The local Church is the sacred assembly of God’s people. Today, there are many ideas of what a local Church is, but God’s Word is clear on the matter. Just as the local Church is God’s idea, we must also lean on him for what to expect from a local Church rather than import our own ideas.
This article is an excerpt from the teachings of Rev. Peter Alabi in the Discipleship Congress of the Heritage Camp Meeting and Homecoming, 2025. It highlights 7 things to look for in a good local church.
1. The Word of God and the structure of wisdom from the Word
Discipleship is the heartbeat of a good local Church, and discipleship must be built on the word. God created everything by His word, and the wisdom with which you should live your life also comes from God’s Word. There is such an emphasis in the scripture on training believers through the written word even from the early Church.
Acts 11
26. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
The teaching of God’s Word is what makes you Christlike and without the Word there can be no true discipleship.
2. A local Church must have a definite place of meeting
The proof of a genuine calling is the ability to gather people physically. A local Church is not just a WhatsApp group or an online hangout but a group of people gathered in a definite place to worship God together. God’s wisdom for the local Church is such that His people would gather in a set apart place for him. Hence, the importance of physical gathering cannot be overemphasized.
Hebrews 10
25. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
3. There must be a definite leadership
Anything that has more than one head is a monster. Our Lord Jesus Himself chose Peter to lead the early Church.
John 21
15. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
The Bible shows this same order of definite leadership, James was the leader of the Church in Jerusalem, and Paul appointed Timothy as the leader of the Church in Ephesus. Leadership brings clarity and direction.
4. A local Church must have a definite structure and organization
There is a way things must be done in the house of God. Paul reminded Timothy of this.
1 Timothy 3
15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Structures in the local Church protect God’s people, an healthy Church should train members the “how” to behave and relate with the things of God.
Paul told the Corinthians plainly that order is not optional, and anything done excessively or taken to the extreme is counter-productive. The beauty of oneness in the local Church is in the moderation and orderly manner in which things are done.
1 Corinthians 14:40
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
God does not dwell in confusion. When we do the things of the Spirit in order, their beauty are clearly seen.
5. Your place of worship must be a place of mutual edification
You don’t just go to Church to minister, you must also be ministered to.
Everyone has a role to play in the local Church,
1 Corinthians 14
26. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
You come with something to give, and you also receive something from others. That is how the body grows, through mutual blessing.
6. A local church must be a place of fellowship
Church is not just about attending services. It is about doing life together. The local Church gives you brothers and sisters to walk with, to form friendships, partnerships, and support systems. We are called to strengthen one another through the Holy Spirit who is common to all believers. Our interaction in the local Church gives us the opportunity to express this shared identity.
7. A place of identification – where you are known
Your identity as a believer is tied to the local Church you belong to. A believer’s membership in the body of Christ is known locally, you must be known somewhere. You cannot claim to belong to the “Body of Christ” and not belong to a local Church where you are known and have people that can attest to your character.
Acts 16
1. Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
2. Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
Timothy was known in Lystra and Derbe. The brethren could vouch for him, and Paul trusted their report. That only happened because Timothy identified with the Church.
The local Church is God’s idea, not man’s. God uses the leadership to train, build, correct, encourage, and send us out there to fulfill His purpose. When you find a local Church that carries these values, stay there, grow there, and give yourself to it. That is how you become a strong disciple and a blessing to the body of Christ.
To get more impactful resources about the local church, check the Telegram and Youtube pages of Heritage of Faith Church.
