Tips for finding the right church

What are some tips for helping me find a good church?

• Pray! Ask God to help you find a good church!
• Ask your church leaders back  home if they know of any churches in Bath.
• Don't keep going round different churches for a long time. Pick a church, and get involved there!
• Don't be put off by your first visit to the church, especially if it’s not one of the regular meetings. Try visiting at least once more to get a good idea of what it’s usually like.
• Have a go at chatting to some of the congregation, not just the other students there.
• Be aware that there are no perfect churches! So don't be put off joining a church because none of them are exactly what you want, pick one, and get stuck in!

All Christian churches claim to be about the same things but will make some fairly distinctive choices. These will be reflected in the amount of emphasis and time given in their gatherings to the following: 

• Bible teaching 
• Prayer 
• Sung worship 
• The Lord’s Supper 
• Gospel outreach  

So what matters to you most? How much do you think the balance of the above in a particular church is going to help you as you follow the Lord Jesus at university?  

The other notable difference in churches is their size. How do you think you will benefit in being in a smaller church as opposed to a bigger church, and of course, vice-versa? Ask the CU members belonging to each church you visit what it looks like for them to belong to that church.  Ask lots of questions and pray!