How to Find a New Church

As the home of the Write the Word® Bible journal for the last decade (10 years this July!), we are passionate about helping women dive into their Bibles—the ultimate place for refreshment and peace. We deeply believe this simple journal can bring you closer to God and help you live each day with hope and purpose. 

Because our Bible journals are beautiful, approachable, and simple to use, we've had the privilege of connecting with many brand-new Christians (and those recommitting to their faith!) over the years. Growing a habit of reading God's Word often leaves them wondering what the next step on their faith journey might be. For many, that next step is joining a local church community!

But that can feel really intimidating. Like, reallllllly intimidating. Whether you've never stepped foot in a church building, have fallen out of the habit of going to church, have been hurt by the church, or have recently moved and are trying to find a new church (in the midst of making the hundred other decisions that come with a move!), thoughts like these might be racing through your mind:

• How can I know what this church believes?
• Will I fit in?
• Will this church accept me, messiness and all?
• Will it be awkward to show up the first time?
• What if I don't know what to do?
• Will I be the only new person?
• What if someone talks to me?
• ...what if no one talks to me?

As someone who has gone through the process of finding a new church in the past few years, I understand that it can feel overwhelming and discouraging—it did for me and my family. But as someone who has found a new church in the past few years, I can also tell you that it's worth it. Our new church home has grown our faith, surrounded us with community, and given us meaningful ways to serve the people around us. We are grateful, and I'd love for you to have the same story.

Why does committing to a church matter? 

In scripture, the church is referred to as a gathering. Pastor and writer Sam Allberry describes it as "a particular gathering of Christian believers who have declared Jesus king of their life." When we gather as a church body, we are reminded of what we believe and why it matters, we are seen and known and loved, and we are equipped once again to go out into the world to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

And the world is watching: Allberry notes that it is through the church, rather than through individuals, that the truth is "upheld and commended to a watching world." In the way that we gather, worship, and care for those within and those outside the church, the world will either see a picture of God's Kingdom that draws them in or a picture of His Kingdom that repels them. By participating in the church body, we get to be a part of creating that good Kingdom here on Earth. 

While it may feel like you don't need a church home to love Jesus—and it's true, you can love Jesus from anywhere and without any affiliation—the church is one of our best opportunities to offer ourselves in service to others: to love, teach, and care for people who are sometimes different from us or difficult to love. By meeting regularly with others, committing to them through the good and the hard, we get to show the world an alternative vision of community that isn't based on looks or merit or skill but on the innate dignity and worth that's in all of us—a vision of abundance and community that's so different from the lives of loneliness and scarcity that so many people are living today.

The church needs us and we need the church, and the world needs all of it.

What should we look for when looking for a church?

Teaching rooted in scripture

When looking for a church, it's natural to start with yourself: what do I want? What would serve me and my family in this season? Will I like the people? While your priorities and practical needs are valid and should be taken into account in the process, they should also be tiered correctly.

The first tier, no matter who you are, what season you're in, or what you're looking for, is whether the church is Gospel-centered. Do they root their teaching in scripture? Is the sermon shaped by scripture, or is scripture used as a jumping-off point for what the pastor wants to talk about? 

This is often called "expository" preaching, and many churches that use it will teach verse-by-verse through whole books of the Bible. Topical sermons or series are not uniformly bad, though—just look to see whether the sermon's points are points in the Biblical text, and whether the whole thing is situated within the big-picture Biblical narrative.

The best way to get a feel for the style of preaching is to listen to a sermon or two. You can do this in person, of course; many churches will also share their sermons on their website or through a podcast app.

Church priorities aligned with the priorities of Christ

The Bible, for all its complexity, is clear on at least two things: the Greatest Commandment and the Great Commission.

The Greatest Commandment: "And [Jesus] said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.'" (Matthew 22:37-40)

The Great Commission: "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20)

Churches, especially large and established ones, often have many groups, ministries, and initiatives. When you look at the big picture, though, is it easy to see that people are being equipped to love God and love others? And is evangelism a mark of the church? If so, they're likely on the right path. 

Your practical needs and priorities

Once those two boxes are checked—Gospel centrality and aligned priorities—there is a lot of leeway to take your own preferences into account as you search for a church home. Some questions you might ask yourself as you consider options:

• Do I agree with this church's secondary theology? (Or, what it believes about more minor issues within the faith?)
• Would I feel more at home in a larger or smaller church?
• Does my family have a unique need (past trauma, exceptional medical situation, current struggle) that we'd like our church to come alongside us in?
• Does this church have kids the same age as our kids?
• Do we value living in close proximity to our church and fellow worshipers?
• Does this church reflect the diversity of God's Kingdom?
• Can my gifts be put to use here?
• Does this church either reflect what I loved about a past church or correct what was lacking in a past church?
• Are there people I can mentor here, and people who might mentor me?
• Do I care for the style of music or preaching?

Of course, it is extremely important to remember that no church is perfect—every church is made up of imperfect people who are in need of God. If you stick around long enough, the people around you—even the leaders—will likely make poor decisions, flake out on responsibilities, or say something you don't agree with. That doesn't mean you've chosen poorly, or that it's time to bail. Instead, you might see it as an opportunity to love people across differences and help each other to become more like Jesus—little by little :)

How can I find a church?

You know what you're looking for—now, how do you find it? 

A great place to start: if you have friends whose faith you admire, ask them about their church home, or ask to attend with them one Sunday. It's always easier to try somewhere new when you have someone to sit with! If you have a pastor friend—either from a past church or otherwise—it might be helpful to ask them if they have a recommendation, too.

If you're starting from scratch, online directories can be a helpful resource, as can asking in a local Facebook group (just be sure to clarify what you're looking for, versus simply asking for a church recommendation.) Once you have a few churches to look at, visit their websites to see how they describe themselves, their preaching, and their community. "About" and "Beliefs" pages often have helpful information.

In the end, Cultivate's three-step proven process works just as well here as it does anywhere else:

• Uncover what matters: Decide what you are you looking for in a church home. Beyond Gospel centrality and aligned priorities, name what practical needs or priorities you have in this season.
• Break it down: Decide how you will you research and visit potential church homes. Add milestones or rewards to help you move through the process.
• Live it out: Visit churches with a generous heart and open mind, ultimately finding the one that is a great fit for you in this season—one where you can serve and be served for the glory of God.

We're cheering you on, Cultivators!