Choosing a church might seem like an easy task in most cities, as there's likely no shortage of churches in your local vicinity. However, all Christian churches are not the same. Finding one that is right for you and your family can be a daunting task. Where do you even start, and how can you find the best church for you and your family?
Know what is most important to you
Don't set out to find a perfect church, because they don't exist. Know what is most important to you in terms of your faith and worship. Ask yourself a few questions and make a list of things you won't compromise on to help you narrow down your choices.
For instance, is a good music program vital to your worship experience? Is sound biblical teaching crucial? Does the church have adequate children and teen programs to meet the needs of your family? Do you prefer a small church where it may be easier to get to know other people or do you prefer a larger church that may be less engaging?
Review the mission statement of the church
Nearly every church has a mission statement available online or in printed form. Reading the mission statement of a church is the easiest way to find out what their core beliefs are and to see if they line up with your own. You are not likely to be happy at a church where your values are not preached and taught.
Take your time
With the vast amount of Christian churches to choose from, don't rush into deciding which one is best based on one visit. You should choose several churches and plan on attending several services at each over the course of a few months. Make sure you don't limit your attendance to Sunday morning only. Attend a midweek service and a structured bible study if possible.
Schedule a meeting with the pastor or other church leaders
Don't be afraid to request a meeting, either in person or by phone, with the pastor or other leaders in the church. Most Christian churches will welcome the chance to interact with you personally and provide the answers to any questions you have. These personal meetings are a great way to begin building friendships and to see how you connect with the prominent members of the church.
Having such a wide variety of Christian churches to choose from is a positive thing but can make the task of finding a church overwhelming if you don't know where to begin. Know what you won't compromise on and don't rush into anything. Your efforts will pay off when you finally find a great Christian church that may not be perfect but is the perfect fit for you and your family.