ALERT:
Please select at least 2 churches to compare.
⚠ CHURCHES & DENOMINATIONS TO AVOID
Based on "How to Find a Courageous Church" pages 3-7, this list identifies denominations and churches
that have abandoned biblical orthodoxy or are not Christian. Avoid these when searching for a church home.
DENOMINATIONS TO AVOID (11)
These denominations have systemic theological or doctrinal problems
Non-creedal liberal religious movement that explicitly rejects Christian orthodoxy
RATING: 0/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Explicitly listed in book pages 3-7. NOT CHRISTIAN - explicitly rejects Trinity, deity of Christ, biblical authority, and exclusive salvation. A non-creedal organization that welcomes atheists and pagans alongside nominal Christians.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Trinity
✗
Denies Virgin Birth
✗
Denies Physical Resurrection
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
Denomination founded specifically for LGBTQ+ community with affirming theology
RATING: 5/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Explicitly listed in book pages 3-7. Denomination founded specifically to affirm LGBTQ+ sexuality and reinterpret Scripture to approve homosexual practice. Central mission contradicts biblical sexual ethics.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Virgin Birth
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
Progressive mainline Protestant denomination promoting extravagant welcome and radical inclusion for all
RATING: 8/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Explicitly listed in book pages 3-7. Extremely progressive mainline denomination that denies biblical inerrancy, virgin birth, and physical resurrection. Fully embraced LGBTQ+ affirmation and progressive theology. One of the most liberal denominations in America.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Virgin Birth
✗
Denies Physical Resurrection
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
Progressive mainline Protestant denomination committed to radical inclusion and welcoming all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
RATING: 10/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Explicitly listed in book pages 3-7. Denies biblical inerrancy and core doctrines including virgin birth and physical resurrection. Affirms same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ leadership. Fully embraced progressive theology and woke ideology.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Virgin Birth
✗
Denies Physical Resurrection
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
Progressive mainline Presbyterian denomination embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (not to be confused with PCA)
RATING: 15/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Explicitly listed in book pages 3-7 as 'Lesbyterians'. Denies biblical inerrancy, virgin birth, and physical resurrection. Fully affirms LGBTQ+ leadership and same-sex marriages. Progressive mainline denomination that has abandoned biblical orthodoxy.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Virgin Birth
✗
Denies Physical Resurrection
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
Progressive Lutheran denomination fully affirming LGBTQ+ inclusion
RATING: 18/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Explicitly listed in book pages 3-7. Progressive Lutheran denomination that denies biblical inerrancy and exclusive salvation. Affirms LGBTQ+ leadership and same-sex marriages. Abandoned traditional Lutheran orthodoxy for progressive theology.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
Progressive mainline denomination emphasizing unity and social justice
RATING: 18/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Progressive mainline denomination that fully embraces LGBTQ+ affirmation, same-sex marriages, and progressive theology. Denies biblical inerrancy, virgin birth, and exclusive salvation.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Virgin Birth
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
Mainline Protestant denomination with open hearts, open minds, open doors - experiencing split over sexuality issues
RATING: 20/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Explicitly listed in book pages 3-7 (with rare exceptions). Mainline denomination that officially removed bans on LGBTQ+ ordination and marriage in 2024. Most congregations now affirm progressive sexuality positions. Conservative churches have departed to GMC.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
Anabaptist denomination, recently adopted LGBTQ+-affirming positions
RATING: 30/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Formerly conservative Anabaptist denomination that has recently adopted LGBTQ+-affirming positions. No longer holds to traditional Mennonite sexual ethics.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
Mainline Baptist denomination with mixed theological positions, varies by congregation
RATING: 35/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Mainline Baptist denomination with many progressive congregations. Many ABC-USA churches affirm LGBTQ+ clergy and same-sex marriage. Research individual congregations carefully.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
Reformed denomination experiencing split between conservative and progressive churches
RATING: 40/100
⚠ WHY TO AVOID:
Reformed denomination that has moved progressive on LGBTQ+ issues. Many conservative churches have departed. Research individual congregations.
KEY DOCTRINAL ISSUES:
✗
Denies Biblical Inerrancy
✗
Denies Exclusive Salvation
✗
Affirms LGBTQ+ Leadership
✗
Officiates Same-Sex Marriages
SPECIFIC CHURCHES TO AVOID (0)
Individual churches with specific problems beyond their denomination
No specific churches currently flagged to avoid.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This list is based on denominational positions and documented theological drift. Individual churches within
apostate denominations may still hold to biblical truth. Always verify a church's specific doctrinal positions
before making a final decision. See "How to Find a Courageous Church" pages 3-7 for full guidance.
