Looking for a new church?
Helen Thorne | 26 Aug 2011
So you’re moving house. Off to college or uni. The time has come to join a new church family. You’ve been on the ‘net and printed out a list of congregations and got some recommendations from trusted friends. But what next? Once you’re in a strange church building how do you discern whether it will be a good place to settle?
Here are eight quick questions to help:
- Is the teaching faithful?
Join a congregation where the leaders and preachers are keen to explain the whole of God’s word carefully and relevantly. (Acts 20:27)
- Are the prayers missional?
It’s a great sign if the intercessions display a real heart for people outside the church. (Col 1:6)
- Are the hymns biblical?
Try to find a congregation where the songs used reflect Scripture not just sentiment. (Eph 5:19-20)
- Is the ethos pastoral?
Listen out for stories of how the church has been supportive. We all struggle and you’ll benefit from being in a community where you can be encouraged and spurred on in your walk with Christ. (Heb 10:24)
- Is there training available?
Everyone needs to grow in knowledge and understanding and have their gifts developed. Check that there are opportunities to do that through small groups, 1:1s or training courses. (Phil 1:9)
- Is the notice-sheet practical?
Join a church where there will be opportunities for service. The notice-sheet is a great place to see what’s going on and to work out how you might get involved.(1Pet 4:10)
- Are the people approachable?
Look to see if the congregation are welcoming. It’s always a good sign when people show love. (1Jn 3:11)
- Are the services accessible?
Make sure you would feel able to bring your non-Christian friends along. (Col 4:5)
Of course, there’s no such thing as a perfect local church and it is unrealistic to expect that every congregation will do everything well. But if you answer most of the above with a ‘yes’ then the church is definitely one to visit again!
