The clubbing craze is quietening, lectures are starting, you’ve bonded with your flatmates (apart from the ghost flatmate who you’ve only met once, there’s always one...). You’ve survived your first few weeks of university and your focus is now turning to finding a church. Maybe you haven’t looked around churches yet, or maybe you’re unsure how to choose a church! Well, brace yourself for what is going to be a whistle-stop tour of my top ‘church search’ tips!
Before I begin, it’s important to remember that no church is perfect. There are flaws in every church and the flaws will look different for each; none will tick every box. However, I hope and pray that this post will help in your search for a church to call home away from home!
1. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 'FUNDAMENTALS' IN A CHURCH?
It’s helpful to know what aspects of church are a priority to you: Is worship important? Teaching? A family feel? These are good questions to ask yourself to guide you in which churches to visit.
2. HOW CAN THE CHURCH SERVE YOU?
Will the church help you grow spiritually? Is there a good student community? Do they offer mentoring? Are there people who can become your family away from home and invite you round for those craved home cooked meals?
3. HOW CAN YOU SERVE THE CHURCH?
We all have our part to play in the body of Christ and it’s no different when it comes to finding a university church. Whether you are a musical prodigy or love a good natter, are there teams you can serve on and invest time back into the church and community?
4. ASK GOD WHERE HE WANTS TO PLANT YOU!
When it comes to finding a place to call home away from home, remember to include God in the decision making. Ask God where He wants to root you that will give you optimum growth and spiritual development.
5. DON'T BE A SHEEP.
Don’t base your decision on where your friends go. You might feel like you want to keep searching with a group in case you miss out (#FOMO), but if you know that God is calling you to a church, follow Him over the group.
6. FREE FOOD!
If you play your cards right, you can live off free food during the first term of uni. Churches love giving free food at student events or inviting students for lunch after church. It’s a great way to connect with church members and other students on that deeper level and enjoy food other than pasta!
7. INVITE YOUR FLATMATES..
Students are often open to experiencing new things at university, including church! It’s a win-win; you have a buddy to walk to church with and it opens the door for them to ask questions! Be bold and invite your flatmates - the worst that could happen is that they get free food but the best that could happen is that they discover Jesus and their lives are changed forever.
8. COMMIT TO ONE CHURCH AND GET STUCK IN!
There are too many churches in your city to visit every single one before making a decision. Visit a handful, pray and then commit to one. The sooner you commit to a church, the faster you can become part of their community and get involved serving! You can see all the churches in your area with our Student Linkup App by signing up here.
So that’s it folks! I hope this post has helped in your thinking process on finding a church to call home away from home - Enjoy the church search!
