Finding a Church Home
Finding a church can be hard and overwhelming. Perhaps you are new to an area or you want to help guide your young adult child or college student who leaving home for the first time. Download the devotional below and commit to seeking God’s purpose and plan as you choose a church.
Day 1: Prayer
The first step of searching for a new community of believers is to pray. Prayer is foundational in your search.
Have you prayed for God to show you where He wants you to serve and worship?
Read: Ephesians 3:14-21
As you read Paul’s prayer for the church…
- What stood out to you?
- What was one word that challenged you?
- How does this affect you looking for a church home?
Day 2: Community
Everyone is called to live in community. Community allows us to not feel isolated and alone. We are meant to do life together. In Genesis 2:18, God said it wasn’t good for man to be alone.
Read: Hebrews 10:24-25
As you search for a new church home, pray for God to put in your path new relationships and a community that builds you up and encourages you daily. Also, community is fun. Find a place where you find joy.
- What are things in community that are important to you?
- Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
- How will that affect your next church home?
Day 3: Your Identity in Christ
Knowing who you are and whose you are is very important in your search for a community of believers. Search for a church that is focused and centered on the Gospel, the good news of God’s restorative plan for His Kingdom. Do not be afraid to ask staff and leadership about the Gospel and their core values.
Read: Jeremiah 1:5, 1 Peter 2:9, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:24
Understanding that God knows you and wants to use you is a huge step in joining a congregation. Your identity is not based on what you do, but on what God has done for you.
- What words stood out to you in these passages?
- How can you live out your Gospel Identity this week?
Day 4: No Perfect Church
The old phrase, “There is no perfect church because it’s made up of imperfect people,” is pretty true. There is not a perfect church, but there are some really great churches in the community seeking the Lord and striving to please Him. Instead of looking for a perfect church, I would challenge you to look for a healthy church.
When you hear “Healthy Church”, list five things that come to mind. [Example: serving the poor]
Read: Ephesians 4:1-32
After reading…
- Does your list of five change?
- What would you add?
- What are the non-negotiables of a healthy church?
Day 5: Don’t Rush It
Sometimes finding community happens quickly. Sometimes it takes a while to see where you fit. It’s ok, do not rush it. If you rush into a new community you may find yourself feeling like you made a mistake. Leave no room for doubt when you choose a congregation to plug into. Why? Because we are all called to be in the church, if we follow Christ we should be part of a greater body, meaning that when you jump in with both feet, you commit. You commit long term to the vision and direction of the church. You accept all the great things going on, as well as help work through some of the growth areas. DON’T RUSH, simply means take it seriously. Be in prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you on this journey.
Read: Matthew 6:9-13
When you read the Lord’s Prayer, what jumps out to you?
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Memorize the Lord’s Prayer and pray this every day for the next week, during breakfast and before bed. If you have kids, teach them this prayer.
Day 6: Worship
Worship is the way we express our love and appreciation to God and give Him glory for all He has done. When we think of worship in the church, oftentimes we associate it with music style. Challenge yourself to think beyond preference, and instead consider a church that allows you to freely express your adoration to God. Preference may be a factor in this, but shouldn’t be the driving force. This may surprise you and force you to think differently about worship. The main focus is not about you, but the Father in heaven. All praise is to Him. Find a place where you can freely and openly give Him praise.
Read: 1 Chronicles 16:23-31
Be honest: Do you have a worship style preference?
What is it?
CHANGE YOUR PRAYER from “I want to find a place where I like the music” to “I want to find a place where I can freely worship.”
Day 7: Stage of Life
Finding a church is hard. Depending on your stage of life, you may be looking for different things within a church. Programs matter. If you have young kids, how is the church not only pouring into your kids, but also equipping you as parents? If you’re an empty nester, what does the church offer for you to stay plugged in and serving? If you are a senior adult, what community fellowships do they have for your area of ministry? All these things are great, but please consider as you look for a church, not just what the church may offer you and your stage of life, but how you can serve the church and the community through that body of Christ.
Read: Matthew 20:28
- What are some of your spiritual gifts?
- What are some programs your next church MUST have?
- What are some programs your next church might need? (They may be waiting on you to help!)
