How Do You Find A New Church?

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For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matt. 18:20

Sisters in Christ, Come on in and grab a cup of tea.
Let's talk about ...How Do You Find A New Church?

My family attends my childhood church; however, its has been on both my husband and I heart to leave. Change can be a hard process and sometimes we can drag things out. Before you find your new church there are a few things you need to consider.

1. What Is Your Denomination?
Some people just stay in the denomination of their forefathers because its easier or they enjoy it. Some people find themselves attracted to other churches of faith. There are so many different denominations. That can be a post in itself. Denominations in a nutshell is just the doctrine belief and practice of a church. Some churches stand when you perform certain prayers some will baptize infants, some allow women pastors, some stand up and sit down often during the service. Some sing quietly some have an entire band with drums. Some do not allow drums. The difference go on and on. Even within denominations there are some difference depending on the age of the Pastor.

Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart...Eph. 5:19


2. What Are You Seeking Spiritually?
You have to be honest with yourself. When you are new to Christ you may be looking for something different than when you have been a Christian for sometime. That is a very natural thing. But you need to do the inventory so you can find the right fit. Do you like more tradition churches with hymns or do you enjoy the contemporary Christian music? Do you enjoy a solemn sermon or do you want the sermon delivered in a conversation manner? Do you enjoy sermons that are preached in a traditional manner? Do you enjoy fire and brimstone? Do you enjoy a loud lively sermon? What are you seeking? Do you need a church with Starbucks or an ATM in the lobby?

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philemon 2:1-2


3. Are Your Ready to Go Visiting?
Ask friends and family members of any suggestions of a church with a good reputation. The great thing about the Internet is that you can now go and check out most churches on their website. You can read all about the pastor and the church ministries. You can even hear the pastors sermon and this can give you insight into his belief and his preaching style. Then you have to actually go to see if this is a right fit. You don't know a person until you visit their home. Visit the church several times at different services to get a feel for the church. I would not join the church until after several months. You also need to find out how they receive new members. More and more churches want you to attend New Member classes.

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9

4. Its Natural to Take A Break
Searching for a church can feel like searching for a house. You see too many and get confused.
It is natural to take a break and check out "Bedside Baptist" as my pastor says. If you are unfamiliar with the term, that is when you stay home and go to a church on the Internet or watch sermon on television.

Please don't lose focus and actually join these churches.

They are just evangelistic tools. Many of these ministries are a HOT mess. Your remote control can provide you with a sampling of what is out there but not necessarily in your area. Be warned that just because on has a television ministry doesn't mean they are actually preach the Lord's word in a way that will help you grow spiritually. My family have witness many television ministries that sell holy water to a Catholic priest, Father Cedric Pisegna, on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). These shows have stressed us out more than actually looking for a church in our neighborhood.

These are nice tools for evangelism or if you are sick and shut-in but it is not biblical to maintain only a Internet church membership. I know many of the younger generation loves this new method to avoid fellowshipping with the body and having members in your business. I know the culture like to promote looking out for your SELF. However the Lord just doesn't hold that attitude. Christians are a member of Christ body. That means you are interdependent not independent. Your life or presence affects the church body. We need you in so many ways to be part of the church body. The reality is the church you choose is going to support, nurture and help you to grow spirituality. Once you find that you have found your new church.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor... Romans 12:10