We have seen a large number of churches proclaiming the false gospel over the last few years. This has resulted in people being lied to, and if they have the gift of discernment, unhappy in the Church. In addition, a lot of people have now also left churches, never to return, due to so called “charismatic” pastors not having a holy lifestyle.
- 2 Peter 2:1-3 - 2 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
It is very difficult to find churches that are true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In this blog I am going to try and give guidance how you can establish whether your current church or the church you intend to visit or contemplate joining, is a true church. I am myself at a crossroad with my own congregation/church. I am in a process of challenging my congregation and preachers whether we are still a true church obedient to the Word of God. It is a difficult process, as it sometimes challenges long standing traditions and some core beliefs of the church. The church is the guardians of the Truth and as such is tasked to be a Biblical true church.
In this blog I refer to leaders as men. Men and women are of the same value in the eyes of God, but the Bible tells us that the roles are different. I do not undervalue a woman’s contribution in a congregation at all. I think they are extremely capable and useful and bring attributes into a congregation that men do not necessarily have, but:
- Men are the leaders.
- Women are the helpers – they should not have spiritual authority over men.
There are two distinct categories that I will try and address:
1. Leadership
2. The congregation
There is a very true saying that a church is just as good as the leaders are. This also applies to businesses and the government of countries. When a church is not fulfilling its task according to the Word, the rot is at the helm of the church. A church cannot rise above the spiritual “level” of its pastors. And the church will reflect the leaders’ attributes. That is why we have to look at both categories in the church to be able to evaluate a church properly.
We can learn a lot through Scripture about leadership and a church of God. Especially out of the letters of Apostles Paul and John to congregations. As background we have to understand that these letters were written to churches that were persecuted and shunned by the world around them. At that time the environment was similar as we see around us in the world today in the sense that immorality was rampant. We see this in particular developing in the 10/40 window, China, India, Vietnam and now in the USA in increasingly numbers. Even in my own country. This is now a fact of life that children of God have to contend with.
Our best example of leadership is of course Jesus Christ Himself. He was a leader none like any other leader. Every time I read about Him, I am amazed at His compassion, boldness and righteousness.
1. Required Leadership traits:
Many people aspire to leadership. Although that may be a very noble pursuit, we are warned about how leaders will be dealt with:
- James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
Although people claim that leaders are made and not born, in the church you cannot become a leader through training. Training is important, but to be a proper leader of a church you has to be called by God to start with, and the Holy Spirit will make the leader capable of living out God’s plan for leaders.
a. Servant leadership:
True church leaders are servants to the congregation. They should lead the congregation by example.
- Matthew 20:26-28 - 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- 2 Timothy 3:8-9 - 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
A servant leader (these are just some of them):
- Leads by example
- Serves his people
- Envisions the future with his congregation.
- Takes spiritual responsibility for the congregation.
- Is willing to admit his mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
- Ensures that the workload is distributed fairly.
- Submits himself to the authority of the “board” of the congregation.
- Follows through on commitments.
- Anticipates and addresses the different stages of growth in the congregation.
- Gives practical instruction to the congregation.
- Plans for succession.
Jesus was the prime example. He is the Son of God and it was not below his dignity to wash the disciples’ feet, talk to a prostitute, a hated tax collector, an adulterous women, etc. To serve a congregation is the epitome of a servant leader.
b. Character
Character is more important than gifts of the Holy Spirit. His character should display the Fruit of the Spirit. Without being critical, many church leaders focus on their own spiritual gifts, such as healing, speaking in tongues, etc. instead of building their own character. Character is what people will adopt from you as a leader. If your character does not show Christ, your congregation will also not develop the character of Christ.
- Galatians 5:22-25 - 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
c. Integrity/Purity/Blameless
Linked with character, integrity is in all probability one of the most important characteristics a leader of a church today. Leaders who’s life does not show integrity and is fraught with inappropriate behavior of any kind, will either be rejected by the congregation (they will not follow or trust him) or if accepted will mislead the congregation. God’s glory and peoples’ salvation is at stake.
Integrity = the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
Unfortunately, this is an area that has deteriorated throughout the leaders of the church. We have seen extra marital affairs, inappropriate lavish living and spending, homosexual behavior, etc. What is worse is that churches do not apply discipline and they stay in their posts without the necessary repentance and restoration.
- Philippians 2:14-16 - 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
- Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
- Titus 2:6-8 - 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
- 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 - 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 - 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22-24 - 22 reject every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
d. What does the leader teach?
What is being preached and taught? The Bible is clear that we should only listen to those who preach the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Uncompromised, without excuse of what the Gospel may say. Too many leaders are trying to be politically correct and try not to upset the congregation. Pandering the ears of the congregation. Surveys in the USA have found that there are only two types of churches that are growing:
- Churches preaching the raw Gospel.
- Churches with false leader/teachers/prophets (as predicted in the Bible for the last days).
