Where are all the healthy churches?

Voddie Baucham writes on July 17, 2009 ... As I have the privilege of teaching at homeschool conferences around the country (California, Iowa, and Virginia to name a few), I have had the privilege of talking to hundreds of families. For the most part, these conversations have been very encouraging. However, there is one thing I’ve learned that is not encouraging at all. Many believers out there who have committed their lives to home discipleship are desperate to find a healthy church that shares, nurtures, and teaches their doctrinal convictions. In conversation after conversation people ask me (a total stranger who in some cases has never even been to their town) if I know of any “good” churches in their area. As I have processed these conversations, I have noticed a recurring pattern. These families are looking for churches that 1) preach and teach sound doctrine; 2) support, promote and practice home discipleship; 3) are led by godly, manly elders, and 4) practice church discipline. (note: this is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but a response to specific questions posed to me in recent weeks) Read more...