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Finding a new church can be an overwhelming and scary task. You may have just moved to the area, be looking into "religion", or just simply wanting to find a new church in your area. But walking into a new church can be a daunting and lonely undertaking. Here are some ideas for those first few visits to a new church.

Idea #1: Ask Someone

Like any other product, a good review is a big plus. Ask family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or anyone else you can think of what church in the area they would recommend for someone searching for a new church home. What would be their top recommendations? If a one or two churches in the area are consistently suggested, start there.

Idea #2: Set a Time Limit

Unless the search area you have for a new church is extremely limited, set aside a few weeks and try out a number of churches. Take those few weeks and try a new church every Sunday morning. But a good idea is to set a time limit on how long you will allow your search to take. If you live in an area with as many options as there are weeks in a year, your researching will be counter-productive to your goal, which is to find a new church home.

Idea #3: Try Out the "Extras"

If you have time during the week, try attending more than just the regular Sunday morning service. Most churches have Wednesday night activities or Sunday evening service. These other services are often smaller and therefore an easier way to get to know the people at the church. Finding a new church home is more than just agreeing with the doctrine preached on Sunday mornings, its also about becoming a part of a community of people.

Idea #4: Don't Expect Perfection

Just like any other (large) gathering of people, keep in mind as you search that you are not going to find a group of perfect people. You know you aren't perfect, don't expect perfection of your new church home either. On the other end of that spectrum, don't settle for becoming a part of a church family that holds beliefs that contradicts with your own convictions. But the idea of not expecting perfection has more to do with not requiring the people in your new family to be perfect, but you should agree with the church as a whole.

Finding a good church family can be quite a challenge. But in the end a community of love, support, and accountability is well-worth the search.