After the loss of @charliekirk11 one of the most common positive comments I’ve seen repeated, especially by @MrsErikaKirk in her powerful message last night, is encouraging people to go to church— especially this Sunday.
At the prompting of my wife, @YoMelToo I’ve compiled a guide to help those who may not know where to begin.
Hope this is helpful to some, and continued prayers a to the family and friends of @charliekirk11, the @TPUSA staff, and the youth that loved Charlie so.
At the prompting of my wife, @YoMelToo I’ve compiled a guide to help those who may not know where to begin.
Hope this is helpful to some, and continued prayers a to the family and friends of @charliekirk11, the @TPUSA staff, and the youth that loved Charlie so.
HOW TO FIND A CHURCH
1. Celebrate the decision.
Choosing to search for community, connection, and purpose is a huge first step—it shows you are open to God’s leading and willing to seek something greater than yourself.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25)
1. Celebrate the decision.
Choosing to search for community, connection, and purpose is a huge first step—it shows you are open to God’s leading and willing to seek something greater than yourself.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25)
2. Pray.
Even if you’ve never prayed before, ask God, “Please guide my search, protect me from unhealthy places, and lead me to a church that honors You.”
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
Even if you’ve never prayed before, ask God, “Please guide my search, protect me from unhealthy places, and lead me to a church that honors You.”
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
3. Start with what you know.
If you grew up in a Christian tradition you respected—Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, non-denominational—start by looking for something similar, (but don’t skip the rest of this list!).
If your past experiences were negative, move on to the next step. Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect church, and wherever you find people, you will find hurt and error. Don’t give up the search, just move past the past and keep seeking.
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)
If you grew up in a Christian tradition you respected—Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, non-denominational—start by looking for something similar, (but don’t skip the rest of this list!).
If your past experiences were negative, move on to the next step. Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect church, and wherever you find people, you will find hurt and error. Don’t give up the search, just move past the past and keep seeking.
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)
4. Seek trusted voices.
Ask friends, family, or coworkers you admire where they go to church. If you see good “fruit” (behavior, speech, conduct, etc.) in someone’s life, find out what community helps shape them.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Ask friends, family, or coworkers you admire where they go to church. If you see good “fruit” (behavior, speech, conduct, etc.) in someone’s life, find out what community helps shape them.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
5. Take it to the net.
Search online for churches near you. Review their beliefs, watch sermons, and see if their teaching and worship reflect the Bible.
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
Search online for churches near you. Review their beliefs, watch sermons, and see if their teaching and worship reflect the Bible.
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
6. Test what’s taught.
Healthy preaching takes the Bible seriously—centered on Christ, not just self-help. Some pastors read a verse or two, then talk about whatever they want for 45 minutes. That’s not what you want, even if it’s entertaining. Look for teaching that explains the passage clearly and shows how to apply it to life.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Healthy preaching takes the Bible seriously—centered on Christ, not just self-help. Some pastors read a verse or two, then talk about whatever they want for 45 minutes. That’s not what you want, even if it’s entertaining. Look for teaching that explains the passage clearly and shows how to apply it to life.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
7. Look for God-centered worship.
Worship should lift your eyes and heart to God with reverence and joy, not just provide a concert or performance. Pay attention to the songs, prayers, and how the service is anchored in Scripture.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
Worship should lift your eyes and heart to God with reverence and joy, not just provide a concert or performance. Pay attention to the songs, prayers, and how the service is anchored in Scripture.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
8. Investigate the leadership.
Strong churches are led by biblically qualified, humble, and approachable pastors and elders. Meet with them, ask about doctrine, accountability, and membership. Good leaders will welcome your questions and care about your growth.
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach… able to teach…” (1 Timothy 3:2)
Strong churches are led by biblically qualified, humble, and approachable pastors and elders. Meet with them, ask about doctrine, accountability, and membership. Good leaders will welcome your questions and care about your growth.
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach… able to teach…” (1 Timothy 3:2)
9. Check for community and mission.
A church is more than Sunday services. Look for ways to connect in groups, build friendships, serve, and see how the church reaches out with the gospel and cares for those in need.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
A church is more than Sunday services. Look for ways to connect in groups, build friendships, serve, and see how the church reaches out with the gospel and cares for those in need.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20)
10. Lather, rinse, repeat.
You might need to try more than one church. Keep praying, keep seeking, and don’t get discouraged. God has a church where you are designed to fit.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
You might need to try more than one church. Keep praying, keep seeking, and don’t get discouraged. God has a church where you are designed to fit.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Tip: When you find a church you’re seriously considering, meet with a pastor or elder to ask about doctrine, accountability, and membership. Healthy leaders will welcome your questions.
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