Finding a church home is one of the most important spiritual decisions you’ll ever make. It’s not just about where you spend Sunday mornings—it’s about who will walk with you as you grow in Christ, who will speak truth into your life, and where you’ll be fed, challenged, and encouraged in your faith. Whether you’re a new Christian, relocating, or simply sensing God’s call to find a new church family, knowing what to look for can save you from heartache and help you settle in a place where you can thrive spiritually.
So, what are the essential things to look for in a church? Not personal preference, not comfort, not coffee (although, let’s be honest—good coffee doesn’t hurt). We’re talking about biblical essentials. What should guide our decision is what God says a healthy church should be. Over the next few sections, we’ll explore eight key traits to consider—biblical, practical, and rooted in the grace of Jesus Christ.
No Perfect Churches—Just Grace-Filled Ones
Before we dive into the list, let’s get something straight: there’s no such thing as a perfect church. Every church—no matter how faithful, vibrant, or mature—has its flaws. Why? Because churches are made up of people like you and me. Imperfect people. Redeemed by grace, yes—but still growing.
So, when you start your search, don’t go in with a clipboard and checklist, looking to tick off every box. Instead, look for signs of a Jesus honoring church. They won’t be perfect, but are they moving in the right direction? Are they open to God’s work in their midst? A church doesn’t always get everything right, but it should be seeking to honor Christ in both truth and love.
And most importantly—pray. Ask the Lord for discernment. He knows your needs and your heart, and He knows where you’ll best grow, serve, and thrive. Trust that He will guide you.
With that in mind, here are some biblical and practical markers to consider as you explore. They’re not a pass/fail test—but they can help you recognize a church where you can plant roots and flourish in faith.
1. Biblical Teaching
At the heart of every faithful church is a commitment to teaching and preaching the Word of God—not cherry-picking verses to support personal opinions, but faithfully unfolding the Scriptures with humility and boldness (2 Timothy 2:15). A biblically sound church doesn’t shrink from difficult truths, nor does it bend to cultural winds. Instead, it teaches the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), always pointing to Christ as the center and source of life.
Listen carefully when you visit a church. Are the sermons rooted in Scripture or shaped by trends? Is Jesus the focus, or is the message more about personal improvement? True biblical teaching proclaims the gospel—not just as the door into faith, but as the foundation for everyday living.
And here’s something essential: look for a church where the preaching encourages good works without slipping into legalism. A grace-centered church understands that obedience flows from the heart, not because of guilt put upon us (Titus 2:11–12). We serve, love, and grow not to earn God’s favor, but because we already have it through Christ. Beware of churches where rules take precedence over relationship—where law eclipses love.
Real transformation happens when the truth of God’s Word renews our minds (Romans 12:2) and grace shapes our lives. In that kind of church, the Bible isn’t just quoted—it’s lived.
2. Jesus/Gospel-Centered Mission
A good church doesn’t just talk about the gospel—it lives it, breathes it, and builds everything around it. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ isn’t just a doctrinal statement tucked away on the church website—it’s the heartbeat of everything the church does.
So, what does it look like for a church to be truly gospel-centered? It means the message of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9) is not only preached but applied to everyday life. It shapes how people serve, how they forgive, how they approach relationships, suffering, and even finances. The gospel isn’t just for nonbelievers—it’s for the whole church, all the time.
A gospel-centered mission also means the church is outward-facing. It’s not content to be a holy huddle or a spiritual country club. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), and a church committed to the Great Commission will have an intentional focus on reaching the lost—both in their neighborhood and beyond. You’ll see that in how they support missions, engage their community, and equip members to share their faith with grace and truth.
Ask yourself: does this church keep Jesus at the center? If so, you’ve found a strong foundation. If not, no matter how polished the programs may seem, the mission is off course.
3. Authentic Worship
Worship is more than music. It’s more than a well-rehearsed praise team or a certain style of song. Authentic worship is about the heart—it’s about exalting God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23–24), not performing for people or chasing emotional highs.
When looking for a church, pay attention to how the congregation worships. Is it God-focused or people-centered? Do the songs glorify Christ, or are they vague spiritual ballads that could just as easily be sung to a significant other? Are the lyrics rich with biblical truth? You don’t have to be a musician to sense when a church’s worship is more about show than substance.
That said, authentic worship doesn’t mean it has to be somber or stripped-down. Joyful expression is biblical too—just read the Psalms! The key is that the worship points people to the greatness, holiness, and grace of God. Whether it’s hymns on a piano or modern worship with guitars and drums, the test is whether Christ is at the center.
Romans 12:1 reminds us that true worship is a whole-life response: offering ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. A church that embraces that kind of worship—Sunday and every day—is worth considering.
4. Prayerful Culture
A praying church is a powerful church. Not because prayer makes us powerful, but because it keeps us connected to the One who is. Jesus said, “My house will be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13), and that should still describe His church today.
When visiting or considering a church, look beyond whether they have a “prayer ministry” on the website. Instead, ask: Is prayer woven into the life of the congregation? Is it something the church does occasionally, or is it a defining part of its culture?
