We lived in Graceville, FL while I attended the Florida Baptist Theological College (now the Baptist College of Florida). Graceville is a mostly farming community that boasts a Baptist college. After moving and getting ourselves settled, we began looking for a church home. I figured that being a college student in a town with a Baptist college, finding a church home would not be that difficult. I was wrong. We visited four or five churches before joining Holmes Creek Baptist Church in Chipley, FL.

I think back to that time for me and my family and am thankful. I am thankful that we found a church home and am also thankful for what I learned in that process. If you have ever been through the process of seeking a church to call home, then you know how tiring and stressful it can be. As a pastor, I am sympathetic to those seeking a church home. When I see a guest at church and they declare “actively seeking a church home”, I understand what is involved.

Think about the process for a minute. You wake up on Sunday morning and prepare your family for attendance at a worship service where it is likely you will not know anyone. Introductions are made and you tell the story of what brought you to the community and to the church. While you sit and take in the service, you ask the Lord for a peace, one way or the other, about returning or not. Once again, you greet and speak with other members as you leave. Perhaps on your drive home, or over lunch somewhere, several critical questions run through your mind. “Is this the place the Lord would have me to be, or is this the place I want to be?” Another, “Does this church share my biblical beliefs and theological convictions?” Another question, “Can the spiritual walk of  my family be deepened by attending here?”  Still another, “Will this church provide for me the opportunity to utilize my spiritual gifts?” Lastly, “Can I positively impact this church so its mission and purpose will be fulfilled?”

The stressful point comes when the above process is repeated multiple times in multiple churches. It can be very tiring being “new” in church every week in a different church. It can be tiring investing time and energy seeing no immediate result. However, it is part of the process of seeking and finding. This is why I believe that seeking a church home can be one of the toughest jobs that a believer will do.

I believe in the local church. I am a fan of it. I serve there and have given my life to it. Pray for those who are seeking a church family to belong to. As members of the body of Christ, we each have a responsibility to make this process easier for them. Be intentional and purposeful in making this process a little less stressful.