
Choosing the right church is crucial for spiritual growth. Not all churches stay true to biblical teachings. Some may mislead, manipulate, or focus on the wrong priorities. A church should help you grow in faith, not hinder it. If you feel uneasy or spiritually stagnant, it may be time to evaluate your church.
Certain signs can indicate deeper issues. Weak doctrine, leadership abuse, and misplaced priorities can harm your faith. Recognizing these red flags can help you make an informed decision. Below are ten unmistakable signs that you might be in the wrong church.
10 Unmistakable Signs You Are in the Wrong Church
Not every church aligns with biblical truth and spiritual integrity. Some prioritize power, money, or control over genuine faith. Others may neglect essential doctrines or create unhealthy environments. A church should guide believers in truth, foster genuine worship, and promote accountability. If it fails in these areas, it may not be the right place for spiritual growth.
Here are ten signs that indicate you may be in the wrong church.
#1. Lack of Biblical Foundation in Teachings
A church should base its teachings on Scripture, not personal opinions or cultural trends. If sermons lack biblical references or twist verses to fit an agenda, this is a red flag. True Christian teaching relies on God’s Word as the ultimate authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A church that ignores or misuses Scripture may lead its members astray.
Some churches emphasize personal revelations or motivational speeches over solid biblical doctrine. While encouragement is important, it should never replace the truth of the gospel. A church that does not consistently teach the Bible cannot properly disciple its members. If you notice this pattern, it may be time to seek a church that prioritizes sound doctrine.
#2. A Focus on Prosperity Over Spiritual Growth
Some churches teach that faith guarantees wealth, health, and success. This is often called the “prosperity gospel.” While God does bless His people, Christianity is not about financial gain. Jesus Himself warned against serving both God and money (Matthew 6:24). A church that equates faith with material prosperity distorts the true gospel.
Spiritual growth involves trials, humility, and dependence on God (James 1:2-4). A church that avoids discussing suffering or repentance in favor of financial success is not teaching the full truth. If sermons always emphasize giving money to receive blessings, be cautious. The gospel is about salvation, not personal wealth.
#3. Unhealthy or Manipulative Leadership
Church leaders should be humble, accountable, and guided by Scripture (1 Peter 5:2-3). If a pastor demands unquestioning obedience, uses fear, or manipulates members for personal gain, this is a serious issue. Some churches create a cult-like environment where questioning leadership is discouraged. This is not biblical.
Healthy church leadership welcomes accountability and correction. Leaders should serve, not control, the congregation. If a pastor prioritizes power over pastoral care, it can lead to spiritual abuse. Watch for red flags like excessive authority, financial secrecy, or punishment for disagreement. A godly leader encourages growth, not blind loyalty.
#4. The Gospel is Not Preached Clearly
The gospel is the foundation of Christianity. It teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). If a church avoids discussing sin, repentance, and Christ’s sacrifice, it fails in its primary mission. Some churches focus on self-improvement or social issues but neglect the message of salvation.
A church should clearly teach that Jesus died for sin and that eternal life is found only in Him (John 14:6). If sermons rarely mention Christ’s atonement or promote works-based salvation, this is a dangerous sign. The true gospel should be central in every church’s teachings.
#5. Emphasis on Rituals Over Relationship with God
Traditions and rituals have their place, but they should not replace personal faith. Some churches focus more on ceremonies, dress codes, or religious practices than on knowing God. While order in worship is important, Christianity is about a relationship with Christ, not rigid formalities.
Jesus criticized religious leaders who followed traditions while ignoring the heart of faith (Mark 7:6-8). If a church pressures members to follow human-made rules rather than growing in love and obedience to God, it is missing the point. True faith is about transformation, not mere external observance.
#6. Lack of Community and Fellowship
A healthy church fosters genuine relationships among its members. The early church in Acts demonstrated strong fellowship, sharing meals, praying together, and supporting one another (Acts 2:42-47). If a church feels cold, disconnected, or cliquish, it may not be a place where true Christian community thrives.
Church is more than a weekly service; it should be a family. If members only gather for worship but do not support or encourage each other outside of church, something is missing. True fellowship involves love, accountability, and a shared commitment to growing in faith together. A church that neglects this can leave believers feeling isolated.
#7. Absence of Accountability
A biblical church holds its leaders and members accountable to God’s Word. In healthy churches, sin is addressed with love and correction (Galatians 6:1). If a church avoids discussing sin, refuses to discipline leaders, or allows unethical behavior, it lacks true accountability.
Churches that reject accountability often become breeding grounds for corruption. Leaders who go unchecked may abuse power, mismanage funds, or mistreat members. The Bible warns that leaders will be held to a higher standard (James 3:1). If a church avoids transparency or resists correction, it is not operating biblically.
#8. The Church Promotes Division or Exclusivity
The body of Christ should promote unity, not division (1 Corinthians 1:10). Some churches create an “us versus them” mentality, excluding people based on race, social status, or doctrinal differences. Others teach that they are the only true church and that all other believers are wrong. This is a sign of spiritual pride.
Jesus welcomed sinners, outcasts, and people from all backgrounds. A church that fosters hostility toward outsiders or views itself as superior is not following Christ’s example. While churches must stand for biblical truth, they should do so with love, not arrogance or exclusivity.
#9. The Focus is More on Entertainment Than Worship
Worship should be centered on glorifying God, not impressing an audience. Some churches prioritize flashy productions, celebrity pastors, or emotionally driven experiences over sincere worship. While modern technology and music can enhance worship, they should never replace genuine devotion to God.
If a church’s main goal is to entertain rather than disciple, it may be catering to culture rather than Christ. True worship involves surrender, prayer, and biblical teaching (John 4:24). A church that prioritizes performance over substance risks creating shallow faith.
#10. Feelings of Spiritual Stagnation
Church should challenge and inspire believers to grow in their faith. If attending church leaves you feeling empty, unchallenged, or disconnected from God, it may not be spiritually nourishing. Hebrews 5:12-14 warns against remaining in spiritual infancy when we should be maturing in faith.
A good church encourages members to study Scripture, apply biblical principles, and grow in their relationship with God. If sermons are repetitive, teachings lack depth, or there is no encouragement for spiritual growth, it could be a sign that the church is not helping you progress in your faith.
Closing Thoughts
Finding the right church is essential for spiritual growth. A church should teach biblical truth, promote accountability, and foster genuine fellowship. If you notice multiple red flags, it may be time to reconsider where you worship. Faith should be nurtured, not hindered, by the church you attend.
Prayerfully evaluate whether your church aligns with Scripture. Seek a place where Christ is central, leadership is accountable, and the community is strong. No church is perfect, but a healthy one will encourage growth in faith. If your current church is holding you back, don’t be afraid to seek a better spiritual home.