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Costi Hinn wants to explain how to find a good church. We certainly agree that a good church ought to reflect the features Mr. Hinn describes, but we don't agree that such a church is necessarily a good church. Nor do we agree with Mr. Hinn that a person ought to seek a church with these features. That is a consumerist mindset, where a church must tick all the right boxes.
1. God’s Word Sets the Agenda
You need a church that doesn’t just say they are “Bible-teaching” but one that actually teaches the Bible and puts into action what the Bible teaches! Scripture is God’s inspired, inerrant, sufficient Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17). (Let's quote:
Jesus spoke in two distinct ways here, teaching and preaching. He taught biblical knowledge [didaskó], and He preached the Gospel [kérussó]. The two are not the same.)
That conviction must also reach beyond the pulpit. Scripture should shape financial practices, counseling, children’s ministry, leadership decisions, and the church’s teaching on marriage, sexuality, and money. Listen for whether the pastor actually explains the text. Can you trace his point to the passage? Are difficult truths handled honestly? Are you growing in your ability to read the Bible? Does the church actually expect that you bring and use your Bible?
Everything in the church should be tied to God’s Word. (Both Logos and graphe, we agree.)
2. The Gospel Is Clear and Central
A faithful church clearly explains why we need salvation and how God saves sinners. (Why would a church preach to the saved? Shouldn't it preach to the lost?)
If you attend a church that doesn’t preach the gospel clearly (Oh. Back to the Gospel...)
3. Qualified Elders Shepherd the Flock
In order to be a healthy Christian, you need to be in a church led by healthy leaders. The New Testament calls for qualified men to lead the church (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). (Refreshingly true. The leadership of the church is not lead by a CEO pastor. Thank you Mr. Hinn.)
A faithful church will have elders who are accessible, approachable, and spiritually mature.
4. Worship is Filled with Reverence for God
The early church devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Those priorities remain essential. Many churches today treat worship and prayer too casually, acting as though just because Jesus is a Friend to sinners, that He can be approached casually. (Is it true that we should not approach Him casually? Where does the Bible tell us this? Now we certainly agree that the Bible teaches the holiness and awesome glory of God. He is to be feared. But the Bible also tells us:
5. Members Love, Serve, and Make Disciples
Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He commanded (Matthew 28:19–20). Faithful churches take that mission seriously at home and around the world.
At Shepherd’s House where I pastor, we describe our life together as “driven by Scripture, fueled by love, and mobilized for ministry.” We don’t want to be spectators or passive consumers, we want to be participators and active contributors! (Mr. Hinn happens to pastor the church that he describes in this article as being an ideal church. Coincidence?)
Practicing meaningful membership makes that commitment concrete as well, as people meet pastors, become known in the congregation, and are not treated like a herd of cattle being ushered in and out for a one-and-done Sunday show! Faithful churches do life together, practicing the “one-anothers” that the New Testament describes. (True.)
We are called to treat the church as a body that we are committed to love, serve, and walk alongside, including when life becomes difficult. Mature believers invest in younger Christians. Parents receive help discipling their children. Members meet needs, share meals, study the Bible, encourage the hurting, confront sin graciously, and bear each other’s burdens. The church equips its people to live out their faith and share the gospel (Ephesians 4:11–16). (True.)
People choose churches for a variety of reasons, but only a handful truly matter. You may have preferences or opinions on many things, but make sure you’re choosing a church based on the most biblical things. (Yes, biblical things. Right? Things like children's church, the attendance placard, comfortable pews, an elevated pulpit in front, good parking, and of course things like a social media presence and a website.... you know, all these biblical things.)
I remember Paul Washer once saying, “Don’t look for the church closest to your house, look for a church that’s closest to the Bible.” (So that would be a church that meets at someone's house, eats most of its meals together, pools their belongings to give to the poor, has no staff and no payroll, and engages in prophecy, tongues, and healing, correct? That's the church we see in the Bible.)
Costi Hinn wants to explain how to find a good church. We certainly agree that a good church ought to reflect the features Mr. Hinn describes, but we don't agree that such a church is necessarily a good church. Nor do we agree with Mr. Hinn that a person ought to seek a church with these features. That is a consumerist mindset, where a church must tick all the right boxes.
Further, Mr. Hinn is predisposed to a certain kind of church, one that we suspect doesn't look anything like his uncle's church. So in essence he avoids one extreme (an extreme charismatic church where any sort of craziness might happen) in favor of the other (a somber, staid, traditional church where there are no surprises and no life). And his presentation reflects these extremes. There is nothing in between.
