How to Choose a Church for Your Family to Attend

Choosing a new church for your family to attend/join can present quite a challenge, whether you are just looking for a different church in your hometown, or have moved and need to find a new church to fellowship with. There are many different types of churches (even within denominations), and they all have there own styles and leadership methods. At times, choosing a new church may seem overwhelming or even scary. It can be awkward to just walk into a new place that you have never been to before. Here are some steps to help you find a new church for your family.

1. Decide what kind of church you are looking for. Most people have a specific denomination or type of church in mind. If you are not sure, do some internet research, and write down the options you would be willing to consider. Beyond denomination, decide whether you are looking for a large church or small church. Do you want to choose a church with one pastor, or a church with multiple ministers? What types of ministries are you seeking-this is particularly important if you have children and need children's programs to be available. Do you like traditional hymns or more contemporary music? Write everything down as you brainstorm.

2. Decide how far you want to drive for your family to attend church. Some people do not mind driving a longer distance if a church has everything they are seeking. Other people like to limit the travel time to fifteen minutes or less. Remember, if you have to get up on Sunday morning and attend church with one or more children in tow, you may want to consider a shorter travel distance to give your family more time to get ready.

3. Look on the internet or in the yellow pages to see what churches are available that you may be interested in. Write down a tentative list of churches that you want to visit within your chosen driving distance. See if they have a website, so you can take a look at what ministries are available (children's ministries, nurseries, youth groups, men's groups, ladies' ministries, etc.). Read through the doctrinal statement and the leadership information. This should help you narrow down your list of churches to visit.

4. Start visiting churches. Take a notebook and jot down notes while you are at the services of anything you would like to remember for future reference when you are making your final decision. Do not feel intimidated about visiting churches-you will discover that in most churches, the members and attendees will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Talk to the Minister or other leaders to answer any questions you may have. Procure a copy of the church constitution. Finish writing down your impressions of the church when you arrive home.

5. Compare notes after visiting a number of different churches. Ask yourself if you could see your family attending or joining and feeling at home in each particular church. See which church best suits your family's needs, and in which church you could find a place to serve. Consider whether the messages were Biblical and understandable, and whether you were able to learn from them. Were the people friendly and welcoming?

6. Make your choice. Choose a church, and starting attending weekly as a family. Consider attending more often than once a week if there are options available, so that you can start getting to know other people as soon as possible. It is important to get involved, not only for your sake, but also for the sake of your children. Remember though, if you would find something that you did not realize or do not like about the church, no decision is every completely final.

Choosing a church seems like a daunting task. It is definitely not something that should be taken lightly. However, when you find a church your whole family can attend and enjoy, you will be happy you made the effort.