Five things to consider when trying to find a new church
Finding a good church, I like to think of it being compared to finding a good outfit. How will it suit me? Will I feel comfortable in it? Will it make me look good? Can I see myself wearing it again? Will I be comfortable with other people seeing it on me? And the list goes on and on. With deciding what church to go to, there are many factors to consider, and whilst it can seem daunting at first, there are a few things to help you on your search for a good church.
Remove the idea of “the perfect church”
Like the saying “nothing is perfect”, I think it’s a good idea for us to remove the notion that there is this perfect church out there where everything is all in sync. One thing I’ve learned whilst visiting churches in my university days is that there may be one thing that a church does that may not fit your standard- and that’s okay. The most important thing is that the church helps you grow in your walk with Christ. So, whether the worship may not be hitting, or the service is too long/short. Try not to look for perfection in all things.
Community
With any organisation or group, it is nice to get a sense of community. Meeting on a Sunday is a great start but, consider what other fellowship arrangements they have. Such as a weekly meeting for women, young adults or any other fellowship group, having small intimate groups is great for a more personal opportunity to grow and learn from each other, and aid your Christian walk. This does not have to be compulsory, but a great factor to consider and strive for.
Teachings
You go to church to fellowship and to engage with the family of Christ, but you also go to hear the word of God. One factor to consider is, are you hearing the word of God when you attend this church? I think it’s wise to ask yourself questions such as “are they preaching principles directly from the Bible?”, “are they using scriptures to back up their points?” Or “are they taking the time to deliver their own idea on whatever topic they are preaching out?” It is essential that the word we hear is from the Bible and not from our own individual beliefs.
Worship
In John 4:23-24 it says
“Yet a time is coming and had now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are kind of worshippers the Father seeks, God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth”
Worship is an integral part of our Christian walk. As we know, it is not just about singing and dancing, but our lifestyle and how we can give glory to God through our daily lives. Finding a church that emphasises on this point is essential and as it helps you to have a deeper connection with God not only on Sundays but in everything you do.
Holy Spirit
If you didn’t know already, God gave us a precious gift of the Holy Spirit as our advocate and helper. As someone looking for a new local church, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit on which direction He should take you into when looking for a church. The Holy Spirit can guide you and lead you into a place where God directly wants you to be in.