local assembly:

1. Does my church preach the Word of God? Are the teachings based on sound doctrine? (Hebrews 13:9)

2. Is there an accountability structure for the leaders in my church? (1 Corinthians 11:1)

3. Do the leaders live out the Word of God? (Matthew 5:14-16)

4. Does my church promote dependence on the leaders for guidance vs directing us to balanced scriptural counsel? (1 Corinthians 11:1)

5. Does my church have an active prayer life and ministry? (Luke 18:1)

6. Does my church promote evangelism? (Matthew 28:16-20)

7. Do people in my church care for and love each other and seek each other's well-being? (Hebrews 13:16)

8. Does the church promote the development of its members' gifts and abilities to bless others? (1 Peter 4:10–11)

9. Does my church advocate for hospitality and generosity? (Acts 20:35)

10. Does my church speak for truth and social justice? (Psalm 82:3)

If your answer is “yes” to these (except 4), well done! I say you are in a great community. If you feel a check in your spirit concerning your church while answering these questions, I pray that the Lord leads you as you assess your community in 2025.

We're going to be alright!

Question: did you change churches in 2024? If you did, why did you move? I am eager to know in the comments!

With love,

J. ❤️