7 Awesome Tips for Finding the Right Church Home (Plus Quiz)

This post is all about finding the right church

Finding the right church home is a super important decision that can bring many benefits.

However, the process of finding the right church home can be a daunting, overwhelming task.😰

People often consider many factors, such as religious beliefs, location, congregation size, worship style, etc.

With so much to think about, it’s easy to feel lost in the process.

But don’t worry – there are ways you can simplify your search and make sure you find a church that meets your needs and aligns with your values.

So friends, if you’ve ever asked, “How do I know which church God wants me to go to?” Then this post is for you!

Ready? Let’s go!

My story on finding the right church home (storytime)

I grew up in Kenya and was raised in the same church until I immigrated to America at 19.

When I immigrated, I was truly unsettled in the church front and never quite found a church I could call home. I became a bonafide “church hopper.”

However, this all changed a few months ago when God confirmed the church I needed to be in!

It’s been an exciting experience thus far.  

At the moment, I’m going through a 3-week class where I’m getting to learn about the church mission. I’ve been sitting at the back of the class because I’m super emotional, LOL…, and I just don’t want to create a fuss.

Let me backtrack a bit…

When it came to finding a church, I had a lot of criteria on my wishlist. I wanted to settle down in a church where I could really plant my roots and feel like I belonged. But most importantly, the church also had to align with my spiritual beliefs and values.

It was immediately evident that the church I selected has a strong commitment to deepening relationships with God through classes and discipleship programs (OMG, they have so many. I’ve already signed up for my next set of classes on giftings).

Every week there are opportunities for Bible studies, prayer groups, support groups, counseling, worship services, and much more. These activities have helped me become more engaged in my faith and have been incredibly meaningful.

But what really resonated with me was their story and mission. I could see myself in their story of faith, and I was deeply moved when I heard how they started the church. I’ve received repeated confirmation that this is where God wanted me to be.

I’ve also noticed that the leaders at Church are passionate about serving the local community. This was evident when we opened our doors during Easter for a spectacular free play about Jesus through the eyes of Mary. Over 2000 people from the community accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior!

So yes, I love that this church seeks to bring people into an understanding of the redemptive purpose of Jesus Christ while also providing a place for spiritual growth and development.❤️

Ok, enough gushing about my new church… I’ve also linked a “I found my home church” video at the end of the post. I recorded that video over 6 months ago.🙏🏽

What is the right church according to the Bible?

I was pondering what the Bible says about the true Church…here are my top 3 non-negotiables as per scripture!

a) Jesus is the foundation of the church

The true church is a unified body of believers.

Jesus made this clear when he declared in Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

In other words, Jesus himself is the foundation on which his church was built. This one united church comprises all who profess faith in him and follow his teachings.

P.S. I wrote a lovely post on Jesus being our firm foundation. Read more about it here.

b) Recognizes one body & Christ is the head of the church

Ephesians 4:4-6 talks about how believers are to be unified as one body with Christ as its head: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Through these verses, we understand that unity is key to the church. All who belong should be united under Jesus Christ and strive for harmony, so that no divisions can arise.

As the head of his church, Jesus also holds all authority over it. In Matthew 28:18, he says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This means that all matters pertaining to the church must ultimately abide by his commands and teachings.

c) Uses the Bible as our instruction manual

I know what you are probably thinking….like duh…but you’ll be suprised that some churches use other instruction materials more than the word of God. I once attended a church 10 years ago that used the pastors books more than the Bible itself.😒

Friends, don’t be deceived- the Bible serves as our instruction manual for living a life pleasing to God!

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

The Bible contains God’s will and purpose for our lives; thus, it should guide believers in their daily life.

7 Awesome Tips for Finding the Right Church Home

By following these seven tips (listed below), you can be sure to find the right church home that best suits your needs and help you grow in your faith.

From there, you will have a strong sense of belonging & community that comes from being part of a church family – something that is essential for your spiritual journey.

1. Conduct a google search

To start your search for a new church home, do a Google search and look up local churches in your area.

Read through their websites for more information, such as the church’s mission statement, beliefs, service schedule, and any other relevant details that may help you decide if it is right for you.

Make sure to take note of locations and contact information as well so that you can reach out with any questions or concerns.

