Attending a church for the first time can be terrifying. I changed that particular adjective four times, by the way, before I landed on terrifying. Confusing. Unnerving. Strange. Lonely. All are true as effective descriptors of what happens inside church buildings on Sunday mornings. As an insider, I forget sometimes how much resolution it takes for someone to walk into a church for the first time. I can say this with a bit of authority—I’m a pastor after all. A professional. I have the pedigree and lapel mic to prove my position. But even my years of church experience don’t prepare me for a church visit. Not that I’m visiting churches with any real frequency, but whenever I travel out of town over a weekend I like to visit a local congregation. While I shouldn’t be intimidated by a new church (cause, you know, I’m a pastor), I get all squirrely on the inside. I can’t tell you how many times I have sat in my car—palms sweaty, heart pounding—psyching myself up to go into this unfamiliar space, meet all sorts of strange people, sing songs I probably don’t know, and listen to a guy talk for half an hour. Another word that comes to mind: Courage. That’s what it takes to visit a new church. Courage.
It makes me wonder—if a professional church goer like myself gets freaked out by new church experiences, how much more do newbies get nervous? A lot, I bet!
In honor of those who are thinking of attending a church for the first time this Easter, or maybe for those who are visiting a church for the first time in a long time, let me remind you of one truth, give you three pointers, and then leave you with ten options.
ONE TRUTH
Remember, people are people . . . even if they’re church people. In fact, church people are people first. Lonely, insecure, hopeful, helpful, hospitable, desperate, scared people. Just like you and me. We all share this in common. Even the church veterans came to church for the first time at some point. They probably remember what it’s like to be you—a little nervous and sweaty and feeling like an outsider. Grace is what they’ll offer. Because grace is what they were offered. So take a breath this Easter and remind yourself you’re just like everyone else.
THREE POINTERS:
1. Get to church a little early this Easter. More than likely, it’s going to be crowded. At least in the deep south, Easter is still a big deal. Lots and lots of people. Avoid the awkward moment of arriving late and being forced to find a seat in a crowded auditorium.
2. Bring a friend with you. Don’t go by yourself if at all possible. Drag your co-worker or neighbor or sister-in-law who owes you a favor. Promise them a free lunch or the chance to experience something new together. There aren’t a lot of things scarier than walking into a church by yourself.
3. Bring a bible. This is a pointer you may not have expected. Especially since you’re not sure what you believe about the bible yet. That’s ok. But know this, the pastor will be reading from it on Easter. It would be good idea for you to have one on hand. If you don’t own one, no sweat. Download a free bible app on your phone and you will be ready.
TEN OPTIONS:
If you happen to be local (living in my city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama) let me offer ten churches that would be great to visit this Easter. You can be assured they will be ready for you. If you have kids, they’ll be safe and loved. Not sure how church works or what to do when you arrive? These churches are excellent at helping you feel welcome, safe, and engaged.
*Please know this is not an exhaustive list of good churches in our city and in no particular order. There are so many churches that create amazing, welcoming moments on Easter—dozens and dozens of churches, in fact. This list is a just a slice of what is out there.
- Vineyard Community Church. I’ll start with the church I call home. Not a perfect church for sure. We’re a few hundred broken people on mission together. Community is super important to us. Our music is intimate, our kid’s ministry is safe and fun, and our preaching is pretty good (even if I do say so myself). 🙂 Service times: 9 & 11 am
- Anchor Church. This is a new church, but they are pretty serious about making you feel welcome and at home. They meet on campus at the Baptist Campus Ministries (BCM). Service time: 10 am
- Church of the Highlands. This is the second largest church in America. No joke. We have one of their seventeen campuses right here in our city. A machine of hospitality. The facility is legit, the music is beyond inspiring, the message is on point. I love these guys. Service times: March 30/April 1 (too many service times to list)
- Christ Harbor United Methodist. If you live in Northport, Christ Harbor may be a great fit for you. If you’re like Goldilocks, you may like this church—not too large, not too small . . . just right. A warm, inviting and engaging community of people. They would love to have you. Service times: 9 & 10:30 am
- Trinity Presbyterian. Full disclosure: I’ve never been to Trinity. But I do have dozens of friends who attend and they love it and are finding real life with these people. It’s going to be a little more formal, (suit and tie perhaps), an ordered liturgy (it’s Presbyterian), and the preaching is going to be meaty (in a good way). These guys will be looking for you this Easter. Service times: 8:45 & 11 am
- Capstone Church. Humble and fun and serious and missional—just a few words that come to mind when I think about Capstone and their leaders. This is a larger church (over a thousand) so be prepared for a little bit of hustle-bustle that comes with that. They have recently moved into a renovated facility and they are doing their best to make space for your visit this Easter. Check them out. Service times: 9 am, 11 am & 4:30 pm
- Daystar Church. The most multi-cultural church in our city. A white pastor with at least half African American membership. These guys are inspiring when it comes to unity. Very lively worship and dynamic preaching. A larger church as well, but they’re serious about making you feel welcome. Service times: 10 am
- First Baptist Church. Don’t let the oldest church in our city fall off your radar simply because of their age. This church loves the city and has for over 100 years. FBC is a large church with a beautiful facility for you and your family. They are more than ready for your visit. Service times: 8:30 & 11 am
- First Wesleyan. I interned at this church in college, so I have an affinity for them. But don’t let my obvious bias dissuade you. They’d be on my list no matter what. A new pastor has recently taken the helm and it has become even more engaging, welcoming, and full of life. A medium sized church (500-800) is what you should expect. Service time: 10:10 am
- Alberta Baptist. I like these guys a lot. Located at the edge of Alberta City and fully engaged with the poor and marginalized. A medium-sized church with a blend of tradition and modern. Some of the nicest people I know attend this church. Maybe you’ll meet some of them this Easter. Service times: 10:45 am
My last piece of advice: Go to church this Easter. Even if you’re not sure where you land spiritually or what you believe, give an hour or two and see what God has for you.
The Easter message at Vineyard was both challenging and encouraging. Thank you very much.
And there probably aren’t 10 pastors in the USA who are secure enough to recommend nine other churches in their own city. But it’s the Godly thing to do.
You’re super kind Alan!