Blog: What Kind of Church Do We Have? (December 7, 2025)

Jeff Rowland

Teaching #154, “What Kind of Church Do We Have? - December 7, 2025,” calls believers to look with clear eyes at their local church in the light of Scripture, not feelings or trends.

This post walks through the main themes of that message and helps you ask, in a serious but hopeful way, what kind of church you are part of right now.

God cares what kind of church we are. He has given us a clear picture in His word. Here we will look at what a healthy, Christ-centered church looks like, how churches drift, and how you can respond in faith.

Why It Matters What Kind of Church We Have

The question “What kind of church do we have?” is not abstract. It shapes how you know God, how you grow, and how you reach others.

Your local church shapes how you think about Jesus, how you read the Bible, how you see sin, and how you treat people. Over time, a church either points people toward Christ or quietly pulls them away from Him.

Many churches in 2025 are busy and active, but not all are healthy. Some drift into comfort and entertainment. Others are driven by politics, traditions, or strong personalities. In some places, the Bible still gets read, but it no longer rules.

Jesus cares deeply about His churches. In Revelation 2 and 3, He walks among the churches, praises some, warns others, and calls several to repent or face judgment. That same Lord watches our churches today.

God’s Design for the Local Church

The Bible gives a clear picture of what a church is. The church is not a building or an event. It is the people of God, saved by grace, gathered around Jesus, under His word, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 2:42-47, the first believers devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They share their lives, meet needs, and praise God together. The Lord adds to their number.

Ephesians 4 shows the church as a body that grows as each part does its work. 1 Corinthians 12 describes many members with different gifts, all needed, all joined to one Head, Christ.

So a biblical church will be marked by:

• Worship that honors God.
• Teaching that explains Scripture.
• Fellowship that is real, not shallow.
• Prayer that depends on the Spirit.
• Serving and mission that reach the lost and care for the saved.

We are called to match our church life to this pattern from Scripture, not to the pull of culture.

How Churches Drift From God’s Plan

Most churches do not fall in a single day. They drift a little at a time.

Some place tradition or new trends above Scripture. Others chase numbers instead of discipleship. In some, a gifted leader becomes the center, and people rally around a personality instead of Christ.

You may see:

• Shallow teaching that avoids hard texts.
• Services that feel like a show, with people treated as an audience.
• A focus on image and brand, but little concern for holiness.
• A cold atmosphere where few know each other and love is thin.

This teaching calls you to honest assessment, not harsh criticism. The goal is not pride, but repentance and faithfulness to Christ.

Marks of a Biblical, Christ-Centered Church

On December 7, 2025, Teaching #154 calls the church to test itself by clear marks from Scripture. Use these as a humble checklist as you think about your own congregation.

A Church Built on the Authority of Scripture

A true church is ruled by God’s word, not by culture, feelings, or popular opinion.

In a Scripture-ruled church:

• Sermons open the Bible, explain the text, and apply it.
• Leaders and members submit to Scripture, even when it confronts them.
• Big decisions are weighed by what the Bible actually says.
• People are urged to read, study, and obey Scripture in daily life.

If most messages are about personal stories, vague inspiration, or self-help, with only passing Bible references, that is a warning sign. A faithful church lets the word set the agenda.

A Church That Exalts Jesus, Not People

A healthy church lifts up Christ above all. He is the center of worship, teaching, and mission.

In a Christ-centered church:

• Songs are rich with truth about who Jesus is and what He has done.
• Preaching keeps pointing back to His cross, resurrection, and reign.
• Ministry is described as serving Christ, not building a brand.
• Quiet faithfulness is honored more than talent or charisma.

Where a pastor, worship leader, or ministry brand feels like the “star,” the church is in danger. The Spirit works most clearly where Jesus is treasured most.

A Church Marked by Repentance, Holiness, and Obedience

A biblical church does not only speak kind words. It calls people to turn from sin and walk in holiness.

