Is it time to find a new church? Maybe you recently began to follow Christ and are looking for your first church. Perhaps your family has moved to a new area so you need a church in your new location. Or maybe you realize that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to make a change from where you are currently attending. For these and other reasons, individuals and families seek out a new church where they will grow in faith, worship, and service.
Yet before you look for a new church, consider what it is that God would lead you to find. Make a list of what the Bible says about various issues related to church (using the references here as well), and let it help you create your list of needs/wants. In prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to show you what honors the Lord about your participation in a local church body and to lead you where God is loved, glorified, and celebrated above everything else.
Whether you are looking for a denominational (e.g. Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopal, etc.) or non-denominational church, here are 10 suggested considerations when seeking a new church home. (Please note that when I say “new,” I don’t mean the age of the church, just that it is new to you.)
“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).
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1. Is this new church’s teaching/preaching Bible-based with a focus on growing together in faith in Jesus?
1. Is this new church’s teaching/preaching Bible-based with a focus on growing together in faith in Jesus?
“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).
As Christians, we exist to know and love God, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit–-and to make them known to others. That requires Bible study, meditation, preaching and sharing our faith with others. If this isn’t the first priority for a church, then I would say keep looking elsewhere.
This is reminiscent of what Paul said in his letter to the Romans about the fact that everyone who calls on the name of Jesus (comes to faith in him) will be saved. He went on to say, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14). God calls all of us, not just pastors, to tell of the good news of Jesus. And again, this should be the church’s number one calling too.
One way to learn about a church’s priorities is to visit their website. Sometimes you may have to look throughout an entire site to get a feel for who they are, and how and what they preach. If you can watch a few past sermons, you can see if they teach the full Bible, or if they pick and choose topics for sermons based on what’s popular or “trending."
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2. What should you look for in a new church’s “Statement of Faith” or what the church believes?
2. What should you look for in a new church’s “Statement of Faith” or what the church believes?
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5: 1-2).
Every church handles how they explain what they believe and teach in different ways. As mentioned, you may find a list of beliefs on a website or in material that the church distributes. But look for big questions to be answered and see if that coincides with what we are called to believe or do. Questions like:
What do they believe about God? (creator, sustainer, redeemer)
Do they point to Jesus as the only means of salvation from sins and as the bridge between man and God?
What do they see as the Holy Spirit’s role?
Is the Bible their only source of truth and do they believe it is inerrant?
What is the purpose of the church?
How do they define life and marriage?
How do they value caring for those outside the church? What about international missions?
Do they believe in evangelism (proactively seeking out those who don’t know Christ to share His love)
Do they feel responsible for discipling people (helping them grow in their faith)?
If you’re not sure what a church believes, a pastor should be open to meeting with you to share their foundation of preaching, teaching, and serving.
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3. Does the pastor have someone that he reports to for accountability?
3. Does the pastor have someone that he reports to for accountability?
“[A pastor] must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:6-9) [emphasis on “pastor” rather than “elder” is mine].
Accountability is so important and healthy for pastors. It means that they take responsibility for their actions inside and outside the church, which may impact the trust the congregation has placed in them. Throughout history we’ve seen how pastors have been corrupted because the enemy wants nothing more than for a pastor to lose his witness, or appear as a fraud. Accountability not only supports the pastor’s spiritual health but also builds trust between the pastor and the congregation. That’s why in her article, “Who Holds Pastors Accountable?” Michelle Lazurek suggests that pastors 1) have an individual who is their accountability partner; 2) be accountable to a board; 3) report to the head of their denomination (if they have one); 4) and of course be a “man after God’s own heart”--accountable to God first and foremost.
We’ve likely heard stories of pastors who have not been able to resist temptation and have sinned in ways that compromise their role. That’s why it’s essential to have an individual or group that is always checking in with the pastor on matters related not just to the administration of the church, but to matters of the mind and heart. It’s never too late for someone to repent and in humility be forgiven by the Lord. There may be consequences, but there is always another chance. Since accountability helps minimize the risk of “falling from grace," look for a church that values that for its pastoral staff.
