Whether you’ve moved to a new town or you simply want to start going to church with your family on a regular basis, looking for a new church home is one of the most important things you can do for your faith. It’s called a church home because you should feel home when you go to church each week. You should feel good, comfortable, and happy where you’re going. If you’re not sure what to look for in a new church, here are 9 tips to make sure you find the right church home.
Find the Right Religious Affiliation
Before you begin searching for a new church home, as yourself what religious affiliation you are looking for in a church. Were you raised Methodist or Baptist or Catholic? This might not be as important to you as it is to some, but you should know this when looking for a church. Some people don’t want to stick to the same thing they grew up with, so they look for a new affiliation. Some are very specific about this, and others might not be sure what they want until they’ve been to a church.
Know What You Want to Learn
What do you want to get from church? Do you have a specific teaching style you learn best from? Do you want a church that offers small groups and additional services? Do you want to have a traditional service on Sunday morning or one that’s more contemporary? Find your learning style and choose a church that teaches that way.
Know What Makes You Feel Comfortable
There are certain situations that might make you feel uncomfortable in church. Some are very rigid and unmoving, and others are far more laid back and casual. If it makes you feel uncomfortable to go to church with a bunch of people wearing jeans and tee shirts, perhaps a more traditional church is right for you. You must know what makes you comfortable and ask yourself if a church meets that level of comfort.
Know if There is a Children’s Program
If you have kids, you might want to find a church that caters to children with their own parable and program. If you’re unable to find a children’s program and that’s important to you, it’s all right to keep looking for a new church home. You’re not wrong to look for a children’s program so you’re able to get the most from your own service.
Know if the Church is Involved in the Community
A church that’s involved in the community tends to have a good reputation and a lot of respect, and that’s important to many. If you like to be involved in this manner, find a church that does participate in activities throughout the community. Do they throw a festival in the fall where families can come have fun? Do they provide a sunrise service on Easter? This kind of involvement is what you might be looking for.
Know the History of the Church
Find out when the church was founded, who founded it, and what they’ve done in the past years they’ve been open. You should know the history of the church in which you attend service. It might not seem as important as other factors, but it is important.
Know the Doctrinal Statement of the Church
This is a type of mission statement of beliefs. It’s what the church believes, and you will find out more about your church from this statement than anything else. Ask about it, or look online to see if it’s listed on the church website.
Know No Church is Perfect
If you’re looking for a new church home, this is the most important thing you can remember. No church is perfect. The church is a beautiful place, but it’s the people who bring the church into the four walls of your congregation. No one is perfect, but your church should understand that, embrace the imperfections, and work together to find repentance.
Go with Your Gut
If you feel good when you walk into a church, it’s probably a good fit. If you’re not happy with the service or you’re simply missing that feeling of home, you’re not in the right place. God will place you where you belong if you only submit your feelings to Him and allow him to guide you. Pray about it.
Religion and faith are very personal to every person. Some people believe, some people don’t, and some people simply don’t know where to start finding their faith. Finding a church home where you feel welcomed and happy is the perfect place to start. Let these tips guide you on the right path towards home.
