Choosing a church is a significant and personal decision. It’s more than just finding a place to attend services; it’s about finding a community where you can grow spiritually, connect with others, and fulfill your faith journey. As you consider which church to call home, there are several key factors to keep in mind. In this guide, we’ll explore these factors, backed by relevant Bible verses, to help you make an informed and meaningful choice.
1. Seek God’s Guidance
Before beginning your search, it’s essential to pray and seek God’s guidance. Asking for His direction ensures that your choice aligns with God’s plan for your life. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us of the importance of trusting in the Lord:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
Praying for discernment helps you stay aligned with God’s will as you evaluate different churches.
Question to Ask Yourself
Have I prayed and sought God’s guidance in choosing a church, asking for His wisdom and direction in this decision?
2. Assess the Church’s Doctrine and Beliefs
Understanding a church’s doctrine is crucial. The Bible encourages us to be discerning and to ensure that teachings align with Scripture. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for their diligent examination of teachings:
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11, NIV)
Research the church’s statement of faith, and if possible, speak with the pastor or leadership about their core beliefs. Ensure they align with Biblical principles and teachings, not just modern, societal beliefs.
For new believers, understanding a church’s doctrine and beliefs can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re still becoming familiar with Biblical principles. Here’s how you can approach this important aspect of choosing a church:
Start with the Basics
As a new believer, focus on understanding the core beliefs that form the foundation of the Christian faith. These typically include:
The Trinity
The belief in one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ
Belief in Jesus as the Son of God who lived, died, and was resurrected for the salvation of humanity.
Salvation
Understanding that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone, as stated in John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)
Scripture
Belief in the Bible as the inspired Word of God and the ultimate authority for faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms this:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)
Question to Ask Yourself
Do the church’s core beliefs align with my understanding of the fundamental teachings of the Bible, and am I comfortable with their interpretation?
3. Evaluate the Church’s Mission and Vision
A church’s mission and vision reflect its values and goals. Consider how these align with your personal values and goals. A church’s mission should support the Great Commission to spread the Gospel and make disciples. Matthew 28:19-20 emphasizes this calling:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)
Look for a church whose mission resonates with your desire to contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom.
Question to Ask Yourself
Does the church’s mission and vision resonate with my personal values and goals for contributing to God’s kingdom?
4. Consider the Church Community and Fellowship
Fellowship and community are vital aspects of a church. Hebrews 10:24-25 highlights the importance of meeting together and encouraging one another:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV)
Visit the church and interact with members to gauge the sense of community. Look for a church where you feel welcomed and valued.
Question to Ask Yourself
Do I feel welcomed and supported by the church community, and is there a genuine sense of fellowship and mutual encouragement? Does this community bring me a sense of peace?
5. Assess the Church’s Leadership and Teaching
The leadership and teaching quality at a church can significantly impact your spiritual growth. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 outlines the qualifications for church leaders:
“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (1 Timothy 3:1-3, NIV)
Research the pastors and leaders of the church. They should exhibit these qualities and be committed to sound Biblical teaching. Attend a few services to experience their teaching style and the relevance of their messages.
Question to Ask Yourself
Do the leaders demonstrate qualities of integrity and Biblical wisdom, and is the teaching both engaging and grounded in Scripture?
6. Check for Opportunities to Serve
A church should provide opportunities for members to serve and use their gifts for God’s glory. Ephesians 4:11-12 describes the roles within the church and the purpose of these roles:
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-12, NIV)
Look for a church that offers various ministries and service opportunities where you can contribute and grow.
Question to Ask Yourself
Are there meaningful opportunities for me to use my gifts and talents in service to others within the church?
7. Evaluate the Church’s Outreach and Missions
Consider how the church engages with the local community and global missions. Acts 1:8 highlights the call to be witnesses both locally and globally:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NIV)
A church committed to outreach demonstrates a heart for sharing the Gospel beyond its walls. Check their involvement in community service, charity, and missions.
Question to Ask Yourself
How actively does the church engage in outreach and missions, and does their commitment to serving others align with my desire to impact the community and the world?
8. Assess the Worship Experience
Worship is a central part of church life. Psalm 100:1-2 calls us to worship with joy and gratitude:
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalm 100:1-2, NIV)
Attend a few services to experience the worship style. Choose a church where you feel spiritually uplifted and connected to the Holy Spirit during worship.
Question to Ask Yourself
Does the worship experience uplift and connect me spiritually? Does it feel like it invites the presence of the Holy Spirit or is it just a show? Does it align with the way I best engage with God?
9. Consider Practical Factors
Practical considerations such as location, service times, and facilities also play a role in your decision. Proverbs 15:22 advises:
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22, NIV)
Make sure the church is conveniently located and fits your schedule. Ensure the facilities are accessible and meet your needs. By choosing a church that works for your time and schedule, you are much more likely to attend regularly grow your relationship with God and other members of the church.
Question to Ask Yourself
Is the church conveniently located and does its schedule and facilities meet my practical needs for regular attendance?
10. Reflect on Your Experience and Seek Confirmation from God
After visiting a few churches, reflect on your experiences. Consider where you felt most at home and where you felt God’s presence most strongly. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to seek God’s peace in our decisions:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)
Seek confirmation through prayer and consultation with trusted friends or family members.
Question to Ask Yourself
After attending services and interacting with the church community, do I feel a sense of peace and confirmation that this is where God is leading me?
Choosing a church is a journey of faith and reflection. It’s about finding a community where you can grow spiritually, connect with others, and contribute to God’s kingdom. By seeking God’s guidance, evaluating doctrine, considering community and leadership, and assessing practical factors, you can make an informed decision.
Visit WCCC
If you’re in the Wise County area of Texas, we invite you to visit Wise County Cowboy Church. Experience our welcoming community, engaging worship, and meaningful teachings. Join us on a Sunday to see if we might be the right place for you to grow in your faith and become part of a supportive and vibrant community. We look forward to meeting you!
