How to Find a Good Church: What to Look For (and What Matters Less)

Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo project. If you've just come to faith, moved to a new city or drifted away and want to come back, finding a healthy local church is one of the most important steps you can take. Here's what to look for, what to ask, and how to stop visiting and start belonging.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.

Why church matters

The early believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). A local church is where you learn Scripture, are known and cared for, get baptized, serve with your gifts and are sent out to share Jesus. Love on The World is a movement that works alongside churches — not a church itself — so we always encourage people to belong to one.

What to look for in a church

Jesus at the centre. Is the Gospel — Jesus' death and resurrection for our sins — clearly and regularly taught?

Teaching from the Bible. Do sermons open Scripture and explain what it says, rather than using it as decoration?

Real community. Are there small groups or ways to be known beyond Sunday morning?

Love and humility. Are people welcomed warmly? Is there care for the poor and vulnerable?

Prayer and mission. Does the church pray and share Jesus with its city, not just look after itself?

Healthy leadership. Are leaders accountable, approachable and above reproach?

What matters less than you think

Music style, building size, the length of the service and whether your friends go there are worth noticing but shouldn't decide it. A smaller church with faithful teaching and real community can be a better home than a polished one where nobody knows your name.

Questions to ask a church

What do you believe about Jesus and the Gospel? (Many churches publish a statement of faith on their website.)

How can a new person get connected — is there a small group or newcomers' gathering?

Do you offer baptism, and how would I take that step? (What is baptism?)

How does the church serve the city and share Jesus with others?

How to move from visiting to belonging

Visit a few times

Give a church three or four Sundays before deciding. First visits can feel awkward anywhere.

Join something small

A small group, Bible study or serving team is where friendships form.

Talk to a pastor

Introduce yourself and say where you are in your faith. Ask about next steps like membership or baptism.

Commit and serve

Stop shopping and start belonging. Give, serve and invite others — church becomes family when you invest in it.

We can help you find one

If you met us on the streets or came to faith through one of our outreaches, we'd love to help you find a church near you. Send us a message — a real person reads every one. If you're brand new to faith, start with First Steps With Jesus while you look.

Questions people ask

What should I look for in a church?

Jesus and the Gospel clearly taught, preaching from the Bible, real community, love and humility, prayer and mission, and healthy, accountable leadership.

Do I need to go to church to be a Christian?

You're saved by trusting Jesus, not by attendance — but the Bible calls believers to meet together, and a local church is where you grow, get baptized, are cared for and serve.

How long should I visit a church before deciding?

Three or four visits, plus trying a small group if possible, gives you a fair sense of a church.

Is Love on The World a church?

No. Love on The World is a Great Commission movement that works alongside local churches, and we encourage everyone to belong to one. We can help you find one near you.

What if church has hurt me before?

That pain is real. Go slowly, look for a church marked by humility and accountability, and talk honestly with a pastor about what happened. Healthy churches take that seriously.

New to following Jesus?

First Steps With Jesus is a free seven-day guide — grace, prayer, Scripture, church, baptism and telling your story. Start First Steps

Next steps

Start First Steps With Jesus · Ask us to help you find a church