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Written by: The Orchard
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20
Finding a new church might seem like a daunting task. However, using the right thought process will turn what seems like a daunting task into an exciting venture. Don’t let the unknown keep you from finding a new church home.
Pray for Guidance
Before you begin looking for a new church home, spend some time in prayer asking for God’s wisdom and guidance.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please let me be led by Your Spirit and not my flesh. I know you have ordered my steps, and now I ask in Your Name that you guide my spirit to the church you have chosen for me. The church you want me to attend, participate in, and serve. In Jesus’ Name
– Amen
10 Tips on How to Find a New Church
You’ve asked God to guide you through this process. Now it’s time for your participation.
Here are 10 tips on how to choose a church that best suits your needs.
1. Determine Your Priorities
If you want to know how to find a church, you can start by determining your priorities.
- What are your Christian beliefs?
- What worship style do you prefer, traditional or contemporary?
- Do you need adult and children’s programs?
- What level of community involvement do you want?
- What ministries and other programs would you like?
- What size of a church do you prefer?
- Do you prefer a casual or formal worship style?
2. Perform Initial Research
Take your list of priorities and begin your initial research for a church that appears to meet as many of those priorities as possible. You could start by asking your friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations.
You can also find great information on the Internet. Research churches in your area. Then look at their websites for worship service times, picture galleries, and other information that would give you an idea about what being a member of that church would look like. You can also check out a church’s Facebook page and other social media pages.
Another option for getting feedback about any given church is to look at online forums. These forums are a good resource for asking questions about a church and how others feel about their attendance there.
3. Drive to the Various Churches
Now that you’ve done your research and narrowed down some potential new churches, get in your vehicle and drive to them. Look at the church grounds, the marquee signs, the parking, and observe the overall nuance of each one. Do they look and feel inviting? How long does it take you to get there?
4. Attend Worship Services at Your Chosen Church
Once you’ve chosen a few potential churches, you can now visit them. But keep in mind that it takes time to feel comfortable when you are in a new place around new people. Therefore, it’s important to visit at least three worship services and don’t rush the process or jump to any conclusions before you truly get a feel for a church.
It's also a good idea to visit services on different days and times. For example, early services, late services, Wednesday services, Sunday school classes, etc.
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5. Participate in Church Activities
There’s no better way to get a feel for a church and its members than participating in some of its activities. Attend a potluck dinner, serve in a specific ministry area, or schedule a meeting with a church staff member.
These are the things that will make it easy for you to meet people and talk with them. This will give you a good idea of whether any given church is a good fit for you and/or your family.
6. Be Patient and Flexible
Remember that no church is perfect. Therefore, it’s important to be patient and flexible in the process. It takes time to understand how things work, regardless of whether you are attending a new church or starting a new job.
7. Do You Feel Welcome?
Another gauge to determine if a church is a good fit is to stop and think about the way your attendance makes you feel. Do you get a warm and positive feeling? Do people go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and included? After you’ve visited a few times, you will know whether or not that church is a good fit for you based on how welcome and included you feel, as well as how the ministry as a whole fits with your needs and beliefs.
8. Be Open, Friendly, and Engaging
It’s important to remember, the best way to feel part of a new community is to actively engage with others. Arriving early will give you time to meet and talk with others. And staying to socialize after the services will help as well. These interactions will give you a better sense of community and to see if the church is a good fit.
9. How Can You Contribute?
Participating in a church community is all about serving God and others. In light of that, take some time to consider how you and your family can contribute to the church community. It’s important to find a place where you can contribute and serve. If you don’t see any obvious ways to contribute, come up with your own and commit to it. Doing so will help you determine if that church is a good fit based on how your contributions and participation are received and accepted.
10. Trust in God’s Timing
Don’t feel the need to rush the process. There’s no hurry. It’s more important to find a place that meets your spiritual needs and where you feel as if you belong. Be thorough in your search and trust that God will lead you to the right church home.
Remember…
It’s important to find a church where you can grow and feel a sense of community. A bible-based church whose teachings are founded on Faith, Hope, and Love.
We Invite You to Visit The Orchard, a Gospel-Centered Church
We would like to extend to you a warm welcome to visit The Orchard at any of our six locations: Barrington, IL, Arlington Heights, IL, Itasca, IL, North Shore – Chicago, IL, Vernon Hills, IL, or Marengo, IL. We look forward to having you as part of our family!
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