Also, Mr. Hinn has nothing to say about the Holy Spirit. He's not even mentioned. One might think that a church that keeps in step with the Spirit [Gal. 5:25] might be an important feature, but apparently not.
Lastly, Mr. Hinn can only manage to quote three words from the Bible out of a little over 1000 words. We must deem this Bad Bible Teaching.
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I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met who spent years in a church but were still starving spiritually. They attended churches that were friendly, vibey, full of entertainment, fun, and programs for the kids, but even after years of a generally enjoyable “Sunday experience,” they struggled to explain the gospel, navigate Scripture, regularly go to war against their sin, and confidently live the Christian life. Their homes were happy on the outside, but not thriving on the inside. (This is the first half of the binary choice Mr. Hinn will offer. The other choice is a church like the one he pastors. Hmm.)
That kind of experience should concern us. The church you join shapes your view of God, your family’s convictions, and your habits of obedience. There are many churches that can give you what you want, but not all churches give you what you need. (How about both?)
Jesus loves His church (The whole Body of Christ.)
I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met who spent years in a church but were still starving spiritually. They attended churches that were friendly, vibey, full of entertainment, fun, and programs for the kids, but even after years of a generally enjoyable “Sunday experience,” they struggled to explain the gospel, navigate Scripture, regularly go to war against their sin, and confidently live the Christian life. Their homes were happy on the outside, but not thriving on the inside. (This is the first half of the binary choice Mr. Hinn will offer. The other choice is a church like the one he pastors. Hmm.)
That kind of experience should concern us. The church you join shapes your view of God, your family’s convictions, and your habits of obedience. There are many churches that can give you what you want, but not all churches give you what you need. (How about both?)
Jesus loves His church (The whole Body of Christ.)
and has told us how it should function and what to look for in a faithful place to entrust your soul care to. (The local church organization.
Jesus has told us what to look for in a church? Where do we find this in the Bible?)
Here are five marks to look for (and cultivate):
1. God’s Word Sets the Agenda
You need a church that doesn’t just say they are “Bible-teaching” but one that actually teaches the Bible and puts into action what the Bible teaches! Scripture is God’s inspired, inerrant, sufficient Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17). (Let's quote:
2 Tim. 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
"...inspired, inerrant, sufficient Word..." Four descriptors, but only "inspired" is documented by these verses. The Bible may indeed be these other things, but these verses do not tell us this. This is just sloppy teaching.
Further, the misuse of the word "Word" continually bugs us. These verses do not contain "Word." In fact, biblically speaking the "Word" is not the Bible.
“Word” is the Greek word logos, preeminently used of Christ (Jn 1:1), expressing the thoughts of the Father through the Spirit. John tells us the Logos was made flesh (Jn. 1:1, 14).
Logos is not the Bible, Logos is the source of the Bible. Logos is the articulated words of God, particularly represented by Jesus, the Word of God.
Not a book.
If Mr. Hinn wants to refer to the Bible he should use the word Scripture, [the Greek word graphé, which is the written Word.])
If Mr. Hinn wants to refer to the Bible he should use the word Scripture, [the Greek word graphé, which is the written Word.])
Paul’s charge to Timothy was to “Preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2) (Sigh.... This is another misinterpretation that bugs us. The Greek word for "preach" in this verse is kérussó, to herald or proclaim the Gospel. It reads, Kérussó hon logos, i.e. proclaim the living Word, Jesus.
Heralding is the public proclaiming of the Gospel. Kérussó.
"Teach," however, is the Greek word didaskó, nearly always refers to teaching the Scriptures (the written Word of God)...
Preaching and teaching are different things. For example:
Mt. 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
because that is what feeds the flock. (Is preaching [actually, teaching] really feeding the flock? This might be true, but Mr. Hinn simply asserts it and moves on. But maybe feeding the flock is something else. After all, a literal shepherd [pastor] cares for the well-being of flock. He brings them to fertile feeds where they feed themselves.
A pastor cares for the flock, but a teacher instructs [didaskó] the people. These are two different things that are not necessarily done by one man [Ephesians 4:11-12]. We would therefore suggest that a church led by a CEO pastor is suspect. )
Faithful preaching ("Teaching.")
explains what a passage means in its context and applies that meaning to our lives. In response to God’s Word, the church gladly submits its preferences and traditions to that authority. ("That authority?" The authority of "faithful preaching," or the authority of "God's Word?")