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4. Are there ways to connect with others in the church right away? Are you noticed and welcomed? Do you feel like you can build relationships here that will help you grow in your faith and fellowship? Are there small groups or service groups you can join?
4. Are there ways to connect with others in the church right away? Are you noticed and welcomed? Do you feel like you can build relationships here that will help you grow in your faith and fellowship? Are there small groups or service groups you can join?
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).
Does the church you are researching make it easy for you and your family to assimilate into the life of this church? It’s sad to hear stories of people who say they went to a church more than once and they were never greeted by a congregation member or pastor. But that doesn’t mean that church should be written off; maybe you need to reach out and introduce yourself. The more important thing is whether you get a sense, from the people and the ministries they offer, whether you will be able to “do life” with the members of this church. Perhaps you really want your kids to get to know other Christian children in the area, so will they be able to build relationships too?
One of the best ways to enter into relationship with others at church is to study the Bible together. Are there opportunities besides hearing a Sunday sermon where adults (and children in Sunday school) can dig deeper into the Bible with each other? Some of the most fulfilling things about being part of a church is to grow spiritually with others. That can happen in studies, in serving, in counseling with a pastor, and in praying with others.
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5. Is there financial transparency?
5. Is there financial transparency?
"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need” (Malachi 3:10).
While this verse talks about giving to God through tithes and offerings, it also speaks of God’s generosity to us. Whatever a church receives as gifts should be handled honorably, and how those gifts are administered should be handled with care as well. Ask if this information is available for anyone in the congregation to see (as it should be), perhaps in an annual report.
There is biblical precedence for the proper handling of offerings in Paul’s writings. Often, when he wrote to churches that he had helped to plant in the ancient world, he encouraged the churches to donate to the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem who were persecuted, social outcasts, and poor. In his second letter to the Corinthians, he talked about the gathering of that church’s collection. Paul, Titus, and two unnamed brothers would be bringing the Corinthian donations back to Jerusalem, so Paul wrote:
“...we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).
Doing what is right “in the eyes of man” means not hiding the church's financial situation. It is a matter of trust between those who are giving and those who are receiving and using the money in accordance with the church’s stated goals.
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6. Are there outreach programs that you can plug into to meet the needs of people in the community? What does the church support out in the community, and does that coincide with what Jesus said about outreach?
6. Are there outreach programs that you can plug into to meet the needs of people in the community? What does the church support out in the community, and does that coincide with what Jesus said about outreach?
"Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Luke 6:31).
Jesus was very clear when asked what the most important commandment of God was. He said that we should love God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves. A church’s neighbors are really anyone who is in need, near or far.
Jesus said many things about helping others in need, including:
"Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back" (Luke 6:30).
"Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me" (Matthew 25:31-46).
"Love each other as I have loved you" (John 15:12).
He also demonstrated by His life and sacrifice that we exist to know and love God and care for others. Does the church you’re investigating understand that they are called to outreach? Do they help organizations that help the poor, the sick, and the needy? Do you agree with the organizations that they support? Also, can you easily join in on projects that minister to “the least of these?” One of the most important things we can do for our children is to teach them to serve, so does this church give them a chance to do so as well?
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7. In regards to worship through music–does this church’s style honor the Lord and does it bring you closer to Him?
7. In regards to worship through music–does this church’s style honor the Lord and does it bring you closer to Him?
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” (Psalm 100:1-2).
Are you adamant about worshiping at a church with a band that plays Contemporary Christian music? Or do you resonate more with traditional worship with psalms and hymns as part of the service? In her article “Does it Matter What Songs Are Sung in Church on a Sunday” Alicia Purdy writes that church music goes beyond preference of melody and instrumentation. She writes, “Throughout history, psalms and hymns were how people learned theology, singing encouragement, exhortation, recounting verses, and more. Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs are all faith-building strategies that come from a corporate Sunday gathering, but at no time should any song sung in a church service ever contradict the Word of God—yet many do. It matters.”
It is completely legitimate to ask a church how they choose the songs that they sing. After all, God sees our hearts and knows if we are just engaging with a song because of the rhythm/melody/lyrics, or if we are truly praising God through it. It’s helpful to remember we are called to “...continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Hebrews 13:15). And we shouldn’t believe worship is just music– it’s everything we do to glorify God.