In a prayerful church, you’ll notice people praying together—before services, during small groups, in the hallways, and in times of crisis. Corporate prayer isn’t just a routine filler between worship songs and the sermon—it’s a moment of real connection with God and with one another.
Prayer reveals dependency. Churches that pray regularly are churches that understand their need for God’s wisdom, power, and direction. Acts 1:14 tells us the early church was constantly in prayer. That posture didn’t end when Pentecost came—it’s how they lived.
A church that prays together isn’t just spiritually healthy; it’s spiritually humble. And humility, both individually and collectively, is fertile ground for God to move in powerful ways.
5. Loving Community
You can attend a church with solid teaching, great worship, and vibrant programs—but if it lacks genuine love, something essential is missing. Jesus was clear: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Love isn’t a nice extra in church life—it’s the identifying mark of true discipleship.
Loving community isn’t just about being friendly on Sunday mornings, though hospitality matters. It’s about creating a space where people are known, supported, encouraged, and challenged in love. A biblical church family shares life together—rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep (Romans 12:15). They walk through valleys and mountaintops together, bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
When you visit a church, notice the culture beyond the service. Do people linger and talk afterward? Are they quick to welcome new faces? Does the church prioritize small groups or other ways to foster deep relationships? In short—do they treat one another like spiritual family?
Love also means accountability and grace in equal measure. A loving church doesn’t ignore sin, but it handles correction with gentleness and care (Galatians 6:1). When grace and truth walk hand-in-hand, the church reflects the heart of Christ.
6. Discipleship & Spiritual Growth
The goal of the Christian life isn’t just salvation—it’s transformation. A healthy church doesn’t just introduce people to Jesus; it helps them grow in Him. Discipleship is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ, and a church committed to spiritual growth will prioritize helping believers mature in faith, character, and understanding.
Ephesians 4:12–13 tells us the church exists to “equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” That’s more than just Sunday sermons. Look for a church that offers meaningful opportunities for spiritual development—Bible studies, small groups, mentoring relationships, classes for new believers, and chances to serve. A strong church nurtures both knowledge and obedience.
Ask yourself: Is this a place where I will be challenged to grow, not just entertained or affirmed? Are there mature believers I can learn from? Is the leadership committed to shepherding people in their walk with God, or is the focus mainly on attracting crowds?
Spiritual growth often happens slowly, in community, over time. A church that cultivates a culture of discipleship—where people are encouraged to go deeper in faith—is one where your roots can sink in and your faith can truly flourish.
7. Servant Leadership
Leadership sets the tone for the entire church. If the leaders are humble, approachable, and committed to serving others, that spirit will often ripple through the congregation. But if the leadership is authoritarian, self-focused, or lacking accountability, it can create a culture of control instead of Christlikeness.
Jesus gave us the model: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). True spiritual leadership isn’t about status or power—it’s about shepherding the flock with care and humility (1 Peter 5:2–3). Look for pastors and elders who lead not from a platform of pride, but from a posture of love.
A good church will have biblically qualified leaders—men and women who model integrity, sound doctrine, and a genuine walk with Christ (Titus 1:6–9). They won’t shy away from hard conversations, but they’ll handle them with grace. They’ll be visible, involved, and accountable to others, not operating in isolation or secrecy.
Also, pay attention to how leadership empowers others. A healthy church doesn’t revolve around one charismatic figure—it equips the whole body to serve. If the pastors are servant-hearted and the structure encourages shared responsibility, you’re likely looking at a church built on solid ground.
8. Missional Outreach
A church that keeps the gospel to itself is like a lighthouse with the shutters closed—it might be standing tall, but it’s not doing its job. Jesus didn’t call His followers to huddle up in safety; He sent them out. “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). That mission hasn’t changed.
When evaluating a church, ask: Does this church have a heart for the lost? That heart should show up in local outreach efforts, support for global missions, and a regular emphasis on evangelism—not just from the pulpit, but in everyday conversations.
Missional outreach doesn’t mean flashy programs or giant events (though those can be useful). It’s about intentional living. It’s a church that teaches its members how to share their faith, that prays for the unsaved by name, and that reaches into the community to serve—not to be seen, but to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16).
A missional church remembers that we were all once lost and that someone loved us enough to share Christ. That love now compels us to do the same. Churches with a clear outward focus are living out the gospel, not just talking about it.
Conclusion: Finding a Church Where You Can Grow
Choosing a church is more than finding a place to sit on Sundays—it’s about finding a spiritual family that helps you walk faithfully with Jesus. The eight things to look for in a church—biblical teaching, a gospel-centered mission, authentic worship, a prayerful culture, loving community, discipleship, servant leadership, and missional outreach—aren’t just a checklist. They’re biblical principles that reflect the heart of what the Church is meant to be.
No church will be perfect. Every congregation has its flaws, because it’s made up of people like us—broken but redeemed. But when these core elements are present and growing, you’ll find a place where you can plant your roots, grow in grace, and partner in the gospel.
So take time to pray. Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment. Visit, observe, and engage. And most of all, remember that the goal isn’t just to find a church that serves you—it’s to find a place where you can serve others and glorify Christ together.
What about you?
What have you found helpful in your search for a church home? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your story.
Leave a Reply