FIRST Know . . .

The “art” of finding a good church home is simple, but it can be frustrating! Bouncing from church to church is not healthy for you, your family, or the church. It helps to have a clearly defined process by which you can determine the best church for you to call home. You must realize right away that you are never going to find the “Perfect” church. It doesn’t exist! Churches are made up of imperfect people — so although you may not be able to find the perfect church, you can find the church that is perfect for you!

SECOND, List what’s important to you . . . And ask yourself practical questions as you visit churches:

• Does the worship satisfy your heart and genuinely inspire your attention to Jesus Christ?
• Do you sense God’s presence in the service?
• Are the sermons firmly based in scripture and relevant to the things you face in life?
• Can you agree with the basic doctrines they hold to, and can you be fed spiritually at this church?
• Are there programs and/or activities designed for children and youth?
• Does the church offer activities that provide real substance and meaning for developing your Christian life?
• Are there opportunities for building relationships with others in the church?
• Are you challenged to grow in your own personal relationship with the Lord?
• Do you see areas of service where your gifts and talents could be utilized?
• When attending, do you “Feel at home?”

THIRD, look at practical considerations . . .

• Is the location of the church convenient enough for you to attend and be involved?
• If not, is it worth the drive to attend a church that meets the needs of your family?
• Would the inconvenient location keep you from becoming involved?
• Are the schedule of services and meetings easy to integrate with your own schedule?
• Are there enough programs, classes, or ministries to adequately meet the needs of everyone in your family?

FOURTH, Visit several churches . . .

Take time to visit several churches. If possible, attend more than one time at each church. It takes several visits to get the heart of any organization. Attend their evening programs or small groups to get a better feel for the church. Talk to those who attend the church to find out how enthusiastic they are about the church. If possible, meet the Pastor or members of the Pastoral Staff to ask any questions you may have. After your visits, determine what you like about each of the churches you visited and discover where your heart feels most “at home.”

FIFTH, talk to the Lord . . .

Obviously, this is step number one as well as step number five! After you have had a chance to visit several churches, it’s time to pray and seek God’s will in the matter. God has a wonderful plan for your life, and according to His Word, “He sets the members in the church as it pleases Him.” (1 Cor. 12) He may very well direct you to specifically attend a given church because He knows the blessing you will receive and the blessing you will be to that particular church.

FINALLY, make a decision!

Don’t wander in the “church shopping wilderness” for too long! After visiting churches and praying about it, make a decision to commit yourself to a local church. Once you make a decision to belong to a particular church, jump in with both feet! Get involved in the church. Participate in the various programs they offer for membership, new members, foundation classes, and serving opportunities. Take advantage of all that the church offers to you and your family and give back to your church in your prayers, service and tithes. When you commit yourself to a church family, you’ll find THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

Also see: "Ten Reasons To Have a Church Family"...

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