Looking for a Community? Learn How to Join a Church!
An intersection exists along the road of codependence and isolation. For some, this crossroad is filled by social groups, work groups, and the like. For others, this crossroads is where church membership resides.
While churches invite any into their doors, it benefits you and the church body to understand how to join a church. This includes identifying a church with beliefs and values that align with yours.
After all, community forms the backbone of so much mental and physical wellness. It is the glue that binds and averages the good days with the bad.
How to Join a Church
If you’re starting out fresh and choosing a religion as well as a church, these steps work but you’ll likely spend more time on each.
For those moving to a new city or town, replacing the church you had with something similar isn’t as easy as you might hope.
Read Online
Start with a survey of the offerings online. Many churches run websites and this will give you an idea of their statements of faith, the times of services and other meetings, and even profiles of the leadership.
Looking online lets you find information without making an upfront commitment.
While online reading will provide you with some scaffolding, the heart of a church is difficult to see in words alone. For that personal touch, you need to talk with members and leaders alike.
Talk With Leaders
Reach out to the church leadership through email and phone calls. They will be happy to discuss concerns and minutia to help you find a good fit.
Of importance, you want to touch on the strong beliefs that a church holds. Knowing where the church stands on issues that affect daily life makes it easier to integrate with and to work within the church body.
When beliefs conflict, you’ll want to know if it will be a major sticking point or something with more of a give-and-take relationship.
Church Offerings
If you’re finding what you want in a church, consider their additional offerings. A church community is more than a single service on a single day.
You want to look at what they offer to the community, how often they have additional days or evenings that fit into your schedule. Also, check out what volunteers can do to build within the church.
When you join a church you want something that includes you and utilizes your efforts and talents.
Attend a Service
Finally, attend a service and additional meetings. No amount of information replaces a test drive.
Do you feel confidence and peace within the vestibule? Do the music offerings, children’s services, and other meetings fit into your expectations and needs?
Does the church leadership approach the material in a way that helps you to consider and grow in your faith?
Find More
The most important takeaway in learning how to join a church is patience. You don’t need to jump into something now only to adjust or leave later.
Community exists in many places, keep reading here for more information about lifestyle and community news around you.
Ben Stern wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
HTV Native Ad Solutions and Hearst partners may earn revenue when readers click affiliate links in this article.