Finding the Right Church
Very few of us are lucky enough to attend the same church our entire lives. Whether you are looking for a new experience or have moved to a new location finding the right church is very important for your spiritual growth.
“Each year, roughly 40 million Americans, or about 14 percent of the U.S. population, move at least once.”1 Millions of families in the United States actively look for a new church each year. “Statistical data shows the average American moves once every five years.”2 If you are looking for a new church you are not alone.
When looking for a new church you are essentially looking for a new spiritual home. “Love begins at home,” according to Mother Teresa. “…as it is not how much we do…but how much love we put in that action.”3 As you audition new churches it is important to discover how your gifts fit in with the church, not necessarily how the church fits your purposes.
Start by taking an inventory of both your spiritual gifts and spiritual needs.
What do you have to offer? The sharing of your talents to the church’s ministries is almost always more important than anything you receive by becoming a church member. “In everything, I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of Lord Jesus himself: ‘It is more Blessed to give than to receive.’”4
Acts 20:35
It is also a good idea to determine your spiritual needs. Are you looking for a purpose in your life? Are you searching for a sense of being needed and loved? Do you need the feeling of hope and the desire to increase your faith? Is your focus on learning and discernment about your relationship with God? Knowing your personal spiritual road map can help you determine which church is right for you.
Mark E. Thibodeaux wrote, “Not only do I need friends who share in my desires and convictions, and not only do I need mentors who can support, encourage and advise me as I journey to God, but I also need a community with whom I can participate in the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of all that the Words means to me. Like the baby Jesus, I need a “holy family” to belong to.”4
At [NAME OF CHURCH] or mission is [MISSION OF CHURCH].
Finding the right church is, in a practical sense, finding a new home. “Home is the nicest word there is,” wrote Laura Ingalls Wilder.6 Finding the right church is finding the nicest home. “Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home except true love,” according to Reverend Bill Graham.7
If you would like to explore becoming a member of [NAME OF CHURCH and CONTACT INFORMATION.]
2 – https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/how-often-and-why-americans-move/
3 – https://www.quoteambition.com/home-quotes-sayings/
4 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2020%3A35&version=NIV
5 – https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9251187-not-only-do-i-need-friends-who-share-in-my