Have you ever felt that something a church/christian organization is doing is off, but feels too afraid to do anything because you are not sure if you're discernment is right? Here are some signs that may indicate something is wrong with a church.
Ignorance of scripture - This can come in many forms. Sometimes it's the excuse "Doctrine is not important because it brings arguments and divisions". Other times it can be subtle manipulation in preaching, where a pastor adds his/her own ideas and preferences dogmatically into the Bible(this can be tricky to tell).
No one is allowed to bring up concerns to the leaders - People who bring up concerns are labeled as the bad guys and sometimes "scripturally thumped" into silence. Leadership never communicates the reasons behind their decisions and just wants the congregation to obey whatever they are told.
A rigid rule systems is taught instead of the gospel and spiritual principles - the congregations is never encouraged to think and make decisions on their own
No discipline/bad discipline - Sin is not called out and repentance is not urged. In large people don't hold each other accountable. Or sin is called out and dealt shamefully when the person wants to be free from it, and accountability is done so people feel good about themselves.
Lack of care/warmth in relationships - relationships are superficial where people just greet each other on sundays asking "how are you?" No one cares/are too afraid to ask how people are walking with the Lord. Or people ask about others' spiritual lives just to validate themselves and shame the other person when they are struggling.
If you find yourself in such situations, run far far away(unless you are sure that God's plan for you is to reform the church) and find a good church where the bible is honored and properly handled, where the gospel is repeated over and over again, and where the people love and care for each other deeply and truthfully.
