How to Strengthen Your Relationship With God By Choosing the Right Church

Faith

Whether you've attended the same church your entire life, bounced from church to church with your parents, or never attended church at all, you're in for a big change when you start college. You've chosen a Christ-centered college, but now, it's time to choose a congregation capable of providing a spiritual home while you're away at college. This decision could very well shape your next four years -- and your long-term relationship with God -- so take your time and don't jump hastily into a new congregation. Keep the following factors in mind as you make this important decision:

Determine Your Needs

While every church's goal should be to honor God and build a stronger spiritual community, each church has a different means of arriving at that goal. Different Christians have different ideas of the ideal church, and that's perfectly okay. Some people prefer traditional sermons and hymns in an intimate setting, while others thrive when surrounded by hundreds of believers swaying to modern Christian music. Some are willing to go the non-denominational route, while others feel more comfortable with the denomination of their home church. Only you -- and God -- know what you need, so spend some time in prayer before drafting a list of your priorities.

Research Online and Through Word of Mouth

After you've determined your vision of the ideal church, research the options in your area. Nearly all churches have websites or social media pages these days, so it should be easy for you to get a sense of what each church on your list has to offer. Take a close look at each website and take detailed notes about how each church matches up to your list of ideals. Once you arrive on campus, feel free to chat with other students -- especially upperclassmen and graduate students -- about where they attend church and how they like it.

Think About Student-Friendliness

Some churches are better equipped to handle the unique needs of college students than others. While researching your top choices, look into options for students. Is your favorite church within walking distance of campus? If not, does it offer a carpool or shuttle? Are there specific Bible groups or religious associations for students or young people in general?

There is value in being surrounded by a diverse community with people from all walks of life, but you may be more comfortable in a church with programs specifically designed for college students. Some churches even match students with families, thereby allowing them to feel more connected to the established congregation.

Test Run

There's nothing wrong with testing out a couple of churches before you make a big commitment. If the idea of randomly showing up for service makes you nervous, convince your roommate or a classmate to join you for a church date. Don't be afraid to chat with the pastor and congregation members to get a true sense of what life at your new church might be like.

Ultimately, your church decision is between you and God. Do your research and visit multiple churches, but most importantly, dedicate some time to prayer -- and let God lead the way.

For more information on how Geneva College can help you pursue your spiritual, academic, and career goals, contact us at 855-979-5563 or admissions@geneva.edu.

https://www.christiancolleges.com/resources/how-to-find-a-church-in-college/

http://www.geneva.edu/pastors-churches/churches/

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Sep 30, 2016

Faith

FaithRelated Blog Posts

How Sweet Are Your Words: Geneva’s Cover to Cover Bible Reading Project

From February 19-26, the Bible was read cover to cover across campus. Students, faculty, and staff participated in reading aloud and listening to the word of God.

Slivers of Beauty: Purposeful Writing as a Christian

Students and faculty from Geneva College attended the annual Christian Writer's Conference in February 2025. Senior Sarabeth Schuck reflects on her experience at the Wendell-Berry themed event.

Unfathomable Interrelationship

God has created all human beings to be in relationship with Himself, each other, and with nature. Read what Pastor Rutledge Etheridge has to say about the beautiful and unfathomable interrelationship that God has designed for his created beings.

Uncover Your Callings: How Faithfulness to This Moment Leads to Clarity in Calling

What is calling and what does it look like to live out your callings? Read here to see what Krista Autrey has to say about the nature of callings!

Faithful Doubt: Habakkuk, a Review and Reflection

Faithful Doubt: Habakkuk, written by pastor Travis Scott, explores the short prophetic book of Habakkuk, in a practical and meaningful way through the lens of a doubter. Travis approaches the passage of scripture from an honest and humble perspective, recalling difficulties experienced as a husband, father, and pastor.

Through the Lens of Perspective

Our perspective of ourselves can impact the beauty and value we see there. This view can end up being very different from how God and others see us. When we look at ourselves, we tend to see all the qualities that we dislike. But we need to adjust our perspective and make sure we are using the lens of Christ.

The Rest of Peace

Handing our cares and worries over to God gives us peace which keeps us from falling into doubt, as stated in Philippians. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Justification by Grace Alone through Faith Alone

At Easter, a good question to ask is, "How are people saved?" This should be a question that Christians can easily answer, and indeed most can. However, sometimes Christians are less knowledgeable about the doctrine of justification and its important distinctions than perhaps they should be.

Just Mercy

When someone shows us mercy, they are not giving us the punishment that we deserve. Jesus models this action for us in multiple ways. The importance of the exhibition of mercy by Christians is displayed throughout the New Testament, and there are many ways for us to show mercy daily.

Best of 2020: The Responsibility of Stewardship

In a world that has been impacted by sin, there is always more that can be done to ensure a mindset of good stewardship and redemption. It starts with understanding that God intends to connect man’s physical existence with the environment from which he was brought forth and continues with educating people with sensible information.