Finding a new church can be a struggle for a lot of people. Whatever your reason is for making the switch, here’s a helpful guide on how to find a church.
Does it ever seem like, no matter what you do, you’re never happy? Are you looking for new ways to connect with people and make a difference in your community?
If you’re down, you might feel better if you attend religious services. Finding a new church after a move or divorce could help you bounce back even better than you were before.
If you’re wondering how to find a church, this article’s for you. We’ll give you the scoop on how to find a long-term church home.
Pray for Guidance
As you begin your quest for a new church, take a few minutes each day for a solitary prayer break. Talk to God as best you can and ask, “What church should I go to?”
You may feel a response right away: a specific name, a location, or an image of the inside of the church. Even if you don’t get a clear answer, it’s important to keep praying daily.
When you pray, try to picture yourself in church. Are you in a large or small church? Is the worship service somber or is there a lot of singing and dancing?
Above all, don’t worry. You will know 100 percent when you find your church home.
Look for Info Online
The next step in looking for a church is to do an online search. This will help you get a sense of how many churches are within driving distance of your home.
You’ll also be able to search for local churches by denomination or branch of Christianity. Some of the most common Christian denominations are
- Roman Catholic
- Presbyterian
- Methodist
- Baptist
- Lutheran
While every branch of Christianity worships and accepts Jesus Christ, they have very different worship services. Catholic mass, for example, is formal and quite serious.
Baptist services, on the other hand, are joyous, musical occasions. Congregants are encouraged to sing, dance, and welcome new people.
Start to Visit Local Churches
The great thing about finding a church is that there’s no obligation to stay. If you like the service and the people, you can keep going until you are 100 percent sure it’s for you.
After you narrow down your web search to your top five churches, take the time and visit one or two per week. It might take you a few months to feel like you’ve experienced the church enough to make a decision, but it’s best not to rush things.
If you’re wondering how to find a church that’s right for kids, there are a few things to look for.
- youth programs taught by licensed teachers
- age-appropriate curriculums
- music and outdoor play
- experienced, kind leaders
There’s a lot to love about this church, especially its programs for young children and teens. Even if you don’t live in Texas, this is a good example of a thriving youth program.
Volunteer with Your Peer Group
Let’s fast-forward through the first few months of your church search. You’ve been to a few churches, looked at their children’s programs, and you’re still asking, “What church is right for me?”
At this point, there are a few steps you can take to get closer to a final decision. First, make a list with your top three choices. Is there one in particular that calls to you?
If you can, start to attend Bible study or volunteer events with all three churches. Even if you’re a bit tired of searching, keep going until you have a clear favorite.
Is there one church where you find yourself making friends more easily? Does their Bible study stay with you during the week?
When you volunteer, does everyone seem enthusiastic? Are they polite and humble or do they seem like they don’t really want to be there?
Going to church is about worship, of course, but it’s also about finding a community.
Make Your Final Decision
Once you find a church that you feel like you can commit to, let your friends and family know about your decision. Your faith and devotion might lead them back to the church, especially if they haven’t been going for a few years.
There are a few things you can do to get the most out of joining a church.
- pray with your family daily
- attend Bible study groups
- read the Bible daily
- go on mission trips
- invite a friend to attend a service
You might also want to keep a journal of your journey toward faith. You might be surprised to find that your depression and feelings of isolation get much better as you meet new people and join groups at your church.
If you don’t usually go to church each week, try something new. Set an attendance goal for yourself and try to go every week for two months. Once you do that, try to go for six months without missing a Sunday service.
You will be setting a great example for your family and transforming your inner life at the same time. Your kids will also benefit from having Sunday School each week: they’ll remember the material better and make friends more easily.
How to Find a Church If You’ve Never Been to One
Not everybody grows up going to church and that’s okay. What’s important is that you feel the call to worship now.
If you need to know how to find a church that welcomes newbies, talk to your family and friends. Chances are, at least one of them goes to church and can take you with them to visit.
It’s easier to start going to church if you know someone there. Look for an enthusiastic congregation with a great kid’s program and plenty of social opportunities.
Most importantly, look for a place where you fit in and feel at home. After every service, you should feel light of heart, full of purpose, and ready to serve.
Now that you know about finding a church, come take a look at our extensive catalog of teaching supplies. We have everything from Bibles to journals to spiritual retreat kits.