We are looking for a new church. What suggestions do you have for choosing a church together?
Finding a place to worship together can be a major challenge for you and your spouse. It’s not just about finding the right place for yourself as an individual; it’s about finding a place of worship that’s right for both of you (and your children also, if you have them).
While you might not necessarily seek a congregation as a consumer, you still have to find that happy medium that works for your entire family–and that will take some careful consideration, observation, and communication.
In today’s video, we’re sharing ideas on choosing the right church for your family.
We all have deeply-held traditions when it comes to church, and we all have a different comfort level when it comes to various worship practices and atmospheres. Our personality and style also heavily factor into our choice of ideal church. The music, the overall feel, how we dress, and what we lean into personally are all things that differ from person to person.
It can be tough to land on the right church as a couple, and even more so once you’ve got kids in the mix. One great way for you to put your heads together about choosing a church is for each of you to make a list about what’s most important to you in a church–maybe 6 to 10 must-haves that you’d love to have at a church.
Next, compare the lists you’ve made, and see where your preferences overlap, and where they differ. How can you work together to find the right balance? What are you most comfortable with?
Be sure to consider practical factors, as well. How far are you willing to drive to church from where you live? How large or small of a church do you want to attend?
Working together to become part of one another’s faith journey is a rewarding experience. And finding a church you can call home, and where you can be spiritually fed, will nurture your marriage and family as well.
How did you and your spouse choose the right church for your family? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section!
My wife and started looking for a church as soon as we got married. We visited a total of 4 and after about 2 months finally settled where we are now: Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Taylors, SC. The reason we chose that one was the love and compassion that the people have for one another and the visitors. Also My wife and I are singers and I love the musuc program in the church and were able to get involved right away. Finally, the preaching was very foundational and it hit home to the same struggles I have in life. I encourage all of you readers out there that if you are in the Greenville, SC area, please check out this church. You will not regret it. I guarantee it.
My family and I have been thinking about going back to church, but we weren’t sure how to choose the right one. It’s interesting that you say to consider what will make you happy with the church. It would be nice to know that you won’t feel out of place in that service.
I like the idea to consider practical factors when choosing a church. I’ve always wanted my kids to grow up with strong religious values. I just hope that we can find a church that could best suit our family lifestyle.
I loved when you mentioned how making a list of the things you value the most and want to have in a church can help you choose the best one for your family. It makes sense that doing this can help you find people with the same values that can help you stay strong in the faith. As I see it, taking the time to understand yourself and to see what other people think about the churches around you can help you find the best place where you can worship.
Thank you for your tip to make a list of things that are most important to you in a church. My wife and I just moved to a new state and we want to find a new church to go to. I’ll be sure to give this tip a try so we can find a great place to worship.
These are some pretty good tips; after all, it can be pretty difficult to find a church that fits for every member of your family. I particularly like your suggestion about making lists; although, you’ll want your family to be truthful about it. That way you can at least know what common ground you stand on and what needs to be avoided at all costs when choosing a church.