Do I choose an old or new church?

Posted on April 25, 2026 
Filed under Opinion

“Many words are being written, and the occasional clickbait headline, to debate whether a revival is blowing across the land. The answer (as I’ve been saying for the last few years) is, no. As much as we pray and long for spiritual revival in Melbourne and across Australia, we are not witnessing revival. And yet, I do think there has been a nudge, a gentle opening of the curtains.

Evidence of this nudge is suggested by increased Bible sales and some churches indicating growth in Sunday attendance. There is anecdotal evidence of a slight turn from religious indifference (and animosity) toward curiosity. Dare I suggest, that even among Australia’s major newspapers, their tune toward Christianity has changed a little.

One of the quandaries facing young Aussies as they contemplate visiting a church and investigating Christianity is this: should I go for new or for old? …”

Murray Campbell at Mentone Baptist in Melbourne suggests some diagnostic questions to ask in considering what church to join –

“Do they read the Bible?

Do they teach from the Bible?

Does the preacher’s message match what the Bible teaches?

Do they teach that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone?

Do they believe in heaven and hell?

Do they preach the sufficiency of Jesus’ death on the cross?

Do they practice baptism and the Lord’s Supper in accord with the significance given in Scripture?

Is the church’s sexual ethics in line with the Bible.

Do the people love one another? Jesus tells us ‘the world will know you are my disciples, because you love one another’.

Do they welcome visitors with kindness and grace. Is the church safe for the unbeliever and inquirer?”

– See it all here.