The prospect of attending church can be intimidating to many people who are not already established within a particular congregation or who are looking for a new church home. There are so many things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect church for you and your spiritual growth—denomination, size, worship style, preaching emphasis, available programs, and the list goes on. While everyone will have their own priorities when determining the churches in Detroit, MI which might be best for them, there are some things that you should look for in a church regardless of your personal preferences.
1. Look for signs of qualified leadership. Most aspects of any church are determined by its staff, so do your research and inquire about the training and mission of the church leaders before you become a member. Church staff members are called to be shepherds, so if you don’t feel guided or encouraged by their actions, you’re in the wrong place.
2. Ensure that the teachings of the church are faithful to God’s Word. It’s a good sign if the Bible is frequently used during worship services—this means that the Bible is probably the primary source of teaching, which is the way it should be at any church!
3. When attending services, ask yourself whether the emphasis is on the church itself or on the Lord. It can be easy for many churches to focus so much on their growth as an institution that they forget the true reason for worship.
4. Be on the lookout for church programs which demonstrate a heart for service and outreach. Churches with a focus on the surrounding community and less fortunate populations are following in the footsteps of Christ.
The most important thing to remember when you are visiting churches in Detroit, MI is that you must feel comfortable in the environment. Pray about your journey towards finding a church home and obey your instinct—God might be leading you.