Leaders have to make the choice between being obedient to God’s Word or be damned to eternal death. There is no middle way. In our climate today, this may go hand-in-hand with persecution, court actions, jail terms, etc. and even death. The choice is in fact simple: Do not deny Christ and live forever or deny Christ and Christ will deny you in front of the Father.
- Matthew 10:33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
What should leader’s sermons be all about?
It is about salvation with true repentance, a lifestyle change as a result and the possibility (reality) of persecution. Too many pastors say: “Come to Christ and He will solve all your problems”. This is not true. Coming to Christ solves your problem from an eternal life perspective, saves you from your destiny to hell, but Jesus himself said to His disciples that we will experience difficulties, persecution and even hate.
- John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
- Matthew 10:22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
- Matthew 24:09-10 - 9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.
- Luke 21:16-18 - 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish.
- John 15:18-19 - 18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
- 2 Timothy 4:2-4 - 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
The object of preaching should focus on:
- People must be given the opportunity to come to Christ.
- Counting the cost of following Christ (take up your cross)
- True repentance
- Cultivating a holy lifestyle pleasing to God.
- Going out to proclaim the Gospel.
The problem with not telling the whole truth about what it means to be a child of God is that people do not weigh up the cost before accepting Christ. This results in people not being able to complete the race once they experience hardship. It is a race every day until your death. False preachers will have to be accountable to God when they do not tell the truth.
- Luke 14:27-29 - 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you.
e. Is he a man of prayer?
It is not just a trait that a good leader should have, it is a pre-condition to ensure that you are following God’s will in your life and in the congregation. The great theologians showed us the human example to spent many hours in prayer, seeking the face of God. Jesus did the same:
- Matthew 14:23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.
- Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
- Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
- Matthew 26:44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
- Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
- Luke 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
f. Boldness/courage/perseverance
We saw how the first church grew because of the boldness of the Apostles. A real leader of a congregation needs boldness to proclaim the Gospel against the false gospels being proclaimed in the world today. Linked with this is perseverance. It may take many years to turn around a congregation that was not a Godly congregation. Many trials and tribulations will be encountered. It is like turning around an ocean liner. The leader is like the rudder. Small but powerful and eventually the boat will turn. We are however encouraged by what the Lord says in His Word.
- Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- 1 Peter 3:13-15 - 13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats[a]; do not be frightened.”[b] 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
- 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
- Acts 4:28-29 - 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
- Acts 4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
One person with the vision is needed and he has to have the ability to keep at it until the tide changes. We have seen in many revivals that it was started with one person praying, and then gathering other people around him that had the same passion and eventually a congregation starts to change. It then moves outside the church into the community. Jesus described our walk with him as a race until we reach the end of the race.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
- 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
- Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us
g. Parenting
Leaders need both the skills of a father and a mother. There are times when they need to nurture the followers of Christ (growing them in faith). At other times they have to be the father that guides and disciples their flock to live a Christ-like lifestyle.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-11 - 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children.
- Hebrews 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
- Proverbs 5:12-14 12 You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! 13 I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors. 14 And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.”
h. Discernment
Discernment is a gift that God gives people to be able to distinguish what is of God and what is not. The deception by the evil one is so cunning, that many leaders are oblivious of what the evil one’s intent is. If we look at some of the false teachings/prophecies that are proclaimed today the only conclusion we can come to is that it does seem to be a gift that not many people have, including the pastors/leaders. Yet it is an imperative to make sure that the congregation/church stays on the right track.
Discernment starts with immersing yourself in the Word of God, prayer and seeking the face of God. Some church leaders and pastors renege from spending time in preparation for sermons. Many “buy” other pastor’s material and merely “recite” it on the Sunday. They lose out on how God speaks to them primarily and are open game for the evil one to get them to become false preachers. A leader that is immersed in the Word and prayer receives a blessing from the Lord in him being edified by God. You cannot really deliver a sermon in which God has not worked on you first. One notices the passion when a preacher/leader brings a sermon through which he has wrestled through.
- Philippians 1:9-11 - 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
i. Outwards vision
We tend to forget that we have been commanded, as Jesus did to the disciples:
- Matthew 28:19-20 - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
A leader that does not have an outward focus of proclaiming the Gospel outside his congregation will ensure that his congregation dies over time. The above text says: “GO” and make disciples. This equally applies to small/home groups. It will become self-centered with no lofty vision.
2. Traits of a God centered congregation:
I want to state up front that if you are looking for a perfect church: STOP. There is no perfect church anywhere except in heaven. The church is made up of “sinners saved by grace”. We are all human and we make mistakes. Even the Apostle Paul battled.
- Romans 7:14-16 - 14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.
The key is whether we are quick to forgive and quick to repent. That is what true love is. We tend to quit a congregation/church at the first sign of opposition. Have you ever thought that you may be in the congregation/church to be their conscience and to be the catalyst for change? Just a word of warning: You cannot leave a congregation/church without solving your differences. The risk is high that you will not find peace in the new congregation/church until you have done so.