That conviction must also reach beyond the pulpit. Scripture should shape financial practices, counseling, children’s ministry, leadership decisions, and the church’s teaching on marriage, sexuality, and money. Listen for whether the pastor actually explains the text. Can you trace his point to the passage? Are difficult truths handled honestly? Are you growing in your ability to read the Bible? Does the church actually expect that you bring and use your Bible?
Everything in the church should be tied to God’s Word. (Both Logos and graphe, we agree.)
2. The Gospel Is Clear and Central
A faithful church clearly explains why we need salvation and how God saves sinners. (Why would a church preach to the saved? Shouldn't it preach to the lost?)
We have sinned against a holy God and deserve His judgment, (Christians do not deserve God's judgment.)
and Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, lived without sin, died in the place of sinners, (Jesus did not die in our place. There is no Bible verse that says this.
Rather, He died as the Lamb of God, and His blood washes us clean. And, when we are saved we die as well [Rom. 6:6-7], so it isn't even possible that He died in our place.)
and rose bodily from the grave. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).
That message calls people to repent and trust Him. It also supplies the foundation for Christian growth.(Indeed. But the saved already have this foundation of the Gospel; they are saved, correct? So why rebuild the foundation already being built upon?
That message calls people to repent and trust Him. It also supplies the foundation for Christian growth.(Indeed. But the saved already have this foundation of the Gospel; they are saved, correct? So why rebuild the foundation already being built upon?
Now granted there are likely unsaved people in a typical Sunday church service. So we wouldn't suggest that the Gospel should never be preached on Sunday mornings. But we also need to be clear what the main purpose of the gathering of the Body is, and that is to build them up to maturity [Ephesians 4:11-15].)
We forgive because Christ forgave us. We pursue holiness because we belong to Him. The cross gives struggling believers real hope (The cross? Is that synonymous with the Gospel?)
as they confess sin and pursue obedience.
If you attend a church that doesn’t preach the gospel clearly (Oh. Back to the Gospel...)
or doesn’t teach its members what the gospel actually is, you are in the wrong church!
And don’t forget your children. Are they learning who Jesus is, what He accomplished, and why they must personally believe in Him? Or are they playing video games and being entertained?
And don’t forget your children. Are they learning who Jesus is, what He accomplished, and why they must personally believe in Him? Or are they playing video games and being entertained?
3. Qualified Elders Shepherd the Flock
In order to be a healthy Christian, you need to be in a church led by healthy leaders. The New Testament calls for qualified men to lead the church (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). (Refreshingly true. The leadership of the church is not lead by a CEO pastor. Thank you Mr. Hinn.)
Their character, households, doctrine, and ability to teach matter. A plurality of qualified elders provides shared oversight and accountability. Their authority always remains subject to Scripture. (All of this is Scripturally true, but Mr. Hinn's assertion was that we need healthy church leadership to be a healthy Christian, which is a different topic.)
Faithful elders know the people entrusted to their care and pursue their spiritual best. They pray, teach the truth, counsel, and protect the flock from false doctrine. They also welcome accountability and lead by example (1 Peter 5:1–3), and they minister to hurting souls. Elders also exercise church discipline, even when it’s hard to do so. (All true, but once again, how does this document Mr. Hinn's claim?)
Faithful elders know the people entrusted to their care and pursue their spiritual best. They pray, teach the truth, counsel, and protect the flock from false doctrine. They also welcome accountability and lead by example (1 Peter 5:1–3), and they minister to hurting souls. Elders also exercise church discipline, even when it’s hard to do so. (All true, but once again, how does this document Mr. Hinn's claim?)
When someone persists in sin, loving shepherds follow Christ’s instructions with patience, courage, and the goal of repentance and restoration (Matthew 18:15–17). (Waaaait. Let's quote:
Mat. 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that `every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.Does the reader see anything in this passage about instructions to shepherds? No? Well, that's because this is not about what churches do for discipline. it is about one-on-one reconciliation.)
A faithful church will have elders who are accessible, approachable, and spiritually mature.
4. Worship is Filled with Reverence for God
The early church devoted itself to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Those priorities remain essential. Many churches today treat worship and prayer too casually, acting as though just because Jesus is a Friend to sinners, that He can be approached casually. (Is it true that we should not approach Him casually? Where does the Bible tell us this? Now we certainly agree that the Bible teaches the holiness and awesome glory of God. He is to be feared. But the Bible also tells us:
Ep. 3:12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
He. 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence...
He. 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus...
