Key Practice: Find a Church Home

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-26

God designed us for community. A church home isn’t just a building or a Sunday service. It’s a place to learn God’s Word, build friendships with people who care about your walk with Jesus, and find those loving people who will pray for you, gently correct you, and help you grow. Hebrews 10:24-26 reminds us why gathering together matters: it’s about encouraging each other and spurring one another on.

A God fearing church:

• Look out for each other and care about their spiritual growth

• Encourage one another to love God, love people, and serve them

• Does not isolate or play favorites. Meeting together helps us stay faithful and hopeful.

The early church is a beautiful example. Acts 2:42-47 shows believers meeting daily, teaching one another, sharing meals, praying together, and caring for one another. And Jesus Himself values our gathering: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

Love is the measure of true faith. Jesus commands us to love one another (John 13:34-35). True believers show love in action. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 defines what biblical love looks like: patient, kind, humble, enduring, etc. Romans 12:4-5 reminds us that every believer has unique gifts from God: healing, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues, giving, serving, prophecy, teaching, encouraging, leadership, mercy, counseling, words of wisdom, miraculous powers, and discernment (distinguishing spirits), and we are to use those gifts to build each other up in love. As 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

For believers, a church home provides a stable place to grow in faith, find mentors, and receive encouragement. The relationships you build there support your spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Steps to finding a church home:

1. Pray and ask God to guide you where He wills you to be

2. Take action: start researching and visiting churches that align with the core Christian beliefs in the Bible

3. Look for teaching that points to Jesus: The Bible should be the number one cited source each week.

4. Check the church's core beliefs (different churches emphasize different things).

5. Ensure that the core beliefs and practices line up with biblical scripture (Not their or your opinion)

6. Watch how people treat one another:

   • Are they kind?

   • Are they patient?

   • Are they humble?

   • Does the church care for the poor and hurting?

   • etc.

7. Get involved in a small group or bible study

   • Small groups are settings where a few believers gather together and friendships are built, and growth happens. It is a place where believers can be transparent and pray with one another

8. Ask the elders and pastors a few questions about their church

   • “Does your bible teaching focus on Jesus?”

   • “How do you help new believers grow in their faith?”

   • “Are there short-term classes for new Christians?”

   • “What small group options do you offer?”

   • “How does the church care for people who are hurting or in need?”

9. Give it time: Be patient. Building relationships takes time; let people get to know you and you them.

Signs of a healthy church

• Biblical teaching that is focused on Jesus and Scripture

• Regular small groups or discipleship options

• Warm people who follow up after first visits

• Opportunities to serve

• Prayer teams, counseling, and outreach

Red flags

• Teaching that downplays the centrality of Christ or Scripture

• Leaders who discourage individuals from reading the Bible for themselves

• A church culture that isolates members or discourages questions

• A church that hides its annual spending

• Leaders who have no accountability or act selfishly

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Let the Holy Spirit guide you in this. If something feels off, trust Him and don’t hesitate to step away.

You do not need to be perfect in order to belong.

This should be a great encouragement to you. Your church home is where you’ll learn, truly be loved, and be challenged. Hebrews 10:24-26 is an invitation to join God’s family and help each other grow.