When we observe the “modern” congregations/churches, we see a very disturbing new trends (not that to be a modern church is wrong) of entertainment for the congregation instead of sacred worship and the declaration of the Truth. It has developed into a “shallow” “ spirituality, “demanding” of God culture (name it, claim it, and frame it), disrespect for the holiness of God, poor Scripture knowledge, worldly alignment, compromises, soft on the ear sermons, self-centeredness, etc. What is even more disturbing is that people are flocking to these churches in their thousands to have their ears tickled. Exactly what the Bible prophesied would happen.
What we require is discernment by the Holy Spirit. I will try to the best of my abilities to set out some of the characteristics we can look out for in our process of evaluation.
a. Truth of the Gospel
Is the preaching filled with the Truth of the Word? Is it challenging to you to live a holy life?
Or
Are the sermons soft on the ears so as not to upset you with the truth?
- 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
We have to understand that the Gospel is not always soft. In reality it is quite uncompromising. A church that proclaims a “soft” gospel is effectively sending you to eternal death in a soft riding limousine. You will only wake up when it is too late. Rather be challenged and upset, and turn back to the Lord and have eternal life than being lulled into eternal death.
- John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
- Matthew 13:21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, they quickly fall away.
b. Fruit of the Spirit
A sign that the Holy Spirit is active in a congregation/church is that it displays the Fruit of the Spirit.
- Galatians 5:22-23 -22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
The Fruit of the Spirit displays the character of God. This is what makes a congregation IN the word and not OF the world. True unity in a congregation/church is only possible if the people are filled with the Holy Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit ensures that even if there are differences that is not affecting the truth of Scripture, love will cover everything.
- John 17:15-17- 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
c. Worship
Many articles have been written about the modern trend in praise and worship music. With that I am not suggesting that all new music is not scriptural or wrong. With the Bethel and Hillsong being in the Christian news lately, there is a real danger that praise and worship can become disrespectful to the Almighty God (and even “satanic”). The total focus must be God and God alone.
Some praise and worship teams also tend to repeat some versus continually to create an emotional setting for the congregation. True worship is to come before God in humility, realizing that we were lost without Him, and giving God all the glory. The “right” music is a catalyst to bring the congregation into true worship and more open to the Word of God.
- John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
- Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
- Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
d. Works of faith
Definition (dictionary)
- Doing something that shows your religious beliefs.
- Doing something that shows you have hope for a positive outcome.
- An act that demonstrates or tests the strength of a person's convictions, as an important personal sacrifice.
Definition (Bible)
- Hebrews 11:1-3 1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Acts of faith should be evident in a true church of Christ. Acts of faith is what makes a child of God different to the world. In the world people make decisions based on assumed risk of success, history and experience. In the realm of God, we are tasked to venture in the Lord and achieve what is way above our own capability or what we can dream for. Acts of faith is not an un-disciplined act out of our own knowledge or experience. It may include knowledge and wisdom of God, but it goes beyond the known into the realm of God asking us to venture out in His name to fulfill His purpose.
In many cases, it will seem foolish to the world as they do not understand how God works. I must also state that it is a process of immersing yourself in the Word, prayer and seeking the face of the Lord as to what He wants you to do. It is also a process of getting independent confirmation from Godly men and women.
The confirmation is critical as you need assurance that it was God speaking to you. The evil one will attack and try and put blocks in your way to destroy what you need to do. The confirmation gives you the courage and determination to carry out the work until the project is completed. God will not ask you to something that He will not give you the power to complete.
There is a saying that says: If you can work it out in your mind that cannot be from God. God asks us to what we deem impossible.
- Matthew 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
The question to answer is: Does your congregation/church show signs of acts of faith. If not, I suggest that you think about whether such a congregation/church is where God wants you.
e. Acts of love
Linked with the Fruit of the Spirit, is serving each other in love. To serve is inherently a characteristic of a person that is dedicated his/her life to God. It is also serving without expecting anything in turn, that includes not being thanked. Especially when you serve outside the congregation to people in need. They must see God’s love in action. You are just the messenger.
My personal experience is that people, who are in need, invariably are ungrateful and demanding after a while (called toxic charity). This should not deter us from continuing doing good as God instructs us. That is our witness of being a child of God. We do not know at what stage the object of our love will respond to God’s calling.
- Matthew 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- James 2:14-26 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ...
- Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
- Ephesians 6:7-8 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
f. Different to the world
Unfortunately our congregations/churches are full of “Sunday” Christians. All pious on Sunday and on Monday it is business as usual. This is very sad and the world looks at these Christians and then assumes that all Christians are the same. Unless we are different to the world, we will not be a testimony for God and people will not be encouraged to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We should radiate love faith and hope. We should have a lifestyle that makes people so jealous that they will be enticed to have the life in Christ we have.
- John 15:19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
- John 17:15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
- John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.
- Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
- James 4:4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
- 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
I hope this helped you. Happy hunting!!
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