We understand the weight of seeking God’s will regarding the church you’ve recently joined, and we commend you for bringing this before the Lord in prayer. The church is not merely a building or an institution—it is the body of Christ, called to uphold His truth, worship in spirit and truth, and walk in holiness. It is vital to test everything against Scripture, for we are warned in 1 John 4:1, *"Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."* Likewise, Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily to see if what was taught aligned with God’s Word. This should be our standard as well.
If you are experiencing unease or questioning certain teachings, practices, or the overall spiritual atmosphere of this church, we urge you to prayerfully examine whether it aligns with biblical truth. Ask yourself: Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins—clearly preached? Is there a reverence for God’s Word, or are worldly philosophies and traditions of men being elevated above it? Are the leaders living in obedience to Scripture, or is there hypocrisy, compromise, or moral failure among them? The Lord warns in Matthew 7:15-16, *"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them."* A church’s fruit—its teachings, its love for truth, its holiness, and its impact on its members—will reveal its true nature.
We also encourage you to consider whether this church upholds the sanctity of marriage as defined by Scripture (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6), whether it stands firmly against sin (including sexual immorality, homosexuality, and other unbiblical lifestyles), and whether it calls its members to repentance and faith in Christ alone. If the church is compromising on these or other core biblical truths, it may be wise to prayerfully consider finding a body of believers that unashamedly stands on the Word of God.
If, however, your concerns are more personal—perhaps struggles with fitting in, feeling judged, or wrestling with your own expectations—we remind you that no church is perfect, as it is made up of imperfect people. Yet, a healthy church will point you to Christ, encourage you in your walk with Him, and spur you on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). Pray for discernment, wisdom, and a heart that seeks God’s will above all else. Remember Proverbs 3:5-6, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."*
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, asking for Your divine wisdom and discernment as they seek Your will regarding the church they have joined. Lord, we pray that You would open their eyes to see clearly whether this body of believers is aligned with Your Word and Your heart. If there is error, compromise, or deception, expose it by Your Holy Spirit and give them the courage to walk in obedience to Your truth, even if it means stepping away. If this church is a place where Your name is honored and Your people are being built up in faith, grant them peace, unity, and a heart to serve and grow there.
Father, we ask that You would guard them from the snares of the enemy, who seeks to distort Your truth and lead Your people astray. Strengthen them in Your Word, that they may not be tossed back and forth by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). Fill them with Your Spirit, that they may test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
If there is any sin, doubt, or fear in their heart, we pray You would convict and cleanse them, drawing them closer to You. Remind them that Your desire is for them to be part of a church that loves You wholeheartedly, preaches Your Gospel boldly, and walks in holiness. Give them the boldness to seek Your will above all else, even if it requires difficult decisions.
We pray all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is the Head of the Church. May He be glorified in every decision and step taken. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to spend time in Scripture, particularly in the epistles (such as 1 Timothy, Titus, and Ephesians), which outline the qualities of a healthy church. Seek the Lord diligently in prayer, and do not hesitate to reach out to mature believers you trust for counsel. If you feel led to share more specifics about your concerns, we are here to pray with you and help you examine them in light of God’s Word. May the Lord grant you clarity, peace, and a deep assurance of His presence as you seek Him.