What's Your Type?

There are only four types of churches - those who purport to be the Body of Christ - whether, or not, that is proven to be true by the litmus of scripture.

Now, we could endlessly debate on what the "church" (actually) is... or we could run with the definition that it is merely those who are True Believers in Christ, regardless of what physical building they make it a point to frequent on this ball of mud we call "Earth".

Given the context, here are the four broadest categories which all local gaggles of the Body of Christ could be collectively grouped into.

1. Those Without GOD's Love or Righteousness
a. Per scripture, this church would (most) resemble: Church at Laodicea (Rev.3.15)
b. In modern times, their doctrine may be found in: any church over-emphasizing any spiritual gift (or singular member of the Trinity) to the exclusion of any other gift (or God-head member) for their own glory.
c. Typical pastor would resemble: Benny Hinn

2. Those With GOD's Love But Lacked His Righteousness
a. Per scripture, this church would (most) resemble: Church at Thyatira (Rev.2.20)
b. In modern times, this doctrine may be found in: progressive Catholic churches - as well as most churches choosing to describe itself as "non-evangelical"
c. Typical pastor would resemble: Joel Olsteen

3. Those Without GOD's Love But Uses His Righteousness
a. Per scripture, this church would (most) resemble: Church at Ephesus (Rev.2.4-5)
b. In modern times, this doctrine may be found in: Westboro Baptist Church, Topeka, KS
c. Typical pastor would resemble: Fred Waldron Phelps, Sr. (or the scary pastor off Poltergeist)
4. Those With GOD's Love and Righteousness
a. Per scripture, this church would (most) resemble: Church at Philadelphia (Rev.3.8)
b. In modern times, this doctrine may be found in: very, very few churches - in America, only in small start-up and home churches
c. Typical pastor would resemble: (Honestly, there have been those who've closely modeled Christ - but will not be listed here to preserve their humility)

Now, in the Book of Revelation there are other churches mentioned - some with traits of the four above - which were not cited for the point of this article. Not to say they get a proverbial "pass"; but, for points of illustration, were not as poignant as the others cited.

MMLIA