How do I look for a church to join?
I think Launceston is a great place to live and it’s this time of year that a number of people arrive here. It’s a time of new beginnings and getting established in a new place. For Christians, one of the top priorities when moving to a new place, is not only finding a school for the kids, and how the one way streets work in the CBD, but with which group of people can I worship God. It’s also a time for people to explore Jesus and even test the waters with starting to attend a church.
Don’t Delay Finding a Church Family
If you’re a Christian, a word of encouragement: be prompt in finding a church family.
The New Testament contains dozens of commands about how Christians are to relate to “one another” to love, pray, honour, serve, forgive, and encourage each other. We are created by Christ to belong together, like different parts of one body. Our Christian life is meant to be lived in fellowship, not in isolation. How can we obey Jesus’ command to “love one another” (John 13) if we don’t actually have a “one another” to love?
So don’t wait until life feels settled. Don’t drift as a spiritual nomad. Make it a priority to commit to a local church. If you’re still looking for a church and it’s Easter (Early April), then you’ve done it wrong. Being a wandering Christian isn’t doing you any spiritual good.
Where to start?
Practically speaking, searching for a church usually is a combination of asking friends for a recommendation, online searches and social media, or hearing about a church by reputation. Search things like ‘bible believing church in Launceston’ or by a denomination you know that is faithful to the Bible (ie. Presbyterian, Christian Reformed Church, etc).
What do you look for?
When looking for a church, prioritise faithful, Christ-exalting worship, preaching and teaching. It can be helpful to listen or watch few sermon recordings before attending.
Churches that do not read Scripture publicly or take time to carefully explain God’s Word can be crossed off the list quickly. Christians need to hear God speak through his Word (Hebrews 4:12). Listen to the pastoral prayer, and the language used, is it exalting to Christ?
No preacher is perfect, and preaching styles vary, but the key question is this: Is the preacher faithful to the text? Is the worship service centred on prayer, sung praise, reading Scripture, preaching, and the sacraments? Is there joy as the church worships Christ?
Take time to consider the theology of the church. What the church believes is of vital importance. You need to be fed the truth of God’s word to grow as a Christian. Most churches will have a statement of faith, or even better, hold to a confessional document that is tried and true to the Bible (such as the Westminster Confession of Faith). These should be clearly referenced on the church website, and if you can’t find it, ask for it from the church before committing to them. If you don’t know what a church believes, then why join it? Faithfulness to Christ means holding to the Bible as God’s inspired and holy word, first and foremost. Don’t choose a church based on the vibe or just because there are people your age in the congregation (a friendly church is helpful though!).
Consider the Leadership of the Church
It’s also important to think about whether you can joyfully submit to the elders of the church you are considering.
Are they godly leaders who take seriously their role as under-shepherds of God’s people (1 Peter 5)? Is their life worth imitating (Hebrews 13:7)? Healthy church leadership, accountability, and pastoral care are vital for spiritual growth, often more than we realise.
Take time to talk with the elders. They’ll want to hear your story, get to know you, and help you grow as a Christian. That’s why they serve as elders.
Come Ready to Serve
Looking for a church is also a time for honest self-reflection.
The church is not a service provider. The church isn’t primarily about serving my needs. it is a family, purchased by the blood of Christ. It is a people gathered to worship Jesus and to serve him together.
Psalm 110:3 speaks about the people of God called into the service of King Jesus, ready and willing to obey and do what our King desires.
As you visit churches, ask questions like: Where could I serve? How could I love others here? Don’t wait for a church that perfectly matches your gifts. Instead, be willing to serve where there is need, in whatever ways you can, in the life situation God has placed you in.
Commit and Grow
Once you’ve found a church, don’t delay committing. Join the membership class. Begin giving financially to support the work of the gospel. Practise hospitality. Build friendships that help you grow in Christ.
Be present, as far as possible, each Sunday. Don’t make the Minister/Pastor guess if you’ve joined the church, let them know. Prepare for worship during the week through prayer and Bible reading. If you’re able, get involved in mid-week ministries.
Christ is Lord. Serve him joyfully.
We’d Love to Help
In the Launceston area, there are many faithful churches, and we genuinely want you to be connected to one of them. We’d love to help you find a church that teaches the Bible, preaches Christ, and seeks to live faithfully under God’s Word.
Please get in touch if we can help in any way.
Nathan Waterhouse
