Although the Bible certainly does not impose a particular culture in the life of a church, some things are absolutely essential if it is going to function the way in which a Bible-based church should. By Bible-based I mean a church which regards the Scriptures as the one and only infallible authority in this world (see my article, "What about the Various 'Christian' Denominations?"). This is not to say that Bible-based churches which lack these things cannot accomplish anything important, nor that their members cannot have a positive relationship with the God who is revealed in Scripture. Also, note that the essentials for "doing church" are different than those for cooperating on other levels of ministry, such as the translation and distribution of Scripture.

On the matter of worship services, the services ought to be conducted by those who are devoted to worshiping God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and who see to it that the services reflect this purpose (Acts 2:42), and that they are conducted in an orderly manner (I Cor. 14:40).

The church is to make it a priority to disciple people in the faith (Matt. 28:19-20), which includes the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). (Click here to read a related article.) Furthermore, people should be prepared and equipped to give an answer for the hope that is in them (I Peter 3:15).

Of vital importance, of course, is the message of eternal salvation which the church proclaims. Historically, Bible-based churches have taught that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone (Matt. 1:21; Acts 13:38-39; Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 1:29).

A good summary of the above essentials is stated in the Cambridge Declaration, a document endorsed by theological leaders in many different denominations. If a church agrees with the Cambridge Declaration, and one knows nothing else about the church, one would have at least some kind of assurance that the church is sound in certain essentials. Not that such a church will be sound or healthy in every respect, or that all of their doctrines and practices will be completely consistent with the Cambridge Declaration. It would simply indicate that the church may be sound enough such that those who seek to be consistent with the Scriptures could participate in its activities in good conscience. If the people of a given church are not familiar with the Cambridge Declaration, it may be advisable to ask them for their perspective on it.

For more information on what to look for in a Bible-based church, read my article entitled, "What's Missing in Many Churches? "

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