Finding Your Place
Why a Supportive Church is Vital for New Christians and How to Find the Right One
A cornerstone of the Christian faith is the concept of community. While a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the foundation, that relationship is designed to flourish within the context of a local church. For new believers, finding a supportive church home is not just a helpful suggestion; it is a crucial step in nurturing and sustaining a vibrant faith.
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of believers gathering together. It’s a theme woven throughout the New Testament, highlighting that the Christian life is not meant to be a solo journey.
The Biblical Foundation for Church Community
The writer of Hebrews offers a clear appeal: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV). This passage underscores a primary purpose of the church: mutual encouragement and incitement towards love and service.
The early church, as depicted in the book of Acts, provides a powerful model. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42, ESV). This verse reveals four pillars of a healthy church: sound biblical teaching, genuine community, corporate worship, and prayer. These elements work together to create an environment where faith can take root and grow.
The Apostle Paul frequently used the metaphor of a body to describe the church, with Christ as the head. In 1 Corinthians 12:27, he writes, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” Each part of the body is unique and essential for the whole to function correctly. This illustrates that every Christian has a role to play within the church, and in turn, is supported and strengthened by the other members.
Why You Need a Church Family
For a new Christian, a supportive church provides:
Solid Teaching and Discipleship: A healthy church will be committed to teaching the Bible accurately and in a way that is understandable and applicable to daily life. This is essential for building a strong theological foundation and understanding the core tenets of the Christian faith.
Encouragement and Accountability: The Christian walk is not always easy. A church community offers a network of fellow believers who can offer encouragement during times of struggle and hold you accountable in your walk with Christ. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
A Place to Serve and Use Your Gifts: God has given every believer spiritual gifts to be used for the building up of the church (1 Corinthians 12). A supportive church will provide opportunities to discover and use your gifts, which brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Corporate Worship: There is a unique power and beauty in worshiping God together with other believers. Singing praises, praying collectively, and celebrating the ordinances of baptism and communion are powerful expressions of faith that are meant to be experienced in community. As Jesus promised, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20, ESV).
Support in Times of Need: Life is filled with joys and sorrows. A church family can be a source of immense practical and emotional support during difficult times, celebrating with you in moments of joy and weeping with you in times of grief (Romans 12:15).
How to Find the Right Church for You
Finding a church that is the right fit can feel daunting. Here are some practical tips to guide your search:
1. Pray for Guidance: Before you even start your search, pray and ask God for wisdom and direction. Ask Him to lead you to a church where you can grow in your faith and be a contributing member.
2. Look for Sound Doctrine: The most important aspect of any church is its commitment to the core doctrines of the Christian faith. Look for a church that clearly affirms the authority of the Bible, the deity of Christ, the necessity of the cross for salvation, and the Trinity. Most churches will have a statement of faith on their website.
3. Attend a Service: The best way to get a feel for a church is to attend a worship service. Pay attention to the style of worship, the content of the sermon, and the overall atmosphere. Does the teaching challenge and encourage you? Is the worship focused on God?
4. Observe the Community: Look for signs of a healthy and welcoming community. Are people friendly and engaging? Do they seem genuinely interested in one another? It may take a few visits to get a true sense of the community, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t make deep connections on your first visit.
5. Inquire About Small Groups: Many churches have small groups or Bible studies that meet during the week. These can be an excellent way to get to know people on a deeper level and to study the Bible in a more intimate setting.
6. Consider Opportunities to Serve: Look for a church that encourages its members to get involved in serving both within the church and in the broader community. This is a sign of a healthy, outward-focused church.
7. Don't Seek Perfection: It’s important to remember that there is no perfect church because churches are made up of imperfect people. Be gracious in your assessment and look for a place where you can grow and be a blessing, even if it’s not flawless.
Your journey as a new Christian is an exciting one. By finding a supportive and biblical church community, you will be positioning yourself to not only grow strong in your own faith but also to be a source of encouragement and light to others. Take the time to prayerfully seek out the church family that God has for you.
If you need help in finding a local church that is right for you, we are happy to suggest a few. Provide us with your location below and we will email you some suggested churches to check out.