2. Visit the social media for the church

Look at various social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for reviews or comments from other members of the church.

This can provide valuable insight into what type of atmosphere the church has and can help to give you an idea if it is truly a warm & inviting place for newcomers.

3. Review the statement of faith

Read through the church’s statement of faith, which outlines its core beliefs and values as a congregation.

This is important in ensuring that the church aligns with your beliefs and values so that you feel comfortable worshiping there.

If you’re curious about what this means, please read mine here.

4. Visit the church

It can be helpful to attend services and get a real sense of the atmosphere at the church first-hand.

See if it is welcoming and encouraging for new visitors and long-time members, as this will be an important factor in determining if it is right for you. 

5. Get a referral or a recommendation

Ask around or get referrals from friends, family, or coworkers who may have attended or still attend the church – they can give you a more personal testimony as to why they chose that church and what it means to them.

6. Pray

Most importantly, pray for guidance as you search for your church home and ask God to lead you to the right one where you can grow in your faith and draw closer to Him.

God knows what’s best for us, so trust His plans and be open-minded to wherever He leads you.

7. Holy Spirit

Lastly, listen to the Holy Spirit’s conviction as you research and evaluate different churches — He will gently guide you towards the best choice for your spiritual growth.

Questionnaire and reflection (finding the right church for me quiz)

When looking for church and deciding among different congregations, it’s vital to ensure the church aligns with you. To ensure this, I’ve compiled a detailed questionnaire to help guide your decision-making process.

But first…I would like to talk about atmosphere!

The atmosphere of a church is an essential factor to consider when searching for the right church. It dictates whether or not it aligns with not only your values but ideals.

Here’s a quick practical example:

• If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, look for churches that allow the congregation to dress casually, such as in jeans and t-shirts, instead of requiring them to wear traditional “Sunday best” attire. This at times isn’t exclusively spelled out on their website but you can take a feel first-hand when you visit the church.
• For some, an intimate atmosphere with a small congregation size is preferable, while others may feel more at home in a larger setting like a mega church.
• Additionally, make sure that the pastor’s sermon style resonates with your own beliefs and understanding of scripture; some prefer a more traditional interpretation and style, while others may like a pastor who uses humor and incorporates practical stories from everyday life into the message.

Disclaimer: The series of questions I provide aren’t meant to replace the ministry of the Holy Spirit. They also aren’t meant to make you feel rigid or boxed in. They are meant just to spark thought and hopefully result in prayer as you partner with God to find your church home.

Overall, don’t rush into joining a church – take your time to find the right one that best suits you. By doing so, you will ensure that your faith journey is meaningful and rewarding.

a) Questions about the church’s beliefs and practices:

• What is the denomination of the church?
• What are the core beliefs of this church (statement of faith)?
• Is there a focus on evangelism within the church? 
• Is there a robust children’s ministry that my children will enjoy?
• Do they offer support services such as counseling or discipleship programs? 
• How does this church interpret biblical passages (literal/allegorical)?
• What type of sermons are typical in the congregation (theological, topical, narrative)?

b) Questions about community engagement:

• Does the church have any outreach programs in place to help people in need outside of its immediate area?
• Are there any opportunities for community service or volunteer work available?
• Does the church have an active presence on social media or participate in other digital outreach initiatives? 
• Is there a focus on building relationships within the local community and beyond?

c) Questions about general hospitality:

• What is the welcome atmosphere like when you attend a service?
• What is the recommended church attire, i.e., relaxed or traditional?
• Is there a designated time for visitors to introduce themselves and learn more about the church? 
• Are any special accommodations made available for those with physical or developmental disabilities?

The ultimate goal of choosing a church is to find an environment where believers can connect meaningfully with God and each other.

I hope this questionnaire provides clarity on which congregations may best meet these objectives.

Scripture References on finding the right church:

Here are a few additional verses I would like to share:

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 (NKJV)

And that’s it, folks, finding the right church home

I hope you enjoyed this post!

From personal experience….finding the perfect church home may take some time! So don’t rush into a decision; take the time to find the right fit for you. With prayer and research, you can be sure to choose wisely.

Cheers to finding a church that aligns with your values and beliefs as a Christian.

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12 Roles of The Ekklesia: What It Is and Why It Matters!

Hugs,