Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of biblical church principles or guidance in finding a more biblically grounded church community, you may be wondering, “What makes a church truly biblical?”
There are hundreds of thousands of churches across the United States. However, not every active or popular church aligns with God’s Word.
When your goal is to join a truly biblical church, there are certain core traits and characteristics you should consider. As you compare these traits, remember that the goal is not to find perfection. Instead, you’ll want to join a church that demonstrates faithfulness to Scripture, provides biblical leadership, and fosters a community focused on God’s truth.
To help guide you, here are five traits of a biblical church.
1. Christ-Centered Teaching and Preaching
When the ultimate goal is to join a truly biblical church, you’ll want to ensure that Scripture is the foundation and authority for all the church’s messages. Topics should not be based on emotions or self-focused experiences. Faithful preaching of the Word means that the teaching is based on Scripture.
Discussions and teachings should reflect what Jesus taught, not popular cultural trends or personal opinions.
As 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season.” When you join a church, the messages behind its teachings should be consistent, even if those messages may be unpopular or difficult. Even during challenging times, the Word of God should not waver.
2. Genuine Worship Rooted in Spirit and Truth
When you attend church, you want to take part in genuine worship that’s God-focused and rooted in God’s Word — not a performance. And while the church community is cared for and loved, a truly biblical church is not focused on people-pleasing. It’s a clear, God-ordained purpose.
When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, He said, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). This phrase reminds us that genuine worship is not based on physical locations or rituals, but instead, your spiritual connection with God, rooted in His truth. Those who lead and join biblical churches see worship as a lifestyle, not just a Sunday gathering.
3. Biblical Community and Fellowship
When you’re part of a truly biblical church, you’ll see the community that’s created. There will be an emphasis on unity and fellowship. Members are actively engaged in discipleship, serving and encouraging each other, while also holding one another accountable.
There should always be a sense of love, unity, and mutual care among believers. This is described in Acts 2:42-47:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day, they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.“
4. Commitment to Mission and Evangelism
A biblical church’s commitment to mission and evangelism stems from its biblical teachings and active outreach. In this case, outreach is not optional — it’s part of discipleship. You’ll want to look for a church that extends its ministry beyond its physical walls.
Whether it’s serving the poor in your community, sharing your faith, or engaging in global missions, a truly biblical church lives out the Great Commission and spreads the faith, as Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20:
“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
5. Servant Leadership
The leader of your church is pivotal to its success and to its commitment to God’s Word. In a truly biblical church, leaders are focused on serving the church and its community, pointing members to Jesus. They should never be seeking personal power or recognition.
The best leaders are marked by humility and servanthood, leading through example — never control. They use their leadership to reflect Christ’s model of service, not worldly power.
Remember that shepherds should lead willingly and humbly, as the Apostle Peter said: “To tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it, not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3).
A biblical church isn’t measured by size or popularity but by faithfulness to God’s Word. Being mindful of the traits discussed above can help you find the best church that aligns with your faith and mission.
While you find the right biblical church for you, pray for discernment. When you join, support the church and live out these five core traits personally in your day-to-day life. Prayer will help you find guidance concerning your faith, church, and community. You’ll have the opportunity to serve and worship alongside your fellow believers and live out these biblical traits in your everyday life, not just on Sundays.
This journey will continue to evolve and grow, so be open to your path, as the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work“ (Ephesians 4:15-16).
