Non-Negotiable Health Foundations

1. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone

Salvation, access to heaven, justification, and intimate friendship with Abba Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit come by faith through the blood, cross, and death of Jesus Christ alone. They are not earned by good works, and they are not canceled by evil deeds; they rest on Christ’s finished work and are received by grace through faith. Good works are the fruit of salvation, not its price.

Scripture: John 3:16; John 14:6; Romans 3:21-26; Romans 5:1-2, 8-11; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-7; Hebrews 10:10-14; 1 John 1:7-9; Galatians 2:16, 20-21; Galatians 3:1-14, 22-29; Galatians 5:1-6; Galatians 6:14-15.

2. Every believer and organization must welcome mature, impartial accountability and truthful discipline

Every church, Christian organization, and believer needs mature people to whom they submit, listen, and allow to speak into their lives. We all need accountable relationships. When a concern is raised, that accountability must be impartial and patient: it must fully listen, carefully evaluate evidence, and take the time required to discern and judge the matter rightly.

Investigate the matter thoroughly; bring in mature, accountable leadership; and follow the principles of Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Timothy 5:19-21. If leaders still refuse a fair and truthful process, dismiss credible witnesses, protect status over truth, or will not apply Scripture impartially after every reasonable effort, it will be time to find a fellowship that is healthy.

Scripture: Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 18:13, 17; Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1-2; 1 Timothy 5:19-21; Hebrews 13:17; James 3:17; James 2:1-9.

3. Shared faith must be clearly confessed and faithfully upheld

The church must agree with and adhere to the Apostles’ Creed – the historic apostolic confession of faith and the Lausanne Covenant (statement of faith). These historic summaries do not replace Scripture; rather, they give clear expression to core biblical convictions and help a church remain united in the faith once for all entrusted to God’s people.

Scripture: Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 4:4-6, 11-16; Philippians 2:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:15; Jude 1:3.

4. Persistent false teaching or a different message that leaders refuse to correct

Examine the teaching carefully in the light of the whole counsel of Scripture; seek humble, mature correction; and give accountable leaders opportunity to respond. If a fellowship persistently teaches a different message, presents a distorted view of Jesus, or refuses correction that would preserve the truth of Christ, it will be time to find a fellowship that is healthy. The truth must be held with humility and love, but it must not be exchanged for teachings that lead people away from Christ.

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-9; Galatians 2:4-5; Galatians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4; 2 John 9-11.

5. Ongoing, unrepentant serious sin that is defended or normalized

Establish the facts carefully, seek mature and impartial oversight, and follow the process of Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Timothy 5:19-21. If serious sin is then persistently defended, concealed, or normalized—especially among leaders—instead of being truthfully addressed with repentance, protection, and appropriate discipline, it will be time to find a fellowship that is healthy.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 1 Timothy 5:19-22; Titus 1:7-9.

6. Abuse, exploitation, coercion, or spiritual domination

Prioritize immediate safety for every vulnerable person, involve appropriate safeguarding professionals and lawful authorities where required, and bring the matter to mature, accountable leadership. If abuse, exploitation, sexual predation, manipulation, or control continues—or if the vulnerable are not protected—it will be time to find a fellowship that is healthy. Leaders are called to serve, not to dominate or use the flock for gain.

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:1-10; Matthew 23:1-12; Mark 10:42-45; 1 Peter 5:2-3.

7. Idolatry, occult practice, or mixed allegiance

Seek clear, Scripture-shaped counsel and call for wholehearted allegiance to Christ. If fellowship with Christ continues to be mixed with idolatry, occult practice, or worship that compromises allegiance to God after correction has been sought, it will be time to find a fellowship that is healthy.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Revelation 18:4.

8. Being required to disobey Christ, violate conscience, conceal crime, or abandon safeguarding

Refuse to disobey Christ, violate a conscience formed by Scripture, conceal criminal conduct, or abandon lawful safeguarding and reporting responsibilities. Seek wise counsel, bring the matter to accountable leadership, and use lawful reporting processes where they apply. If a fellowship continues to require these compromises, it will be time to find a fellowship that is healthy. Obedience to God and truthful protection of people cannot be sacrificed for institutional reputation.

Scripture: Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-4; Ephesians 5:11.

9. Do not leave merely over preferences or non-essential differences

Differences of personality, style, secondary convictions, or ordinary relational difficulty are not by themselves reasons to leave. Pursue peace, reconciliation, and gathered fellowship where possible, while remaining faithful to truth, conscience, and the care of the vulnerable.

Scripture: Romans 12:18; Ephesians 4:1-6; Hebrews 10:24-25.

Where these foundations are persistently absent, denied, or refused, do not remain in a setting that calls you to compromise the good message, truth, or healthy accountability. Seek the Lord’s leading, leave with integrity and peace where possible, and find fellowship rooted in the fullness of Christ.

If you need healthy, accountable fellowship—hungry for and going for practicing the fullness of all the loving commands of Jesus—write to us at discipleship@actionchristianity.com. We have good online fellowships that we help establish over time into home fellowships with healthy, responsible leadership and public gatherings.