The Apostles taught of a real living relationship with a real and alive Savior named Jesus. A healthy church should have these very basic principles: The preacher will teach that Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement.-John 16:8. The preacher will teach that Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within us the moment we accept Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord of our lives.-1 Corinthians 3:16. The preacher will teach that the same Holy Spirit enables and empowers us to live out the Christian life and to touch others with His mercy and grace.-Ezekiel 36:27. The preacher will teach that God gives gifts to men/women for edification of the body of Christ.-1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:12. We are told in 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 and in 1 Corinthians 14:12-13 that it is God (not us) Who chooses the gifts. God will grant us those gifts we need in order to be of greater benefit to His church. All gifts are distributed according to God's choosing, not our own. God is infinitely wise, and He knows through which gifts we will be most productive for His kingdom.
No church is perfect, but we should seek until we find a healthy church. No church will have the perfect music or even the latest music. The preacher may not be all that eloquent. There might not be any children's ministry, and the parking lot may be dirt; but this doesn't matter. What matters is that we will grow, thrive, and be fruitful when we find ourselves in a healthy church.
Lord, may every believer be led by the Holy Spirit to a healthy church, one in which the preacher (called by God) teaches the true doctrine of God's Word. This is where they will grow, thrive, and be fruitful as they continue to have a real living relationship with a real and alive Savior named Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Love in Christ, Jan