Finding a church is challenging whether you’ve recently moved to a new area or you’re just looking for a good place of worship. According to Pew Research Center, 60 percent of Americans under the protestant religion are Baptist.

Before you look for a new Baptist Church to join, there are a few important things to know.

Read on for a list of six tips to help you find a new Southern Baptist Church that will help you worship and meet your spiritual needs in the best possible way.

1. Ask for Referrals

You probably read customer reviews whenever you look at new products or services. The same concept applies when you’re looking for a new Southern Baptist church.

If you’re not new to the area, start asking your family members and friends which church they recommend. If you are new, you can find referrals online or simply by asking fellow members of the local and the church community.

Getting a firsthand account of others’ experiences is a great way to find a new Christian church. Make sure you ask the right questions so it’s easier to know whether or not the church will meet your needs.

2. Pray

Sometimes, simply asking God to help you find the right Christian churches to attend is a wonderful way to gain some insight and direction. Take some time to ask the Lord for guidance when you’re looking for a new Southern Baptist community and church.

While God might not tell you the exact name of the church, He can help you find the best way forward. Take some time out of your day to pray and ask God for help. With some patience and some active listening, there’s a good chance that you will find the right Southern Baptist Church just by praying.

It’s also important to read the Bible when you’re looking for a new church. The Bible has a lot of information regarding what God expects from churches and what its function is.

3. New Southern Baptist Church: What’s Important?

One of the most important things to think about when you’re looking at finding a church is to determine what’s most important to you. Maybe it’s the leadership, the location, or perhaps it’s the sense of community you feel when you attend.

Write down a list of the must-haves that are important to you when you search for a new church. This “shopping list” can help to make the search easier since you can narrow down your choices.

Some people look at the church service schedule, while others might consider the pastor or the music most important. If you have children, find out whether the church has programs for youth and kids. Whatever the most important things are for you, jotting down the things that matter helps to make the process a lot easier along the way.

4. Don’t Expect Perfection

God knows that we are perfectly imperfect, and we should feel the same about the church we choose. Remember that no church will meet all of your criteria, and there may be a few things you disagree with.

As long as the church is welcoming and follows the same Christian principles that you do, you can probably adjust to the rest. You might also discover that something you were unhappy with originally turns out to be something you love in time.

Don’t expect your new church or the new church community to be perfect. Keep an open mind and be reasonable, and you’ll likely find the right place for you.

5. Visit Several Churches

One of the most effective ways to find a new Southern Baptist church is to simply visit several of them. Attend Sunday services, talk to the congregation, and make notes about each visit.

When you visit a few different churches, you’ll have a better idea of what you want, and what you don’t want. It’s also a great way to meet new people in the Southern Baptist community.

Take some time to visit a few different churches in your area over the span of several weeks. This is the best possible way to get a real feel for how you like each one and which ones you don’t like. In most cases, you’ll choose the right church based on how moved you were during the service or how welcome you felt when you arrived. 

6. Do Some Research

While not every church has an online presence, more churches are starting to create websites or social media pages. Take some time to do a little bit of research by reading more about the church online.

You won’t know exactly how you’ll like the church just through online research alone. But doing so ahead of time can help you prepare for your visit and give you a clear picture of what you can expect.

A church website should have a statement of faith and some information about things like services and Sunday school. It should also provide you with contact information and some more information about church leadership. Some may even broadcast services online so you can listen in remotely without ever having to leave your home. 

Discover Your Church Home

Keep these tips in mind to help you find a new Southern Baptist church you’ll love. Whether it’s reading the website, asking for referrals, or reaching out to God for help, taking the time to find the right church will ensure you discover your favorite new church community.

If you’re ready to be a part of a new church community in Franklin, TN, contact the team at Clearview Baptist Church today!