In such a church:

• Sin is named, not excused.
• Church discipline is practiced with grace when needed.
• People confess sin, seek help, and forgive each other.
• Over time, there is clear growth in purity, honesty, and integrity.

Repentance is not a one-time event. It is the ongoing path of real believers. When a church treats sin lightly or never calls for change, love is missing. Loving people means calling them to obey Christ.

A Church Filled With Real Love and Sacrificial Community

True Christian love shows up in daily life, not only in words.

In a loving church:

• People know one another beyond Sunday services.
• Needs are shared, meals are shared, burdens are shared.
• Members visit the sick, help in crisis, and pray with those who weep.
• New people are welcomed into real relationships, not left on the edges.

A cold, consumer type church lets people attend but stay strangers. Ask yourself, “Do people here really know and love one another, or are we just sharing a room for an hour?”

A Church on Mission to Reach the Lost and Make Disciples

A faithful church is not turned inward only. It carries the gospel out.

You will see:

• Regular prayer for lost friends, family, and neighbors.
• Teaching and training that help people share their faith.
• A heart for missions and mercy in the local community.
• Members who help new believers grow and obey Jesus.

Mission is not only for special events or a few gifted people. It is a lifestyle of the whole church, in homes, workplaces, schools, and beyond.

How to Honestly Ask: What Kind of Church Do We Have?

The teaching does not stop at description. It presses each listener to respond in a humble, biblical way.

Begin With Prayer, Humility, and Self-Examination

Before you judge your church, ask God to search your own heart.

You might pray:

• “Lord, show me where I need to repent.”
• “Strengthen our pastors and elders to be faithful.”
• “Reveal where our church is obeying You and where we are drifting.”

Ask for a gentle spirit and a desire to build up, not tear down. Remember that you are part of the body you are evaluating.

Use Scripture as the Measure, Not Personal Preference

Many church complaints grow from taste, not truth. Style of music, length of service, or favorite traditions are not the main issue.

Let Scripture be the standard. Compare your church to the marks above: word-centered, Christ-exalting, repentant, loving, and on mission. Do not measure it against churches you see online or against a perfect memory of the past.

This keeps your heart steady and fair.

Respond in Love: Stay, Serve, Speak, or Seek a Faithful Church

Once you see what kind of church you have, respond in love.

• If your church is mainly healthy, stay, give thanks, and serve with joy.
• If your church is mixed, pray, serve, and speak humbly with leaders where you see concern.
• If your church rejects the Bible and the gospel, it may be time to seek a sound church that honors Christ and His word.

In every case, seek patience, respect, and unity as far as you can, while keeping loyalty to Christ above all.

Living as the Kind of Church Jesus Deserves

Teaching #154 on December 7, 2025, is a fresh call from Christ to His people. He deserves a church that reflects His truth and love.

Your Personal Role in Shaping Your Church

Every believer has a part to play.

You shape your church when you:

• Pray faithfully for leaders and members.
• Serve in quiet ways that few see.
• Give with a generous heart.
• Forgive when you are hurt.
• Welcome those who are new or alone.
• Share the gospel in daily life.
• Use your gifts to build others up.

You might join a small group, mentor a younger believer, or quietly meet a need without seeking praise. When each person obeys Christ, the whole church grows healthier.

A Hopeful Vision for the Church in the Days Ahead

The pressures on churches in 2025 are real, but the promise of Jesus is stronger. He said He will build His church and the gates of hell will not overcome it.

Picture a church that shines with truth and love in a dark world. The Bible is opened, Jesus is exalted, sin is confessed, love is real, and the gospel goes out with power.

Conclusion

God cares deeply what kind of church we have. In Scripture He shows what a faithful, Christ-centered church looks like and warns about drift.Respond with prayer, obedience, and humble action in your own congregation. Ask how you can help your church be more rooted in the word, more focused on Jesus, more marked by repentance, land mission. Together, keep asking, “Lord, make our church faithful to You.”