Finding the Right Church Is a Huge First Step

If you are a new believer, knowing how to find the right church is an essential step toward strengthening your faith and keeping it strong. But there are a lot of churches to choose from; how do you know where to go?

I have some suggestions for finding the right church that I hope will help you along the way and encourage you in your faith. 

Start with the Church's Core Beliefs

While many churches share a common set of beliefs about God, there are often differences in how those beliefs are expressed. So, the first step I would recommend is doing some research of churches in your area to make sure their core beliefs include:

• The entire Bible is 100% true & trustworthy. Nothing is taken away from it. 
• God is a Triune God - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
• We are all sinners, and our salvation can only be found in Jesus Christ.

These core beliefs are crucial.
Now it's time to visit some churches and find one that fits you. Do you like large or small churches? What worship style do you like?  What kind of preaching do you like? Don't be overwhelmed, there is a church out there for you. Have fun visiting different places and exploring your options.

Consider Worship Style

Worship styles might vary greatly across different faith traditions. Some congregations have very contemplative, traditional worship that is rooted in Church history. Others focus on spiritual gifts. And others take a modern, contemporary approach to praise and worship. If you’re new to the faith, it may take you a while to find a church where you feel comfortable. That’s okay.

Take the time to allow yourself to worship in whatever way you are able. Doing so can strengthen your faith, and help you get a clearer sense of your impression of each church.

Spend Time in Prayer

We can never forget about prayer when we are making any major decision in life, including where we want to go to church. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and understanding regarding your decision. You may not know right away where you best fit when it comes to your faith community, but God will be with you every step of the way.

Check with Friends

If you have friends who attend church, ask them what they like about their church, their worship services, and their community. Learn about the ministries their churches have. Does their church offer support that could encourage you in a tough time, or help you through a difficult struggle? If so, go with them for a visit. Ask them to introduce you to friends or leaders they trust to guide and encourage them in their faith. You may find you make strong connections there. And no matter what, you will have more people praying for and supporting you.

Ask for Advice

One of the hardest things for many of us when we decide to commit our lives to God is the fear of losing many of the social activities and connections we once had. A local church is a great place to find new connections. 

If you need additional support as you begin this new faith journey, TheHopeLine offers mentoring for a variety of challenges, including strengthening and bolstering your faith.

Talk to a HopeCoach today if you have questions about your faith, finding the right church, or understanding God’s purpose for your life. We are here for you, and you have our support, no matter where you are in your faith journey.

If you are starting on a journey of finding a church home, be confident of this truth…There’s a church for you! A great place to start finding a Christian church in your community is ChurchFinder.