Choosing a Church That Prioritizes Biblical Truth: What to Look For

Finding a church that faithfully teaches God’s Word is one of the most important decisions in your spiritual journey. In a world where many churches are influenced by cultural trends rather than biblical truth, it’s essential to seek a congregation that remains firmly rooted in Scripture.

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Here’s what to look for when choosing a church that honors God, proclaims the Gospel clearly, and helps you grow in faith.

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Commitment to Scripture

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." — 2 Timothy 3:16

The foundation of any faithful church is its commitment to Scripture as the final authority in all matters of faith and life.

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What to Look For:

• Doctrinal Statements: Does the church clearly affirm that the Bible is God’s inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word? Lutheran churches in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), or Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) hold firmly to Scripture as their foundation.
• Preaching Style: Does the pastor preach directly from Scripture, explaining its meaning and application? Beware of churches where sermons focus more on self-help, personal opinions, or cultural topics rather than the clear teaching of God’s Word.

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A Gospel-Centered Focus

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." — 1 Corinthians 2:2

A church that prioritizes biblical truth must be centered on the Gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection for our salvation.

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What to Look For:

• Clear Teaching on Sin and Grace: The Gospel must be proclaimed fully, emphasizing that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
• Faithful Administration of the Sacraments: Lutheran churches recognize Baptism and Holy Communion as means of grace. A faithful church properly teaches and administers the Lord’s Supper as Christ’s true body and blood (Matthew 26:26-28).

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A Christ-Centered Community

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together." — Hebrews 10:24-25

A healthy church is more than a place to attend on Sundays—it is a family of believers who encourage, support, and grow together in Christ.

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What to Look For:

• Small Groups and Bible Studies: A church should provide opportunities to study Scripture together, fostering strong, faith-filled relationships.
• Opportunities to Serve: A Bible-believing church encourages its members to live out their faith through acts of service, outreach, and missions (James 2:17).

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Theological Education and Spiritual Growth

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." — 1 Peter 3:15

A church that values biblical truth will equip its members with sound theological education to defend and grow in their faith.

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What to Look For:

• Biblical Teaching Resources: Classes, reading materials, and Bible study tools should be available to help believers deepen their knowledge of God’s Word.
• Trained Pastoral Leadership: Pastors should be well-trained in biblical theology and able to teach sound doctrine (Titus 1:9).

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Worship That Honors God

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit." — Colossians 3:16

Worship is central to the Christian life—but it should be biblically grounded, Christ-focused, and reverent.

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What to Look For:

• Liturgical Worship Rooted in Scripture: Many Confessional Lutheran churches use a historic, biblical liturgy that includes Scripture readings, hymns, confession, absolution, and the Lord’s Supper.
• Biblical Hymns and Worship Songs: Whether traditional or contemporary, music should reinforce Scripture and sound theology.