Many of us have been there, you nervously walk into a new church and not a soul greets you. Clusters of people who have obviously known each others for years, spare a wondering glance in your direction and then go quietly back to their conversations. You feel your heart start to pound…anxiety fills you…a plethora of questions flood your already panicking mind.
Is there Sunday School? Are the seats assigned? Do they offer communion? What if it’s different that what I’m used to? Is the music acapella or is there a band? Do they speak in tongues or will they push me into the aisle and start praying over me? (This actually happened to me once!) Is the sermon going to be political with an agenda? Will the congregants grow annoyed if my child throws a tantrum in the middle of service? Will I get twenty questioned by an older lady who is trying to determine if I’m christian enough to attend? Will I be asked to give money? Will they start pestering me to place membership? This fear and these all to real circumstances make it difficult to find a church. I know, I’ve been there!
I’m a spiritually opened minded person after a lifetime of being raised in a conservative environment. When we moved to a new area, I was excited for a new change. I wanted a church family that would love and nurture my children. I wanted a Sunday school crowd of children we could invite over for birthdays. I wanted a relaxed non-judgmental environment and out of fear, I threw all my spiritual desires aside and found a church affiliated with the one I grew up with. In this, I would know exactly what to expect. I felt oddly safe in that knowledge. It wasn’t healthy for me.
I knew the doctrine. I knew the beliefs. I returned to a place in my life knowing it was wrong for me. There was no church family to seek out. There was more than one sermon, I flat out, disagreed with. There was a sad atmosphere that often times settled throughout the chapel. I was pestered with the things I either did or didn’t do. I faced judgement and I wasn’t even a member.
I was in a fragile state from our move. I was depressed and lonely. I was crying out for help but not a soul was there. I was standing before the cathedral, crying out for sanctuary and the doors were barred shut.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, stop whatever you are doing and find a church that will hear your cries. Do your research, go to their websites, be brave and contact them. Don’t be afraid to walk in. A good church, always has a team of greeters, to usher you in and answer your questions however silly they may seem. If you have specific questions regarding biblical practices, ask them, don’t be scared. This is your spiritual life!
If you are new to an area, finding a large church with programs such as support groups, life groups, kids church and a youth ministry might be beneficial. Churches can be a great way to meet new people, receive emotional support and just be that sanctuary of safety that you are longing for.
We live in a tough world. There are so many more dangers out there than what our parents faced. A church needs to be a sanctuary for your soul. It’s a refuge from the evils in this world, whether physical or emotional. The doors should always be opened wide. I found that church eventually, I knew the moment the praise leader opened his mouth to sing, that I was home. I found my place of rest.
Don’t give up!
