When my family moved from Maryland to Tennessee in late 2020, they started looking for a new church—and I often tagged along. I was finishing up my senior year of college (which was pretty close to our new home), so I came home on many weekends and tried new churches with my family. It took us about six months to settle on a home church.
In the midst of our six-month church search, I had a few specific criteria, one of which was that the church couldn’t have a choir. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with choirs, but the church I attended growing up and the church I attended during college didn’t have a choir; they had small worship teams. I simply wasn’t used to choir-led worship, and it wasn’t my favorite worship style. But now—almost three years after I initially established that “no choir” rule—I play keyboard alongside our church choir every other Sunday morning. Who would’ve thought?
As I recently wrote in an open letter to single girls regarding the “church search,” there are factors that do matter and factors that don’t matter. Things like worship style, preaching style, sermon topics, seating or décor arrangements, and service times can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time. But the three things that shouldn’t fluctuate—and should be the key factors in your search for a new church—are included below:
1. Clear Preaching of the Gospel
I once attended a church service (if you can call it that) where we essentially watched clips from a secular movie and a pastor on a screen added some unsubstantial comments between clips. That was the “sermon” for the morning. It was the most interesting “sermon” I’d ever heard—the type I’d honestly never want to hear again.
For about 30-45 minutes every week, the pastor has the opportunity to clearly present the following message: Christ came to the world to save sinners, and He offers the free gift of salvation to you. If that message doesn’t come across plainly, both non-Christians and Christians will walk out the door feeling spiritually hungry.
Why clear preaching of the gospel matters: In a world that can’t offer anything genuinely fulfilling, the church must clearly point to the true Fulfiller and the true fulfillment He offers.
2. Regular Preaching of the Gospel
I realize not every sermon you hear at church will focus on a passage from the gospels (i.e., Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). But God’s Word doesn’t just include the gospels; it includes the Law, narratives, poetry, letters, and more. Every book in the Bible ultimately points to the gospel.
Whether the pastor preaches from Genesis, Revelation, or a book in between, the gospel should always be preached and always be offered to those who desire to partake of it.
Why regular preaching of the gospel matters: In a world that presents countless messages (many of which contradict each other), the church must continually present a single message: the message of Christ’s death and resurrection.
3. Firm Preaching of the Gospel
The church you choose should never shy away from biblical truths, even when they make you or others in the congregation feel uncomfortable. My pastor recently said something in his sermon that isn’t popular or likeable but is biblically true. I was pleased he brought up about the issue, even though he may have received some unkind comments about it afterward.
When God’s Word is preached without compromise, the people who hear it will be convicted. As the pastor remains faithful to proclaiming God’s Word, the Holy Spirit works in those who hear his words and convicts them of sin.
Why firm preaching of the gospel matters: In a world that frequently changes its priorities so quickly, the church cannot waver or compromise on what the gospel says.
Closing Thoughts
I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. (Colossians 1:24-29 NLT)
What stood out to me when I started attending my (now) home church was the young adults who didn’t exclude me. They were living out the gospel that was being preached (1) clearly (2) regularly and (3) firmly from the pulpit. They invited me into their group, just as Jesus invites us into His kingdom.
And even though we still have a choir, I don’t mind it anymore. In fact, I’m pleased to be on stage next to the choir members.
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