Searching For A New Church Home? Here Are 6 Things To Consider
You've visited twenty different churches but none seem to fit. Some Sundays, you're excited to get up, get dressed and go search. Other times, you'd rather pledge membership to Bedside Baptist and call it a day. But there is a tug at your spirit. Your desire for faith community is growing by the day and YouTube sermons are starting to feel supplementary at best. You want to experience God corporately in a way that not only transforms your life but others' lives through you.
I'll say this: Finding the right church home is an important search and it takes time, trial and error, and a discerning heart to find a community that speaks to you. A faith space in which you can grow, serve, and thrive.
When I moved to the DMV last year, I knew---after three years of avoiding it---that I needed a church home. I could no longer opt out based upon previous experiences. Something was tugging at my soul to find a safe faith space in which to heal, grow, and stir up the spiritual gifts inside.
I needed to get to God and I couldn't get to Him alone.
A Facebook friend invited me to her church after I'd tried a few others that weren't quite right. Even I was shocked when it only took two visits to know it was the one for me. But I have some non-negotiables just as I do with relationships (a whole other article) that prepared me for the search. So, knowing what was right was just as simple as knowing what would not work for me.
I hope this list helps you to refine your search and get a little closer to finding a faith community that speaks to you in the new year (or maybe even sooner!):
1.Clarity Of Beliefs
Are the church mission and principles clear? This should be one of the first things you consult to understand if how the church operates aligns with your values and speaks to your spirit. There should be a mission statement or statement of belief on their website, church bulletin board, or weekly programs, and it should be evident in their church culture. If access to this information is limited or nonexistent, it could be a sign of disorder and disarray - neither of which is a firm spiritual foundation.
2.Integrity Of Leadership
Does the teaching align with accurate interpretation of Scripture? If the pastor never consults the Textbook, there are no guardrails to keep him or her from preaching and teaching their own ideas, thoughts, and opinions instead of God's inspired word. This is dangerous. Vet your church leadership - their temperament, leadership style, and if how they lead/teach enables or stifles spiritual growth. Look for preaching and teaching replete with scriptural reference. This shows the leader's good stewardship of their office and helps in your own personal understanding, study, and devotion.
3.Freedom
Do the church members exercise their agency to be themselves? To grow at the pace of their walk with God? To hone their unique gifts and use their talents? Churches are not compounds of groupthink. If God was creative enough to FORM each of us individually, we do ourselves and the rest of the world a disservice to voluntarily put ourselves on an assembly line. A church that encourages individuality, creativity, and exploration of gifts and callings is a church seeking to operate effectively.
4.A Culture Of Service
Are there opportunities to grow in one's ministry of serving others? Does the church have (or is it open to beginning) a ministry for members who need assistance? The first church was committed (as directed by Jesus) to caring for one another and their greater community. Where selflessness is absent, selfishness, jealousy, and infighting are rampant. Show me a church culture with a flourishing service ministry and I'll show you a church where selfishness won't win, even if it does rear its ugly head from time to time.
5.Welcoming Spirit
Are members and leaders welcoming you into the space? Do they smile and seem happy to be present? It seems like a no-brainer but it's worth stating that if the church members or leaders don't speak to you and you're unsure of where to go or what to do it may not be someplace you'll want to put down roots.
6.Growth
Is the church growing? Are members excited to tell others about their church? Does the community have good things to say? If the church was founded in 1999 and there are only 20 members in 2018, that's a red flag. People should be on assignment, creating, learning, growing, exercising their gifts. This naturally leads to growth. A church whose members only come to a service and go home is a sign of a church that is either dead or dying. It doesn't have to be a mega church but there should be growth. There should be movement. There should be at least locally widespread good news about that faith space's presence in the community.
The search is a sacred, intimate one. If you don't feel led to join a particular church, don't let anyone talk you into it. Wait for your heart and mind to agree. When you're sure, don't let anyone talk you out of it. The journey of evolution that awaits on the other side is a beautiful one.
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Featured image by Getty Images
Originally published on December 16, 2018
- How to Find a Church: 7 Things to Look for - FaithGateway ›
- How to Find Your New Church Home After a Move | Bekins ›
- When Is It Time to Find a New Church? - RELEVANT Magazine ›
- Looking for the 'Right' Church? | Focus on the Family ›
- 5 Tips for Finding a New Church - RELEVANT Magazine ›
- How Do I Find the Right Church? | Focus on the Family ›
- How to Find a Church That's a Good Fit for You ›
- What should I look for when choosing a new church home? ›
Ashley is a storybuilder and storyteller who writes and produces to inform, connect, encourage and evoke. Vibe with her on Twitter/Instagram: @ashleylatruly.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line CÉCRED & Here's My Honest Review
Beyoncé is snatching our wallets yet again with her latest business venture CÉCRED. In 2023, the Texas native hinted at a potential haircare line when she posted this photo causing fans to speculate that her next project would be focused on her famous tresses - they were right. Her haircare line Cécred launched on February 20 with her first drop called The Foundation Collection which focuses on haircare first, and I can only assume that a style product line for colored-treated hair will likely follow since Beyoncé is known for slaying various shades of blonde.
