I once was a freshman in college looking for a new church home. I had moved away from home and had no idea how to even get started looking for a church. I know it’s scary and frightening to go at it by yourself, so I created this small list on things that should be important to you when looking for a church as a college student. This is not a comprehensive guide to things that one should look for in a church, but I believe it will help.
- Jesus
- Do they preach Jesus as the Son of God who came to Earth as payment for sins? This is the fundamental belief of Christianity. If they preach another way or preach about doing good to save yourself, this should be a HUGE red flag.
- Is the Gospel explicit? Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He should be central in our lives as well as our churches. In sermons, Bible studies, and other events, is the Gospel the central message?
- Do they have a college ministry?
- This may sound selfish, but I believe it says a lot about how a church views its younger generation. A church who puts a high value on raising up leaders will have some type of college ministry if they are located near a college.
- College ministry is a place geared toward you as you go through the biggest transitional phase of your life. This is a place where you can come grow and be surrounded by people who love and care for you. It is a place where you should be able to say that they are your second family.
- Discipleship
- I’m not saying a place that has “Sunday School” or “Small Groups.” I’m talking about a place that takes serious discipleship as it was modeled by Jesus. Discipleship in which individuals live their lives together. They don’t just meet on Sunday, but maybe have coffee, dinner, or lunch together. Maybe they play sports together.
- Ask yourself these questions: Will I get invested in in order to grow in Christ? Will I be challenged? Will I have someone that I can go to when things are bad/good?
- Inward AND Outward
- What is the church doing outside its doors? Yes, the church should be teaching and equipping its members. However, it should also be actively using it outside. Are they involved in the community? Do they take serious the Great Commission? Are they trying to make disciples of all nations?
- Serve
- I think this one is a big one. Do they allow college students to serve within their church? Some churches feel that college students are here and then gone so why would we let them serve on our ministry teams? I pray that churches are stopping that mentality. You, as a college student, are very import to the Church. You bring with you new insights, ideas, energy, and most importantly a love for Christ. Ask if there are ways you can serve within your church? For example, in the church I am a part of, we have college students serving with youth, children, as door greeters, in the choir, in the worship band, as coffee servers, going on mission trips, etc. Find a church that values you as a part of the Body of Christ. A place that wants you to be plugged in and actively serving alongside them.
Other tips on how to look for a church:
- Invite a friend to go with you.
- Look at church websites.
- Go visit a campus ministry and ask about local churches.
- Visit different ones. Don’t church hop the whole semester, but take four our five weeks to visit different churches to see where God is leading you.
- Ask questions. Ask those who already go there about things that are important to you.
- Talk to the pastors.
- Don’t just go to one because of the “show.” A church is more than its production.
- Go to more than just the worship service. Attend a small group, lunch, fun event, etc. This will help you get a better feel of being a part of this church.
- Most importantly…PRAY. Let God lead you where you should be.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at ethanscottreed@gmail.com. I know exactly what it’s like to be looking for a church as a college student. May God lead you to the church He has for you.
God bless,
Ethan S. Reed
Ethan S. Reed 