Which church - or denomination - is the 'right' church? With over 40 000 denominations worldwide, it is understandable why those seeking God may feel confused about which church is the 'right' one.
Before we can discern the 'right' church, we must first understand what the church is. The church is not a physical building, nor an earthly organisation. In the Bible, the church is described in two ways:
1) A spiritual body of believers in unity all over the world
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
Hence, the practice of denominations itself is not supported by Scripture as the Bible calls us against division and basing churches on human leaders instead of Christ:
1 Corinthians 3:3-4 For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, 'I am of Paul,' and another, 'I am of Apollos,' are you not carnal?
2) A gathering of believers who meet on a regular basis:
2 Corinthians 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia...
Hence, to join the church is to
1) become a Christian and
2) assemble regularly with other Christians
So how do we know when we have found the true church?
1. Adherence to Scripture
The primary role of the church is to proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). When considering a church, ask:
Does this church teach the Bible faithfully, without adding or subtracting from its message? (Revelation 22:18-19)
Are the sermons heavily centered on Scripture, not personal opinions, self-help advice or 'feel-good' preaching?
Does the church affirm foundational Christian doctrines, such as salvation through grace, baptism through immersion and the authority of the Bible?
Hence, having knowledge of Scripture is important so we may discern between the truth and false teachers:
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2. Worship as instructed by God
The Bible gives clear instructions on how God is to be worshipped when the church is gathered, including:
Regular assembly on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:25)
Singing hymns (Colossians 3:16)
Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Preaching (Ephesians 4:11-13)
The Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11: 23-26, Acts 20:7)
Collection (1 Corinthians 16:2)
The focus of worship should always be on glorifying God rather than entertainment, or appealing to our personal preferences.
3. A family of believers
The church is described as a family:
Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God."
When discerning a chuch, ask yourself:
Are the people welcoming and caring, including to visitors? (Romans 12:10, Hebrews 13:2)
Is there a culture of serving and supporting one another in love? (Galatians 6:10)
4. Pray for guidance
Above all, seek God’s wisdom in finding His church, for it is God's will that all should come to know Him (1 Timothy 2:3-4):
Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
In conclusion, the Bible gives us all the guidance we need to know how to find God's church.