About this time of year churches in my city (and cities like it) see higher rates of visitor traffic. At least in my context, college students are moving in, families are back into a manageable rhythm, and everyone in between is thinking about turning over a new leaf for the Fall season. Churches, among other institutions, usually top the “this is good for me” list and people start dropping in on Sunday mornings to see if it really is good. Pastors and churches work hard to put their best foot forward with welcoming environments, passionate worship, engaging preaching/teaching, and quality kids’ programming. Some are even going to throw in a Mocha Latte for good measure. And that’s fine.
Over the years as I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with first-time guests, I’ve asked them the question, “What are you looking for in a church?” I’m always surprised to find that most people sort of hem and haw around and eventually admit they have no idea what they’re looking for. They assume they will know it when they find it. Others will give me something that resembles a 6th grade girl’s dream-boy list and assure me the unicorn is out there somewhere.
We’re looking for a large church with a small church feel. Preaching like Andy Stanley but with the gospel charge of Frances Chan. Worship somewhere between David Crowder and Israel Houghton, and yet intimate like a coffee house band. Children’s ministry and youth ministry and recovery ministry and small groups and conferences, but we’re not really into heavy programming. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
They’re looking for the unicorn. I tell them it doesn’t exist.
THE RIGHT CHURCH IS OUT THERE
After my obligatory eye-roll and their assurance they are actually looking for a place to call home, a place to serve and be on mission for the sake of Jesus’ name, I give them this list:
Find a church that is safe. Safe to ask questions; safe to not have it all figured out; safe to expose your sin and ask for help; safe because the leaders are accountable; safe because there are no backroom meetings; safe to just sit and listen; safe to cry; safe to laugh. Safe. Not all churches place a high value on emotional and spiritual safety for guests. But many do. These are churches that will honor you for your courage in overcoming every reason not to show up. They will build bridges to you through radical hospitality and intentional kindness when you pull into the parking lot. It’s worth remembering: the kingdom of God is not safe, but that doesn’t mean the church shouldn’t be.
Find a place that talks a lot about Jesus. Steer clear of self-help. Seven ways to fix your _______ . . . isn’t what you’re looking for. Not that you don’t need seven ways to fix your _______. You probably do! But the only One who can fix that is Jesus. So find a church that lifts up the unmatchable, all-powerful name of Jesus as the only source of life and hope. There are lots and lots of churches that talk about Jesus and put him in His rightful place—the throne of all our affections. As the old theologians say, “He is the chief end of all men.” So find a church that makes Him the chief end, the chief prize, the chief treasure of all things. You may not get your ______ fixed right away, but you will have found the only One who can do anything about it anyway.
Find a church that loves your city. Jeremiah the prophet told those in captivity in Babylon to “seek the welfare of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7). In modern terms, he was telling them to love the city they were in. That is, make it better. Do good to those around you. When looking for a church, find a church that is doing good in the city and for the city. Avoid “culture war” churches. Us-versus-them sermons and churches are unhelpful and frankly, anti-gospel. City-loving churches aren’t hard to find. Not because there are a lot of them, but because they’re usually the ones with the best reputations. People, even non-Christians, will love these churches and sing their praises. Why? Because the church is loving the city!
If you live in my city (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) I’m providing a short list of churches that I recommend to people. This is not an exhaustive list, but I know these guys personally and they love Jesus, create safe environments, and they love our city well.
Grace Church www.gracenews.org
University Church of Christ www.universitycofc.org
Soma Church www.somaofchrist.com
Riverwood Presbyterian www.riverwoodchurch.org
Church of the Highlands www.churchofthehighlands.com/campuses/tuscaloosa
Christ Harbor UMC www.christharbor.org
Capstone Church www.capstonechurch.org
One Hope Church (formally First Wesleyan) www.ouronehope.com
East McFarland Baptist Church www.goembc.com
Anchor Church www.anchorchurch.us
Hope City Church (This is our church!) www.hopecitytuscaloosa.com
