26\\ Finding a new & local church: Questions to ask & practical tips to make the process doable and stress-free

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 own 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.

In this episode, you will learn a lot of tips and tricks like:

• 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

Obviously, 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 have the ability to make a difference in the lives of others. 

 

Join the Breakthrough Challenge:

Want to start serving in a specific ministry? Find a church to call home? Spend time in God's word and actually understand what you are reading? Build a Nonprofit? Whether you have business, faith, or life goals, it can be as simple as cutting through the noise and finding time for the main priorities, networking to get outside of your circle, or improving relationships. I've coached dozens of clients through the last 3 rounds of the challenge and watched them achieve so much more than they ever thought possible. I'm confident I can help you, too! 
 
Partner with me HERE:
 
https://www.melissabatt.com/12-weeks-to-success
 

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