• November 1, 2012
• 1

The Church Search

When I first moved to California Baptist University from northern California, I remember being determined to find a church as soon as possible. Becoming part of a church family and getting involved in small groups is a huge part of accumulating to life in a new town. It is basically as important as morning coffee. Or, you know, spiritual growth. I wanted to grow as I began my life in college, and I believed that finding a church was an important way to make that happen.

This was going to be an entirely new experience for me since I had gone to my home church since birth. That church and its members had always been a part of my family and a crucial aspect of my spiritual growth. I knew that I would not be able to instantly find a church where I felt as comfortable as I would at home, but I was willing to spend time searching. I was not prepared for exactly how enlightening of an experience this search would be, though.

Well into my second year, I know several friends who are still searching for a church to be involved with. This has led me to think back on all the things I wish someone had told me as I began the “Church Search.”

So without further ado, here are my two cents for any college student currently still on the hunt for a home-away-from-home church:

1) Go into the search with a healthy mentality. It is never a good idea to attend churches asking yourself what they have to offer you. As a member of the body of Christ, we should go to church looking for ways to serve. How can you invest in the local church and improve upon it? We need to be exhorting each other, and this includes some work on our part. We should not look solely to be served, but to serve others.

2) No church is perfect. It is hard not to compare each church to home. Once we get used to certain parts of a service, like preaching style or worship, it becomes really easy to pick apart every little thing we might not like about a new church. It is okay to stretch your comfort zone a little. For example, even if the worship is not exactly what you prefer or are accustomed to, focus on whether or not God is still glorified in it. Evaluate yourself and give the Creator praise even if it is not your favorite style of music. All churches have flaws, but rather than focus on these, we should seek sound doctrine and accomplishing the work of Christ.

3) Remember that developing relationships takes time. I do not think I am alone when I say that the “greeting” portion of every church service can be painfully awkward. For visitors especially, this time seems to highlight how disconnected you might feel from other members. While you may be able to introduce yourself to people, it is difficult to strike up a conversation or develop a friendship with someone in a few short minutes. Keeping this in mind, I think it is vital to stick around after the service and make a connection with at least one person who regularly attends. Ask about small groups to get involved in. These are where friendships are further developed and you are able to encourage others and be encouraged as you journey through this stage in life.

4) Don’t break the habit. Yes, Cal Baptist offers chapel services on campus, but it is also important to invest in the local church community. Chapel should by no means replace church. As Christians, our willingness to serve should lead to a desire to share the love of Christ with others outside the CBU bubble. It is really easy to sleep in on Sunday mornings and tell yourself you’ll make it to church next week. If finding rides to church is an issue, find groups of people who will help to you get there. Find those glorious people with cars and begin the “Church Search” together. In that way, you can hold each other accountable to going consistently.

I cannot emphasize enough how attending my new church has led to my growth over the past two semesters. Once I stepped out of my comfort zone and committed to service, I met other Christians who spur me closer to Christ. Serving the Lord in a local community is a beautiful thing, and God is glorified through that. Go into the search for a church with a healthy dose of prayer, a heart of service and see how God will bless you through your willingness to grow closer to Him.