1Jn. 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
This confidence is borne of the reality that we are new creations. We are at once in awe and wonder, yet bold and assured before Him.)
He is a holy God, and worship in a faithful church should reflect that.
A faithful congregation sings truth that helps people know and adore God. (Singing truth is certainly important, but that is only a prerequisite of worship. However, worship itself is to extol God, not spout doctrine.)
A faithful congregation sings truth that helps people know and adore God. (Singing truth is certainly important, but that is only a prerequisite of worship. However, worship itself is to extol God, not spout doctrine.)
It hears Scripture, confesses sin, and depends upon the Lord in prayer. Believers are baptized, and the church observes the Lord’s Supper with reverence and self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:23–29).
Pay attention to what fills the gathering. Is it silly and casual or focused and worshipful? (Why not all of this?)
Pay attention to what fills the gathering. Is it silly and casual or focused and worshipful? (Why not all of this?)
Do the songs accurately describe God? (Worship songs do not describe God, they articulate worship.)
Does prayer express dependence on Him? Is Christ’s death remembered with gratitude?
5. Members Love, Serve, and Make Disciples
Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He commanded (Matthew 28:19–20). Faithful churches take that mission seriously at home and around the world.
At Shepherd’s House where I pastor, we describe our life together as “driven by Scripture, fueled by love, and mobilized for ministry.” We don’t want to be spectators or passive consumers, we want to be participators and active contributors! (Mr. Hinn happens to pastor the church that he describes in this article as being an ideal church. Coincidence?)
Practicing meaningful membership makes that commitment concrete as well, as people meet pastors, become known in the congregation, and are not treated like a herd of cattle being ushered in and out for a one-and-done Sunday show! Faithful churches do life together, practicing the “one-anothers” that the New Testament describes. (True.)
We are called to treat the church as a body that we are committed to love, serve, and walk alongside, including when life becomes difficult. Mature believers invest in younger Christians. Parents receive help discipling their children. Members meet needs, share meals, study the Bible, encourage the hurting, confront sin graciously, and bear each other’s burdens. The church equips its people to live out their faith and share the gospel (Ephesians 4:11–16). (True.)
People choose churches for a variety of reasons, but only a handful truly matter. You may have preferences or opinions on many things, but make sure you’re choosing a church based on the most biblical things. (Yes, biblical things. Right? Things like children's church, the attendance placard, comfortable pews, an elevated pulpit in front, good parking, and of course things like a social media presence and a website.... you know, all these biblical things.)
I remember Paul Washer once saying, “Don’t look for the church closest to your house, look for a church that’s closest to the Bible.” (So that would be a church that meets at someone's house, eats most of its meals together, pools their belongings to give to the poor, has no staff and no payroll, and engages in prophecy, tongues, and healing, correct? That's the church we see in the Bible.)
What a great reminder that convenience must always take a backseat when it comes to being a part of the body of Christ. (This is a mystifying sentence. When was Mr. Hinn talking about convenience? And, all Christians are part of the Body of Christ, no matter where they are located.
Odd.)
Costi W. Hinn serves as the Teaching Pastor of The Shepherd’s House Bible Church in Chandler, Arizona and is the Founder and President of For The Gospel, an online ministry dedicated to providing sound biblical doctrine for everyday people. He is the author of several books, including Knowing the Spirit, God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, More Than a Healer, and his latest title, Walking in God’s Will. Alongside his wife, Christyne, Costi has co-authored multiple children’s books, including In Jesus’ Name I Pray, The King Who Found His Self-Control, The Farmer Who Chose to Plant Kindness, and a Bible study for kids titled, Earth’s Epic Start: A Bible Study About God’s Creation, our Fall, and His Promises.
Costi is currently completing his doctorate at The Master’s Seminary. He and Christyne are the joyful parents of six children.
Costi W. Hinn serves as the Teaching Pastor of The Shepherd’s House Bible Church in Chandler, Arizona and is the Founder and President of For The Gospel, an online ministry dedicated to providing sound biblical doctrine for everyday people. He is the author of several books, including Knowing the Spirit, God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, More Than a Healer, and his latest title, Walking in God’s Will. Alongside his wife, Christyne, Costi has co-authored multiple children’s books, including In Jesus’ Name I Pray, The King Who Found His Self-Control, The Farmer Who Chose to Plant Kindness, and a Bible study for kids titled, Earth’s Epic Start: A Bible Study About God’s Creation, our Fall, and His Promises.
Costi is currently completing his doctorate at The Master’s Seminary. He and Christyne are the joyful parents of six children.
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