As I’ve reflected on my freshman year, one of the many ways God revealed His faithfulness was through my church family. Some might argue that finding a church during college, specifically a Christian college, isn’t important. Whether their reasoning is that on-campus fellowship is enough or they’re “burned out” from childhood. While MC fills an important role in students’ spiritual lives, it’s no substitute for your local church. Although there are many opportunities for good teaching, worship, and ministry, nearly all will be with those who are the exact same age. In order to model the full body of Christ, it’s important to surround yourself with those who are older and wiser in healthy spiritual practice. In the same way, worshiping with people younger than you provides opportunities to model faith for others. With the intention of encouragement, I’ve found these few points to be beneficial when finding a church home while in college.
Locate Possible Churches
Being in the Bible belt, there are countless options of churches near our school. It’s important to be realistic when it comes to location depending on transportation. Decide if you’re willing to drive for a few minutes or if you would rather walk to church right off-campus.
Attend Together
It’s completely understandable and valid to be nervous when visiting a church for the first time. Nothing provides more comfort than going with people you know, whether that’s a roommate or an upperclassman, it’s worth reaching out! This can be tricky if you have different or conflicting feelings about the church, so it’s important to keep in mind your purpose for visiting.
Importance of Service
Even though we're all different, we have complementary roles to serve in the church as the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12, 15-27). When you serve as a college student, it acknowledges the opportunity to fulfill our role in the body of Christ. I found it important to give of myself and my time in children’s ministry and leading a small group, but finding where to serve takes prayer and discernment to figure out. Young age does not disqualify them from loving God’s people wherever they are. 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
Give Yourself a Deadline
This is possibly the most important step because assessing and articulating your own reasons for choosing a particular church is a way to prioritize your walk with the Lord in college. Sometimes when you visit a few churches, you’re not always sure which one is your church home by one visit. A way you can invite more opportunities for clarity and confidence in your church home decision is by spending a week or at most a semester loyal to one church then the same amount of time at another church. After those times, evaluate your growth and look to God for peace in your commitment.
