How to Find a Church: A Comprehensive and Biblically Based Guide
Finding a church that aligns with your faith, values, and life stage is an important step in deepening your relationship with God and connecting with other believers. This guide provides practical steps, scriptural foundations, and resources to help you find a church that fosters spiritual growth, community, and service.
4 Essential Beliefs All Christian Churches Share
For a church to be authentically Christian, it must hold to these foundational doctrines, grounded in Scripture:
- The Bible as the Inspired Word of God
- “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
A Christian church must uphold the Bible as the ultimate authority and use it as the foundation for teaching and life application.
- “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
- The Triune Nature of God
- “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
A Christian church acknowledges the Trinity: one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
- Salvation Through Repentance and Faith in Jesus Christ
- “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
A church must emphasize the need for personal repentance from sin and faith in Jesus for salvation.
- “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
- Salvation by Grace Through Faith
- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The church should teach that salvation is a gift from God through the death and resurrection of Jesus, not earned by human efforts.
- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Key Questions to Ask When Searching for a Church
- Is the Preaching Biblical, Engaging, and Relevant?
- “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
The sermons should be based on Scripture, addressing real-life challenges and equipping you for spiritual growth.
- Does the Music Draw Me Closer to God?
- “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
Worship music should inspire gratitude and help you focus on God’s character and love.
- Do I Feel Welcome and See Opportunities for Relationships?
- “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
A church should foster a welcoming and encouraging community where meaningful relationships can thrive.
- Can I Find People in Similar Life Stages?
- “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
The church should offer groups or ministries where you can connect with others facing similar life experiences.
- Are There Opportunities to Volunteer Using My Talents?
- “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Look for opportunities to serve in ways that align with your talents and passions.
- Do the Service Times Fit My Schedule?
- “Let us not give 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 10:25)
Consistent attendance is important for building a sense of belonging and spiritual discipline.
What to Look for in a Good Church
From Answers in Genesis, here are key characteristics to prioritize when choosing a church:
- Sound Biblical Teaching
- “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
The church must prioritize teaching, applying, and obeying the Bible.
- “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
- A High View of God
- “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Worship should reflect reverence for God and focus on His Trinitarian nature.
- “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
- Love for One Another
- “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
The congregation should demonstrate love through humility, encouragement, and support.
- “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
- Godly Leadership
- “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” (1 Timothy 3:2)
Leaders should exhibit integrity and spiritual maturity.
- “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” (1 Timothy 3:2)
- Gospel Ministry
- “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
A good church emphasizes spreading the gospel and making disciples.
- “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
Resources to Help You Find a Church
Use these trusted websites to locate a church near you:
- Finding the Hope: https://findingthehope.com/church-finder
- Focus on the Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/looking-for-the-right-church/
- Got Questions: https://www.gotquestions.org/church-finder.html
- Church.org: https://app.church.org/find-a-church
Caution Against Consumerism
While it’s natural to evaluate what a church offers, avoid a consumer mindset. Churches aren’t perfect, and focusing only on personal preferences may prevent you from committing yourself to a community. Remember, the goal is to serve and grow in Christ, not just to be served.
Conclusion
Choosing a church is a significant decision that can impact your spiritual journey and relationships. Use the scriptural principles, questions, and resources provided in this guide to prayerfully discern where God is leading you. Trust that He will guide you to a community where you can worship, grow, and serve in alignment with His will.