What to Look for in a Church Near Me: Returning to the Truth of God's Word

In a world of watered-down theology, emotionalism, and consumer-driven religion, many Christians are asking a simple, yet profound question: “What should I be looking for in a church near me?” Whether you're new to an area, returning to your faith, or raising a family and seeking a place rooted in truth, the answer begins in one place—the unchanging Word of God.

If you're in Cookeville, TN, or anywhere across the South, you’ve likely been surrounded by churches all your life. But not all churches are the same. As Bible-believing Christians—especially those from an Independent Baptist background—we must carefully choose a local church that aligns with Scripture, not culture.

Let’s explore what to look for in a local church, and why going back to the Bible is more than a preference—it’s essential.

Is the Bible the Foundation?

The most important question you can ask about any church is this: Does this church faithfully preach and teach the Word of God?

That doesn’t mean a church uses Bible verses loosely or gives motivational talks sprinkled with Scripture. It means the Bible is the centerpiece, and every message, every ministry, and every mission is anchored to the inerrant, inspired, preserved Word of God.

Independent Baptists hold a high view of Scripture. The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 clearly states:

“The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man... It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter.”

Look for a church where:

• The pastor preaches expositionally, explaining verse by verse, not skipping hard truths.

• Doctrine is grounded in Scripture—not emotion, tradition, or pop culture.

• The old King James Bible is preached as the standard and authority of truth.

Is the Gospel Clearly Proclaimed?

A true church doesn’t exist to entertain, motivate, or appeal to the flesh. A biblical church exists to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The gospel is not just a ticket to heaven—it’s the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). It must be preached clearly: that man is sinful, Christ died in our place, rose again, and that only by repentance and faith can we be saved.

Churches today often focus on self-help or therapy instead of the cross. Avoid churches that avoid the gospel.

Instead, seek a church that:

• Preaches salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)

• Rejects works-based salvation, which is essentially legalism

• Regularly calls sinners to repentance and new life in Christ

An Independent Baptist church that stays true to the gospel won’t shy away from preaching heaven, hell, judgment, and the mercy of God.

Are the Doctrines Sound?

Paul warned that “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3). That time is now. Many churches focus on experiences, emotional music, or political correctness—but doctrine is pushed aside.

You need a church that teaches sound doctrine consistently and without compromise.

Here’s what to look for:

• Trinitarian belief: One God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

• Biblical view of man: All are born sinners, spiritually dead, and in need of salvation

• Salvation by faith alone: Not baptismal regeneration, church membership, or good works

• Eternal security of the believer: Once saved, always saved—is rooted in God’s faithfulness, not man's.

• Biblical gender roles and family structure: Men as spiritual leaders, women honored and empowered biblically

• Baptism by immersion: For believers only, post-conversion, as a public testimony

• The local church’s autonomy: Governed by the congregation under Christ as the Head

These aren’t secondary issues—they define whether a church is truly New Testament in its structure and mission.

Is Christ Truly Worshiped?

Worship is not about personal preference—it’s about exalting Jesus Christ in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The music, the tone of service, and the approach to worship should not resemble a concert, a comedy show, or a TED Talk.

Look for churches that:

• Sing hymns and spiritual songs that are rich in doctrine and focused on Christ

• Reject man-centered lyrics and entertainment-focused bands

• Treat the pulpit as sacred, not casual or comedic

• Feature reverent prayer, Scripture reading, and Christ-honoring messages

Worship should be God-centered, Scripture-saturated, and spiritually edifying.

Are the Members Growing?

A healthy church is not just filled with people—it’s filled with growing Christians.

True growth is measured not in programs or attendance, but in:

• Spiritual maturity

• Biblical knowledge

• Love for the Lord and His people

• Holiness and repentance

• Commitment to prayer, Scripture, and service

Ask these questions:

• Do the people love the Word of God?

• Are families growing in faith together?

• Is discipleship a priority—formally or informally?

• Are the older teaching the younger? (Titus 2)

A strong Independent Baptist church is often built on generational faithfulness, not fads or trends.

Is Evangelism a Priority?

A New Testament church doesn’t exist for its own comfort—it exists to reach the lost.

Evangelism is not just the pastor’s job. Every member is called to share the gospel with their neighbors, family, and world. A healthy church will equip its members to be faithful witnesses.

Look for signs of active outreach:

• Gospel tract ministry

• Personal evangelism training

• Local outreach (e.g., nursing homes, college campuses, door-to-door evangelism, open-air preaching)

• Missionary support (domestic and international)

Independent Baptist churches have a rich tradition of supporting missionaries—ask if your church has a love for missions.

Are the Leaders Accountable and Faithful?

No church can rise above its leadership. Pastors and elders must be men of integrity, deeply rooted in the Word, faithful in their homes, and humble in their service.

The Bible gives clear qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. A godly pastor is:

• Above reproach

• Faithful to his wife

• Temperate and self-controlled

• Hospitable and able to teach

• Not greedy of filthy lucre, not a brawler, not covetous

• A mature believer with patience

Don’t overlook this. Many are hurt by unqualified or domineering leaders. Ask about the church’s pastor, it's leaders, and accountability structures.

Is There a Spirit of Love and Unity?

Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Doctrine matters—but so does the heart of the church.

A biblical church will be known by charity that is evident in:

• Hospitality to newcomers

• Caring for widows, orphans, and the hurting

• Bearing one another’s burdens

• Correcting in love, not pride

• A heart for evangelism

Independent Baptists may differ on some minor issues. However, but the heart of any biblical church must be charity.

Conclusion: Returning to the Truth

In today’s landscape of megachurches, seeker-sensitive services, and doctrinal compromise, we need a return to old-fashioned, Bible-believing, Christ-honoring churches. If you’re searching “church near me”, don’t settle for entertainment or emotional hype.

Look for a church that:

• Preaches the all the counsel of God

• Proclaims the true gospel

• Teaches and preaches biblical doctrine

• Worships in spirit and truth

• Trains believers to grow and go

In Cookeville, TN, Pilgrim Baptist Church is one such church that stands on the Word of God and is calling believers back to the truth. Whether you’re an Baptist by background or just hungry for biblical truth, consider visiting.

Pilgrim Baptist Church
170 4th Ave
Cookeville, TN 38506
Phone: (931) 219-2224

A Bible-believing, KJV-only, Christ-centered, family-integrated church that is committed to God’s Word.