By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

Many Christians talk about their church families or going back to their home churches. It’s beautiful to be connected with our siblings in Christ and recognize that we are truly part of one global family. For some, though, plugging into a faith community is daunting and overwhelming.

Not everyone feels welcomed by every denomination or congregation. Or maybe some churches simply aren’t the right fit. Sometimes it can take years of church shopping before we find the right one. That’s okay!

I’m giving you permission to take your time and find your place. Don’t rush it. Pray on it and let God guide you.

Shop Until You Drop

It’s important to make sure you connect with people who love you and will support you on your faith journey. Your spiritual health matters just as much as your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Acts 2: 46-47 says this about worshipping in community: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (KJV).

Fellowship is foundational to Christian living. It’s foundational to human life. As human beings we need community. God created us as interpersonal creatures for a reason! That being said, every community will be different, engaging people from various walks of life, backgrounds, and theology. While you want to find a church that is diverse and challenges you to strengthen your relationship with the Lord, you also want to make sure you are joining a community whose beliefs align with your beliefs.

Find Where You Belong

You may visit several congregations and try several denominations before you find the one for you. Each denomination has different traditions, histories, and interpretations of scripture. They are equally valid. We must remember that while a certain denomination may not be the best fit for us, it may be a perfect fit for someone else. It is not for us to judge how other Christians approach the Word or the Lord. And those congregations should not judge you if you decide to join a different church.

It’s okay, my friend, to be surprised or uncomfortable by how a particular group lives out their faith. It’s what you do with that discomfort that matters. Do you swallow it down and join that group anyway, even though you feel off-kilter? Do you gossip about that group to your friends and the church you ultimately join? Or do you step away from them still loving them as siblings in Christ?

Keep an open mind and an open heart as you shop around for the right faith community for you. Each stop on the journey will help point you towards where you belong. You’ll be able to more clearly identify and articulate your beliefs, which can help you research various denominations and their values. Continue searching and you will find your community.

We Are Family

Denominational labels are man-made. At the end of the day we are all Christians, part of a global family stretching back thousands of years. We still yearn connection, so we want to plug into local congregations that help us grow in our faith. My prayer is that you find a safe space that embraces your authentic self on your spiritual walk!