Does the church you are considering believe this?
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8. Does the church offer opportunities for in-depth Bible study to help one grow in faith?
8. Does the church offer opportunities for in-depth Bible study to help one grow in faith?
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8).
A church’s Sunday Sermon may have to reach people who are followers of Christ (who may not all share the same depth of knowledge) and people who are newcomers or “seekers” of the faith. Therefore, depending on the church, the sermon may be geared somewhere in the middle so that it reaches those who are well-versed in the Bible without confusing those who have little experience with it.
Sermons are incredibly valuable for spiritual growth but should never be what someone looks to for their entire biblical education. God calls us to read His word for ourselves. In Paul’s letter to Timothy in the New Testament, he tells him, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (Timothy 2:15). We can’t handle the word of truth without reading and studying it.
Does the church you are inquiring about offer additional Bible study opportunities? It shows a commitment to building disciples when a church offers smaller group studies that seek to help individuals grow in their knowledge and love of the Word.
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9. Are there robust programs for children and teens?
9. Are there robust programs for children and teens?
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
If you have children, this is one of the number one things you will want to closely investigate about churches. The way different congregations handle spiritual formation (e.g. Sunday school, youth group, etc.), and other activities, deserves close examination. Check out the Children’s Ministry curriculum (biblically-based and engaging?) and meet with teachers. Talk to parents about how they feel about the programs for young people. If the kids are just being entertained, not being led to grow in their faith, then it’s a church to avoid.
Other questions to ask:
Are there safety measures in place so that your child will not be with only one adult? Volunteer background checks?
Are there milestones that the church celebrates with kids like baptism, confirmation (or making a public statement of faith)?
Is there as much emphasis on older kids as younger kids? Oftentimes, youth programs fade as older children don’t want to participate. How does this church keep kids engaged?
Are there service opportunities beginning at a certain age (either in the church or out in the community)?
Are parents included as teachers, and are all parents made aware each week what the children/teens are learning?
Does the church help prepare teens/support them spiritually for life outside the church?
Unfortunately the size of the church often dictates what is available for young people, but it’s not an excuse to ignore their spiritual needs.
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10. How does the church celebrate the life of Christ throughout the year?
10. How does the church celebrate the life of Christ throughout the year?
"And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying,‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me’” (Luke 22:19).
Though the Bible doesn’t teach about celebrating the birth of Christ (Christmas) and the resurrection of Christ (Easter), it does emphasize remembering the life of Jesus and teaching about him to succeeding generations. Therefore, most Christian churches celebrate these two of the most important events in history.
Liturgical churches will also observe Advent and Lent in preparation for these two holidays. They will also have extra services during Lent (Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday) and Holy Week–the week leading up to Christ’s death. They may also celebrate Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon and empowered the disciples. And then there are other churches and denominations who don’t want to structure worship like mainline denominations, so they will focus on Christmas and Easter (especially some non-denominational churches). At the other end of the spectrum, some churches, especially Catholic churches, will celebrate many additional feast days that honor believers or “saints” who died for their faith. They will also honor Mary, Jesus’ earthly mother on several holy days.
You may likely have a preference, especially if you’ve been a churchgoer already. Ask the church’s pastor how they recognize different events in Jesus’ life and see if that coincides with what you believe will honor God and be best for you and/or your family.
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How Do You Find a Church Now That You Know What to Consider?
How Do You Find a Church Now That You Know What to Consider?
There are several ways to find out more about a church before you visit:
Can you find answers to these questions on their website, or on a site that reviews churches? Can you search online and see if there have been any accolades or controversies to be aware of?
Ask people that you trust–your friends, family, coworkers, your current congregation members
Talk to people who go to the church you are investigating. Ask hard questions. Would they recommend it as a great place for you and your family as well?
If researching a denominational church, is there a governing body that you can contact, like an archdiocese office or presbytery?
Visit a number of churches so that you can compare them to each other.
Most of all, spend much time in prayer and ask the Lord to show you where to attend church and perhaps raise your family. Joining a church family with individuals that you can “do life with” can make a huge difference in your walk with Jesus.
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Originally published February 24, 2025.
