Start local. If you’re an Episcopalian, find out what Episcopal churches there are in your community and attend all of them to pick which one fits you best. If you weren’t raised with any belief system and want to explore your options, find out the variety of different churches and religions practiced in your town and make a few visits. Do some reading about them to find out if they line up with your personal beliefs, then explore them at a service as a visitor. [1] X Research source
You don’t need to be an expert about religion to go to church. Most church-goers are excited and friendly, happy to welcome new potential members and visitors to their service. Church is supposed to be a learning experience, so don’t let your ignorance of a particular religion keep you from attending. Keep an open mind and open heart.
Give both a shot. If you’re a member of a small community church with a broken-down organ, you might try exploring a larger church with bigger production values to see if it helps you engage more. Alternatively, you might be able to get in touch more profoundly at a simple, humble, country church.
If you know definitively that you’re a Christian, or a Muslim, or a Sufi, it’s still important to explore the different churches within that religion in your area to find one that feels comfortable. Fellowship is just as important a part of worshiping at a church as the tenants of the religion itself.
If you used to attend church and haven’t attended recently, all the more reason to explore the options available to you and see what else is out there. Try to leave your preconceptions at the door.
Many churches have no requirement for clothes, but it’s usually still a good idea to put on nice, clean clothes when you’re attending church for the first time. A three-piece suit or a formal gown isn’t necessary, but at least avoid flip-flops and cargo shorts.
If you’re going alone, try to find someone to sit with, or chat up your neighbor. At many churches, there’s even a brief period of greeting your neighbor built into the service, where everyone should shake hands or embrace their neighbors.
Don’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable, or that you feel you’re not ready for. At some Christian churches, for example, taking communion is a common part of some services, but shouldn’t be taken by unbaptized Christians, or visitors. It’s perfectly fine to attend these churches, however, and not take part in communion.
Listen closely to the sermon given, or the message in the service. Does it fit in with your own personal conceptions of this religion? Does it challenge your notion of the big questions, or does it validate it? Depending on what you’re looking for in a church, you might have a variety of different responses. [5] X Research source Don’t be afraid to give weight to the little things. Does the dress code fit in with your own personal style? Do the people seem friendly and nice, like the kind of people you want to know? Is the coffee good? Perfectly valid questions when considering churches.
Usually, you’ll want to get in touch with the pastor, minister, or preacher at the church you’re attending and express your interest in joining. You’ll likely be asked some questions and given a path toward joining.
If you’re not interested in in-depth study of religious texts, feel no pressure to attend. Attend the services you want and avoid the ones you don’t.
At some churches, it’s common to donate some money to the church each month, usually a certain percentage of your paycheck. It’s not about amount, it’s about giving a little portion of what you have to the church to keep it running smoothly and providing the service that you appreciate.
If you have a great experience at your church, it’s also sometimes a good idea to invite others you think might benefit from visiting your church. Spread the word.
