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The start of the year is often a time when Christians move to new places and so need to find a new church. Is that you? If so, for what it’s worth, here are my tips on how to go about it.

 

What to Look for

What should you look for in a church? At least three characteristics.

Firstly, it has to be gospel-centred. Does it formally uphold the truths of the gospel? Does it actually preach and live out the gospel? These are non-negotiables.

Secondly, it has to be basically viable for you. Are you a young adult? Then it’s sensible to look for a church that has at least some other young adults. Are you a parent of young kids? Then look for a church with a kids program. This doesn’t mean you can become overly picky, and only look for churches that will be ‘perfect’ for you. You musn’t let a good social fit override the importance of doctrine, faithfulness, and commitment to mission in your choice. But it also isn’t shallow, unspiritual or consumeristic to look for churches where you think you could be happy. Don’t look for the perfect church, but it is OK to look for one that will be basically viable for you.

Thirdly, is it a place where you can serve? Churches are lifeboats, not cruise ships, so you have to find one where you can pick up an oar. Of course, there are chances to serve in every church. But there are some churches where there are more chances to serve than others, or more needs for your particular gifts than others. Picking a church that fits your life stage and circumstances, as discussed in the previous point, can often make pathways into serving a little easier, too. All other things being equal, why not pick the church where you will be most useful in ministry? If you don’t, you may find yourself tempted to just be a ‘passenger’, which will in turn make it harder to make friends and settle in.

 

Go for a Week, Stay for a Month

It’s the first Sunday in your new area. Assuming you have more than one church on your list, what do you do? Go for a week. Pick the church on the top of your list, pick the church at the bottom of your list, pick a church from the list at random—and go. If you don’t like it, then go to a different church next week.

But if you do like it, then commit to going for the rest of the month. It usually takes a while to get a sense of a place. Going for a month is enough time to get to know some people and get a sense of the church. If there is a newcomers’ lunch or newcomers’ course over several weeks, then go along. It will be a good way to find out explicitly what the church’s vision, beliefs, and ministries are and to meet some other newcomers. This will help you work out whether you want to join or keep looking.

This is where most people come unstuck. Instead of liking the first week and then staying for a month, they like the first week but then try another church next week anyway, and then another church after that. Then, once they’ve got a list of churches they like, they go back to the start and do it all over again, and then maybe even a third time, until they’ve made a decision. The problem with this is it can be three months or more before you’ve settled somewhere. That’s a quarter of your year not building connections, making friends or helping anyone. Remember: churches are lifeboats. Every week you’re swimming between them trying to work out which one to climb into is a week you’re not helping anyone.

This months-long search is also unnecessary. If you liked a church the first time, why not stay for a month to see if you keep liking it?[1] Sure, the next church on your list might be better, but probably only a bit better. In fact, it could also be a bit worse. If it doesn’t work out, then you’ve only lost a month, and you can try another church.

 

Just Stay

If after a month you’re still not sure about the church, then by all means start the process again with another one. But if it seems good, then just stay. Join a small group, join a ministry team, go every week that you can, and commit to this group of people for the rest of the time you’re in this place, unless some new reason comes up to leave.


[1] If you must do a little shopping around for due diligence, then why not alternate? Sticking with a good prospect fortnightly, while visiting one or two others on the off weeks. You can also speed things up a little more if there are suitable services on your list at non-conflicting times of day.

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