A checklist for Responsible Christians
==In Jesus Christ or Lord==
They are typical of a number of aberrational cultic groups and churches on the scene today.<br/>
Is your pastor fully accountable to a board of elders, etc?<br/>
Is loyalty to Jesus and to one's own calling placed before loyalty to pastor and church?<br/>
Does your pastor encourage questions and suggestions? Is he approachable?<br/>
Does your pastor give equal attention to all kinds of people in his congregation?<br/>
Does your pastor readily admit his errors?<br/>
Does your pastor avoid boasting or hinting at a "special anointing"?<br/>
Is your pastor truly humble?<br/>
Are the sermons based on clear Biblical truths, not on "original revelations" or ax-grinding?<br/>
Does your church interact with other churches?<br/>
Does your church staff avoid secrecy?<br/>
Is power shared in your church (rather than pre-empted by a hierarchy)?<br/>
Does your church see itself as just one organ of the Body of Christ, and not the main one?
==Is your church truly friendly?==
Does your church emphasise ministry to people rather than church programs?<br/>
Are especially needy people cared for lovingly in your church?<br/>
Are church members encouraged and loved even when they leave?<br/>
Are relationships with former members encouraged or allowed?<br/>
Do the pastor and congregation avoid attacking and using as object lessons, former members or those who disagree?<br/>
Are families encouraged to stay together and spend time together?<br/>
Does your family worship Sunday service include children, at least for part of the service?<br/>
Are you encouraged in your own calling?<br/>
Are pleas for money rare and unemotional?<br/>
Are your children happy to attend church?<br/>
Are you happy to bring unsaved friends to your church?<br/>
Is there a diversity of classes, races, dress styles, ages, and occupations in your church?<br/>
Are people encouraged to hear from God for themselves?<br/>
Is there a single behaviour standard for all people in the church?<br/>
Are all types of people considered welcome at your church?<br/>
Is the joy of the Lord present in your church?<br/>
Are you free from fear in your church?<br/>
Do you think more about God and Jesus than you do about your pastor and church?<br/>
Does your pastor include himself in any calls for repentance and forgiveness?<br/>
Are you clear that the pastors and elders never exaggerate or lie to make themselves look good?<br/>
Is your group encouraging of each other and free from gossip and rumouring?<br/>
Is there a humility of doctrine that points to the grace of God and His mercy for sinners?<br/>
Are you encouraged to serve in ministries or missions outside the local body?<br/>
Is there ever any pressure put upon members to give or lend money to leaders for their personal or business use (exclusive of church business or projects)?<br/>
Spiritual Counterfeits Project is a California-based cult/occult/New Age research ministry. Website:<br/>
http://www.scp-inc.org[[Category:Church]]