How to Find a Church When You Are New to Christianity

"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." (1 Corinthians 12:27, ESV)

The short answer: Look for a church that teaches the Bible faithfully, holds to the core truths of the Christian faith, worships and prays together, and cares for its people. Style, size and music matter less. If the first visit goes reasonably well, consider going back twice. Use the visits to observe, connect and ask questions. If something seriously concerns you, you're free to look elsewhere. The checklist below shows what to look for on each visit.

When you first become a Christian, finding a church can feel daunting. You may not know the difference between denominations. You may never have walked into a church service on your own. You may worry that you will not know when to stand, sing or sit down. You may even have had a bad experience of church in the past.

All of that is normal. After twenty years of pastoring in different countries, I can tell you that most churches are genuinely glad when someone new walks through the door. This guide will help you know what to look for and how to take the first steps.

Why You Need a Church

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. Paul describes believers as one body with many parts: "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27, ESV). A hand cannot grow on its own, separated from the body. Neither can a Christian.

Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers to keep meeting together and to stir one another up to love and good works. The first Christians "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42, ESV). A local church is where you will be taught, encouraged, cared for, held accountable and given room to serve.

Watching services online can be a good place to start, especially if you are nervous. But it is not the same as belonging. Over time, aim to be present with real people who know your name.

What to Look For in a Church

Essentials

These are the things that matter most.

• The Bible is taught faithfully. Paul told Timothy, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2, ESV). Listen for preaching that explains what the Bible says, not only the preacher's opinions or stories.
• The gospel is clear. The church should believe and teach the core truths of the Christian faith: one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Jesus as fully God and fully man; His death for our sins and His bodily resurrection; and salvation by grace through faith in Him (Ephesians 2:8–9). Many churches use the Apostles' Creed or the Nicene Creed to summarise core Christian beliefs about God and Jesus Christ. If you are not sure what these truths are, read what Christians believe.
• People worship and pray. Worship and prayer should be central, not an add-on.
• People care for one another. Look for signs of real fellowship: people who welcome newcomers, pray for each other and help one another.
• Leaders are accountable. Healthy churches have leaders who are answerable to others, such as elders, a board or a denomination, and who lead as servants, not as owners.

Secondary things

These things are worth noticing, but they should not decide everything:

• Worship style. Some churches are quiet and liturgical. Others are lively, with contemporary music, raised hands and spontaneous prayer, as in many Pentecostal and charismatic churches. Both can be faithful.
• Size. A small church may help you be known quickly. A large church may offer more groups and programmes.
• Denomination. Baptist, Pentecostal, Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and independent churches differ on some questions, such as baptism and the gifts of the Spirit, but faithful churches share the essentials above.
• Distance. A church you can easily reach is a church you are more likely to keep attending.

Warning Signs

Most churches are led by sincere people doing their best. But it is wise to notice if a church:

• Teaches things that clearly contradict the Bible, or claims new revelations that carry more authority than Scripture.
• Puts pressure on you to give money, or promises God's blessing in exchange for gifts.
• Expects unquestioning obedience to one leader who is not accountable to anyone.
• Discourages you from asking questions or from talking to Christians outside the church.

The believers in Berea "received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (Acts 17:11, ESV). You are allowed to ask questions and check what you hear against the Bible.

How to Find Churches to Visit

1. Ask a Christian you trust. If someone helped you come to faith, ask where they go, or whether they know a good church near you.
2. Look at churches near you online. Read their "What we believe" page and listen to a sermon or two.
3. Use a denomination's church finder. Many denominations list their local churches on their websites.
4. Choose two or three to try. Do not try to visit every church in town. Pick a few and give each one a fair chance.

A Checklist for Your First Three Visits

One visit rarely tells you much. You might come on an unusual Sunday, or feel too nervous to notice anything. If the first visit goes reasonably well, consider going back twice. Use the visits to observe, connect and ask questions. If something seriously concerns you, you're free to look elsewhere.

Visit 1: Observe

• Arrive ten minutes early and find a seat.
• Notice: Was the Bible read and explained?
• Notice: Was Jesus at the centre, including what He did through His death and resurrection?
• Notice: Did anyone welcome you?
• Afterwards, write down one thing you learned and one question you have.

Visit 2: Connect

• Stay after the service for coffee or conversation.
• Introduce yourself to one person. If you are comfortable, tell them you are new to faith.
• Ask whether the church has a newcomers' class or a small group for new believers.
• Pick up or look online for the church's statement of beliefs.

Visit 3: Ask

• Ask to speak with the pastor or a leader, either that day or at another time.
• Ask your questions: What does this church believe? How can a new Christian grow here? What does it mean to become a member? How does the church practise baptism? Who is the pastor accountable to, and who can I speak to if I have a concern about a leader?
• Ask yourself: Could I grow here? Could I serve here one day?

If the answers are good, commit. Keep attending, join a small group, and let people get to know you. If something seriously concerns you, it is fine to try another church, but do not keep searching forever for a perfect one. Every church is made of imperfect people, just like you.

For your baptism questions, see should I get baptised?.

What If I Was Hurt by a Church Before?

Some people come to faith, or come back to it, carrying painful memories of church. If that is you, go gently. You do not have to explain everything to everyone. You can take your time getting to know people and share as much of your story as you choose. Take your time before taking on responsibilities, too. A healthy church will understand. For a slower path, with questions to reflect on and gentle first steps, read how to return to church after being hurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a church as a new Christian?

Look first for a church that teaches the Bible faithfully, holds to the core truths of the faith, worships and prays, and cares for its people. Then consider secondary things like style, size and distance. If the first visit goes reasonably well, consider going back twice. Use the visits to observe, connect and ask questions. If something seriously concerns you, you're free to look elsewhere.

Does it matter which denomination I join?

Denominations differ on some questions, such as baptism, church government and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Those differences matter, but they are secondary to the essentials of the gospel. Choose a church that is faithful on the essentials, and ask its leaders to explain where they stand on the rest.

Is online church enough?

Online services can help you start, especially if you are nervous or unable to attend. But the New Testament pictures believers knowing one another, serving one another and sharing the Lord's Supper together. Aim to belong to a local church in person when you can.

What if there is no good church near me?

This can happen, especially in some countries or rural areas. Ask Christians you trust for suggestions, consider a church a little further away, and meet with other believers for prayer and Bible reading in the meantime. A pastor you trust can help you think through your options.

How long should I visit before joining?

There is no fixed rule, but many people visit for a few weeks or months before becoming members. Ask the church what its membership process is. The important thing is not to drift for years without belonging anywhere.

Going Deeper

• If you are in your first weeks of faith, my guide to your first 30 days as a Christian will help you take the next steps.
• The Begin: New Life in Christ course includes a lesson on belonging to Christ's church.
• If you would like to talk through your situation with a pastor, you can book a conversation with me through Talk to a Pastor.

A Prayer for Finding a Church

Lord Jesus, You love Your church and gave Yourself for her. Lead me to a church where Your Word is taught, where You are worshipped, and where I can belong. Give me courage to walk through the door, wisdom to see clearly, and patience with imperfect people. Help me to find my place in Your body and to serve others there. Amen.