Church Search Anxiety: Facing Fears and Embracing New Connections

Does anyone else move a lot like me? One of the hardest parts of moving is finding all the favorites in the new area. We have to research and make so many decisions like where to send our kids to school, the best neighborhoods, who to use for a pediatrician, a dentist, our primary care physician, etc… And, then of course, for those of us who consider ourselves Christians…We need to find a new church. While this isn’t easy, it is doable. And, with as much as we have moved, I now consider myself a professional church researcher and love to help my friends and coaching clients narrow down their choices to not allow decision fatigue and analysis paralysis to keep them from jumping back in and getting back to church.

When deciding on a new church, try the following:

• Deciding on your non-negotiables when it comes to finding a church to fit your family.
• Knowing your personal preferences for a church, such as denomination, type of music, size of congregation, and proximity to home.
• Asking friends, family, or colleagues for church recommendations and inquiring about their experiences.
• Visiting church websites to gather information on their beliefs, programs, and staff.
• Watching live streams or recorded services to get a sense of the worship style, music, and preaching.
• Reviewing church social media accounts to gain insight into the church community, pastor, and children’s program leaders. {I know I’m not the only one who stalks Facebook accounts, right?}
• Reaching out to friends who follow or like the church’s social media pages to ask about their experiences and opinions.
• Attending a service at the TOP 3 churches and being open to trying different churches until finding the right fit.
• Engaging with church members and staff during your visit, asking questions, and expressing your interest in learning more.
• Getting involved in church events, small groups, or volunteer opportunities to further immerse yourself in the church community and make connections.
• And, last but not least…Feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you find a church that meets your needs.

Bonus Tip
Taking time to look up the church’s website and social media accounts can provide great information on their beliefs, values, and available programs. But, if you take time to watch recordings or live streams of previous services it may also give a glimpse into the atmosphere and worship style of a church. Look for churches that post candid photos of their congregation to see how people dress and what the overall culture of the church is like.

Importance of Outreach and Serving
Outreach and serving opportunities within a church allow members to serve the community and be a part of something greater than themselves. Being involved in outreach programs can foster personal growth and spiritual development, as well as strengthen one’s connection to the church community. Finding a church that emphasizes the importance of serving and encourages involvement is crucial for those of us who love to create impact. By participating in these programs, not only does one grow spiritually, but they also can make a difference in the lives of others.

Want more on this topic? Tune in to episode 26 of Priorities on Purpose, where I talk about church search anxiety and practical tips and tricks to make the process doable and stress-free.

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