A Good Church

Preliminary data from Barna’s 2025 “State of the Church” report “suggests a potential uptick in weekly church attendance” to 32% (up from 28% in 2024)....Furthermore, it seems to be young men who are leading the way.

Wonderful news — I hope you’ll be among them!

But now we must ask: what kind of church should we attend? These days, churches come in every conceivable shape and style – from cathedrals to store fronts, from choirs to rock bands, from robes and vestments to T-shirts and skinny jeans...and everything in between. What does a “good church” look like?

I certainly have my own preferences on style, but that’s not what makes a church good or bad. What matters is the heart – not the production and programs of a local church, but its passion and priorities. The New Testament speaks clearly on what a congregation filled with the Holy Spirit will devote itself to - it describes a “good

church.”

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)

So, if you’re a looking for a “good church,” here is a four-point checklist:

Is this local church devoted to...

• ...the Apostles’ Teaching? The preaching and teaching of any local church must be focused on what the Apostles taught in the New Testament – not politics, not therapy, not motivational talks...but Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). You can read a sample of this kind of teaching in Peter’s first sermon in Acts 2. ASK: Does this church proclaim and apply the Gospel of Jesus Christ as found in the New Testament? Is Jesus Christ presented clearly as the Son of God, the Savior and Lord of all? Do they glory in the death and resurrection of Christ? Do they consistently call people to repentance and faith in Christ for the forgiveness of sins? (Luke 24:46-47)

• ...the Fellowship? The church is not a business catering to spiritual customers, nor is it a theater showcasing local celebrities. The church is a family...a fellowship...a community. A place where we can love and serve one another as Christ commanded his disciples (John 13:34-35). ASK: Is this a place where I can be known by others, where I am valued and would be missed? Is this a place where people can connect across generational lines and social classes and personal interests?

• ...the Breaking of Bread? The Lord Jesus gave his disciples a meal to help them remember His sacrifice for them on the cross. We are not told how often or in what specific manner the church must observe the sacrament of communion, but it is clearly something to be taken seriously with all reverence (see 1 Corinthians 11). ASK: Does this church partake of the bread and cup on a regular basis? When they do, is this done in a thoughtful and reverent manner? Do they make it clear that Jesus’ body was broken and his blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins?

• ...the Prayers? The local church is to be a place of prayer. And notice the plural – prayers. There are all sorts of prayers that must be offered: praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, and intercession. ASK: Does this church set aside significant time for prayer when they gather for worship? Do they give the congregation time to thank and praise God, to confess sin, to ask for help, and to pray for others? Are there opportunities to pray with others during the week?

I am so encouraged that young people are returning to church — a true answer to prayer. Now let us, more experienced church-goers, continue to pray that each one of them will find that “good church” where Jesus Christ is glorified and Christians are built up in faith and love. Indeed, may they find a “good church” that they can call their home.