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 face-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. Even at the tail-end of a pandemic, it might 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 just a slice of what is out there. Click on the church names to be directed to their websites.

1. Hope City 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 engaging, 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
2. Church at the Oaks. This is a new church, but they are pretty serious about making you feel welcome and at home. They meet at the Embassy Suites. Service time: 10:30 am
3. 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: April 2-4 (too many service times to list)
4. 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
5. Riverwood Presbyterian Church. Full disclosure: I’ve never been to Riverwood, but I am in serious friendship with their pastor. And he is legit! 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 time: 11 am
6. University Church of Christ. Not your run-of-the-mill Church of Christ. Am I allowed to say that? Eeek. Anyway, these guys check all the right boxes. Friendly, modern, great preaching, solid music, and they are head-over-heels in love with Jesus. Check them out. Service times: 8:45 & 11 am
7. Grace Church. Kind. Missional. International. Doctrinal. Focused. Just a few of the words that come to mind when I think about Grace. Hands down the most generous church I know. I’m friends with about 50 people that make Grace their home and they are some of the best people on the planet. Service time: 10:30 am
8. 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
9. One Hope Church. I interned at this church in college (formally First Wesleyan Church), 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. The church gatherings are modern, engaging, welcoming, and full of life. Service times: 9 & 11 am
10. Covenant Church. I like these guys a lot! Serious about connecting with their part of the city, serious about the bible, serious about Jesus . . . but not too serious about themselves. If I were looking for a tribe to connect with, I’d definitely give this crew a shot.

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.