Can you understand what salvation means to this church? “Jesus died for sinners” should lead to an explanation of humanity’s fall, our sinful nature, and our need for reconciliation with a holy God. Some churches acknowledge individual sins while rejecting inherited corruption, a central aspect of original sin. Look for teaching that addresses both Adam’s fall and our own transgressions (Romans 5:12–19; Ephesians 2:1–3).
Examine how it explains conversion. Does salvation sound like something you accomplish through a decision or moral improvement? Or does the church explain God’s grace in bringing sinners to repentance and faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–10)?
Look for these distinctions:
Look for an identified confession, such as Westminster or the 1689 Baptist Confession. “Nondenominational” alone tells you little.
If the website is brief, read fuller doctrinal documents and listen to several sermons. An omission is not necessarily rejection. However, persistent avoidance of sin, God’s holiness and wrath, repentance, or sanctification deserves scrutiny. Faithful preaching explains difficult truths alongside gracious promises—the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).