Yes. It matters which church you attend because what a congregation teaches will influence what you believe about God, how you worship Him, and how you follow Jesus Christ. Scripture gives Christians guidance about these matters, making the decision far more important than simply finding a place where they feel comfortable.
You may have heard someone encourage you to "find a good Bible-believing church of your choice." That sounds reasonable, but consider what happens when two churches claim to follow the same Bible while teaching different things about salvation. One may teach that baptism is necessary for the forgiveness of sins, while another teaches that forgiveness occurs before baptism. Both may sincerely believe they're following Jesus, yet their answers differ. How should someone searching for the truth decide what to believe?
Does Jesus Care Which Church We Attend?
Jesus said in , "I will build my church." He established a people who would belong to Him, follow His teaching, and live under His authority. Scripture describes Jesus as the head of the church () and identifies it as the people He purchased with His blood ().
When the gospel began spreading, those who believed and obeyed Christ gathered with other Christians to worship and grow together. describes them devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Their beliefs and practices were shaped by what Jesus revealed through His apostles.
Since the church belongs to Christ, His teaching should guide what His people believe and practice. Anyone searching for a congregation should therefore consider whether its members are committed to following His Word.
But Aren't All Churches Teaching the Same Bible?
Many congregations sincerely desire to honor Jesus, yet they sometimes reach conflicting conclusions about baptism, salvation, worship, and church leadership. These differences matter because religious teaching influences how people understand God and respond to Him.
Jesus said in , "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." He also warned against replacing God's instructions with human teachings ().
When two congregations teach different answers to the same biblical question, those teachings deserve examination. The goal is to understand what Scripture actually says and follow it faithfully. Even long-held traditions and respected teachers must be measured against God's Word.
How Can I Recognize a Church That Follows the Bible?
The people of Berea provide an excellent example. When Paul preached, they listened eagerly while "examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (). Their willingness to examine what they heard is an example every Christian can follow.
Begin by considering what a congregation teaches about becoming a Christian. Read the accounts of conversion in Acts and notice how people responded to the gospel (; ). Ask how the congregation understands those passages and whether its teaching agrees with Jesus' instructions.
Examine its worship as well. The New Testament describes Christians praying, singing, learning God's Word, giving, and observing the Lord's Supper (; ; ; ). Consider why the congregation worships as it does and how its practices are supported by Scripture.
Pay attention to its leadership and the relationships among its members. Elders are instructed to shepherd God's people willingly and lead by example (). Jesus taught that His disciples would be recognized by their love for one another (). Faithful teaching should be reflected in how Christians treat and care for people.
What If I've Already Found a Church I Love?
Perhaps you've attended the same congregation for years. You've developed friendships, raised your family there, and received encouragement through difficult seasons. These relationships are valuable, and God intends Christians to support and strengthen one another.
Yet every Christian should remain willing to grow in understanding. Paul instructed believers to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (). That instruction applies wherever someone worships, including a congregation they've attended for many years.
A church's willingness to examine its teaching, welcome questions, and correct misunderstandings reveals much about its commitment to following Christ. Love for a congregation should encourage continued faithfulness to God's Word.
How Should I Make My Decision?
Start by learning what Jesus and His apostles taught. Visit congregations, listen carefully, ask questions, and compare their answers with Scripture. Take time to observe how Christians worship, how their leaders serve, and whether their lives reflect the teaching they profess.
Remember that Jesus established His church and remains its head. He has given His people instructions concerning salvation, worship, and Christian living, and those instructions deserve to guide our decisions.
Seek a congregation where Christ's Word directs what is taught and practiced, and where His love is demonstrated through the lives of His people. The church you attend will influence your spiritual growth, making this a decision worth approaching with prayer and careful study.
Those searching for a congregation in Southeast Texas are welcome to visit Memorial Church of Christ in Port Arthur, where opportunities are available to worship, ask questions, and study Scripture together.
Plan your visit to see where to park and which entrance to use.
To read what the Bible says about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9am, Worship 10am, Worship 6pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7pm