As a super fan since the early 2000s, it was only right that I give an honest review of the full line and purchase the Super Fan Bundle (retailed at $265) which includes the full product line of the 8 products, as well as a branded cosmetic bag. If you’re thinking, “Girl that bundle is too pricey for me,” I can assure you that for the value you're getting, the price is quite reasonable. This bundle was an intentional and marketable way to allow consumers to experience every Cécred product.
The brand messaging surrounding Cécred has been salon-inspired, and rightfully so as an ode to Beyoncé’s upbringing growing up in her mother’s hair salon in Houston. This line is backed by science and licensed cosmetologists showing that she’s done her research and appointed the experts. Cécred's IG feed has been filled with images and videos inside of hair salons including some videos of Ms. Tina herself assisting in the styling of beauty experts who visited Cécred's private salon to have the VIP treatment!
Now, have I seen influencers, consumers, and beauty stylists using the Foundation Collection at home? Yes, but I thought it was best to experience Cécred with my go-to cosmetologist who also happens to be my Auntie Tawana. She has been my educator and go-to for hair knowledge since I was a child and has had a hand in my mom's hair health which has always been goals for me. As a little girl, my Saturdays were spent sitting in her hair salon while my mama got her hair done as I patiently waited reading Jet and ESSENCE, ever so carefully eavesdropping on the conversations of the ladies who were coming for much more than just a beauty routine, but an experience.
I’d fall asleep on the plush couch in the waiting area flipping through magazines while listening to the sultry sounds of Maxwell. And I had my first lesson in breakup empowerment when I heard Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard It All Before.” So there was no other place for me to go than to see her, and because I’m her niece, I was able to visit her private salon in her home that she calls The After Hours where upon arrival I was greeted with my favorite Black-owned sparkling Rosé, candles lit, and my aunt’s breakdown of Cécred.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
But let me refocus and share my salon experience as I tried Cécred for the first time.
If You’re Wondering…Who is Cécred For?
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
When news of Beyoncé potentially launching a beauty brand hit the internet, there were a bunch of predictions of what and who the line would be marketed towards and if she’d have any wig care products as she’s known for slaying her units! But she went in a totally different direction which I love, and I’m going to tell you why. Critics have questioned if Beyoncé should be venturing into the haircare industry because she is often seen in weaves and wigs, but true Beyoncé fans know that she has healthy hair and that, like many Black women, experiments with various styles.
Cécred was created for all hair types and textures, including straight to coily, virgin, color-treated, chemically processed, and heat-styled. As a Black woman who has worn wigs, had chemically processed hair, heat-styled, natural, and color-treated hair, let me tell you, this was no easy feat! The amount of money I’ve spent on my hair through its various changes just on product alone, forget styling has been astronomical.
Cécred is serving the needs of various hair types in textures and I truly believe that this is going to make Beyoncé a true competitor in the hair industry amongst brands that are comparable such as OUAI and Olaplex. Both competitor brands have similar items at a higher price point and unlike Cécred, their products and brand messaging haven’t always felt inclusive to Black women and other hair types.
Cécred has been tested inclusively and the reviews from various hair types and backgrounds of consumers are allowing the brand to stand out.
I Tried Beyoncé's Haircare Line Cécred: My Honest Review
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
My hair has never felt cleaner and it shined for well over a week following the styling (but the oil should be used sparingly if like me, oil can weigh down your hair.) Immediately when my hair touched the sink, my aunt told me that she saw all the dirt and oils lifting from my hair when she applied the clarifying shampoo. As a girl who loves my curls, I am often judgy when I use any other shampoo and conditioner aside from Pattern, but not this time.
When my aunt guided my hands across my hair, she showed me how my curls weren’t tangled, and how she didn’t need to comb out my curls before applying the moisturizing deep conditioner or the deconstructing treatment mask.
Yasmine Jameelah/xoNecole
She applied each step with care and walked me through the process, and to my surprise, the hair mask wasn’t thick - but through trial and error as a natural girl, I’ve learned that a thick mask doesn’t always equal what’s best for your hair. She styled me with a silk press that left my hair with shine and I can honestly say that each step of the line is needed especially if you are someone who changes up your hair and deals with breakage. If your hair is healthy, you can opt out of the reconstructing treatment mask but I recommend taking the product line to your salon, having a discussion with your stylist on where your hair health needs improvement, and then purchasing based on that.
We know ourselves better than anyone else, but your stylist knows your hair better than you do. I like to lead with their knowledge first and then incorporate what my hair goals are. If you’re a girly who’s committed to hair health and has either the discipline to incorporate each step at home or can bring your products to the salon, Cécred is for you no matter if you’re a silk press or a wash-and-go naturalist.
Give Cécred a try, I’ll be using the line for my hair appointments until it runs out and if I see long-term results, it will be added to the beauty regimen indefinitely.
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Featured image courtesy of CÉCRED