Are you searching for the church home of your dreams? A place where you can finally connect your faith with your friendships? A safe and fulfilling community of people who can play together AND pray together?
It turns out that you’re not alone in your search!
Finding the right church can feel quite overwhelming for many Christians worldwide. But, thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way.
By focusing on your own personal value system, along with the help of local sources, you can make this an exciting journey.
Here Are Ten Helpful Tips To Find A Local Church That Feels Like Home:
Table of Contents
1. Know Yourself
2. Research the Church’s Specific Denomination
3. Start Your Church Search Online
4. Be Sure To Get Advice From Trusted Friends and Family Members
5. Consider The Overall Atmosphere
6. Don’t Be Shy To Introduce Yourself
7. Attend Several Church Services In-Person
8. It’s Okay to Take Your Time
9. Focus on What God Is Telling You
10. Trust That Still, Small Voice
1. Know Yourself
Ask yourself what your personal values and beliefs are and don’t allow yourself to settle. What exactly are you looking for in a church? (Writing a list helps!)
Do you crave a traditional service or something more contemporary?
Big worship band or quiet reflection?
Thinking about your personal preferences will help guide you in your search.
2. Research the Church’s Specific Denomination
Protestant, Charismatic, Baptist, United Church of Christ, Methodist, Catholic – there are many branches of Christianity!
It is important that you do your due diligence when seeking a church to worship the Lord with the denomination that exemplifies your personal belief system.
Research different denominations to understand their core beliefs and worship styles so that you know what to expect when you join.
For example, some Christian churches frown upon public dancing wheere others do not.
3. Start Your Church Search Online
Protestant, Charismatic, Baptist, United Church of Christ, Methodist, Catholic – there are many branches of Christianity!
I cannot emphasize this one enough.
The internet now contains a treasure-trove of plentiful information, including where to find your local churches!
Most churches have their own designated websites and social media pages, where you can see exactly when and where they have their services. You can usually find out about their other ongoing events too, like their bible studies, small group meetings, volunteer opportunities and even upcoming local events they might be involved in.
Start with doing a Google search of churches near you and go from there. You can also listen to some of their past sermons, see photos of the church and even take virtual tours right on their website or through their YouTube channels.
4. Be Sure To Get Advice From Trusted Friends and Family Members
Chances are, someone you know loves their church.
Getting advice from someone you already love and trust is sometimes the best solution, because it is likely that you both already have very similar morals and values, and therefore, will like similar things.
You want to go to a church where you feel comfortable and at home, so sometimes finding one through a friend or family member that you know you can trust is the best bet.
Plus, you’ll be going into this new community with a new friend right off the bat – it doesn’t get much better than that!
Ask your close connections for their recommendations and what they enjoy most about their faith community. It is likely that you will both agree.
5. Consider The Overall Atmosphere
While some churches are large and bustling enterprises, others are small and intimate gatherings.
Think about the atmosphere you feel most comfortable in.
Do you like a lot of personal attention from your pastor/ministry leadership?
Or do you prefer to be a small fish in a much larger pond?
Do you feel comfortable having your personal prayers shared with a large group of prayer warriors; or a smaller, more privately-entwined group?
This is something that may or may not be very important to you, but it should most definitely be considered.
While some people love being a part of a large, exciting megachurch with a large leadership ministry while others prefer a smaller, gathering to worship the Lord on a Sunday morning.
6. Don’t Be Shy To Introduce Yourself
Many churches offer “Newcomer Events” or small groups specifically designed to welcome new members or potential congregants.
Don’t hesitate to go to these events and introduce yourself!
You will most likely meet some very nice people who will welcome you with open arms and make you feel comfortable immediately.
It is safe to say that most typical churchgoers are quite friendly, kind, and respectful when greeting new guests.
As a matter of fact, many will be happy that you chose to come to church!
The best way to approach this is having an open mind and heart. Be willing to ask questions and don’t be afraid to share your faith with those who are trying to get to know you.
After all, the reason we go to church is to be a part of God’s community. Church is about helping others and receiving support in our faith walk.
This is the place where you should feel most comfortable to share your heart and desires with others of similar values and interest as you.
If you don’t feel an authentically genuine connection at one church, please don’t give up in your search, though.
There are other countless wonderful church families who are warm, welcoming, and desiring to have others join their cause for Jesus.
7. Attend Several Church Services In-Person
Much like buying shoes, you’ve got to try a church on for size to ensure the perfect fit!
Be sure to not only check out their virtual services online, but also attend a few in-house as well.
See how the message resonates with you as you sit in the pews.
Does this align with what you believe about Jesus?
What about the other church members?
Did they greet you when you came in?
How does the overall atmosphere feel?
Is it the intimate, warm connection you are seeking?
Do the other church members seem to be a bit “cliquey” or politically-motivated, or are they open and inviting to everyone?
8. It’s Okay to Take Your Time
Finding the perfect church for you might take a few visits to a varying churches in your local area.
Don’t feel pressured to commit right away.
Relax as you enjoy the exploration!
Remember, everyone there was “new” at one time, so they should be willing to understand your desire to seek out what you are really looking for.
Most will be patient with you and help you in any way they can. If anything, this is a great way to make some new friends regardless of whether or not you choose to attend their church each Sunday!
9. Focus on What God Is Telling You
In the end, what is the most important thing?
Finding the place where you feel the Lord is calling you.
This place should make you feel welcomed, supported, and inspired in your faith journey, regardless of whether you are a “baby” Christian or a more mature one.
Your new church home needs to be a “safe” space, where you can share your hopes, dreams, fears, and despair; all without judgement or condemnation.
Your church should preferably be the place where you can feel at home, away from home and where you can express your beliefs in Jesus freely.
You will know you’ve found the right one when Jesus lets you know too. Of course!
10. Trust That Still, Small Voice
Ultimately, the best church is the one where you feel a connection – both with Jesus, and the others around you.
You want to be in a place where you can consistently grow your faith in Him, while also feeling like you belong to the group.
As the saying goes, “we are better together!”
Christianity is meant for partnership, and community.
You want to go to a place where you can learn with others of a like mind and faith, where your values are shared and appreciated.
Remember, this is your journey! Take your time, ask questions, and most importantly, have fun exploring new churches and their unique cultural climates.
Never settle but also don’t go at this life alone. Be open to others but be sure that what is being taught aligns with the Bible and what you know to be true.
Always remember to pray about everything first, and don’t get discouraged. Your day of harvest is coming – happy church hunting!