Joining a church community can be a big step in a person's life. Whether you want to return to church or are just starting out, knowing how to worship in a particular church and what to do will make it easier for you to do so. If you want to know more about what you can gain from ecclesiastical life, learn how to choose a church that fits your beliefs, join in worship, and consider whether to join.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Church as a Place of Worship
Step 1. Find the closest church to your home
Choosing a church can be done in various ways, depending on your religious background and the church in your neighborhood, but more importantly, find a church that is close and comfortable so you feel like you're already part of the community. Many people choose a church based on their beliefs, but there are also those who want to dig deeper into what is in this place. You don't have to go far to attend church.
- Start looking for information. If you are episcopal, look for information about the episcopal churches in your area and attend services in several churches so you can choose the one that best fits your beliefs.
- If you haven't embraced a certain belief since childhood and want to learn more about the various options, start looking for information about the existing church and the religion in your community and then join a few worship services. Read a variety of literature to find out if there is a match between a particular religion and your beliefs. After that, make sure again by following worship as a visitor.
Step 2. Find information beforehand about what you should do
If your home is near an apostolic church, try worshiping here. However, the apostolic church and the Christian church apply very different ways of worshiping. On the other hand, this way of worshiping in church may very well suit your beliefs and needs in living a spiritual life. Read the literature on certain religious beliefs and customs before worshiping in order to choose the most appropriate church community.
You don't have to be a clergyman to attend church. Many churchgoers were very happy to welcome well-wishers and visitors. The church should be a place for learning experiences. Do not limit yourself in worship because you ignore a certain religion. Open your mind and your heart
Step 3. Don't be afraid to get to know the small church community in your neighborhood
In big cities and suburbs, there are more and more churches with very large communities and huge parking lots. Although this is quite interesting for the congregation because it will be easier for them to worship, it will be difficult to get to know each other if worshiping in a sports arena. Try starting to worship in a small church so that you can find out its advantages.
Try both. If you are a member of a small church community with damaged organs, try to find out if it is more appropriate for you to worship in a larger church that is in better condition. You will also get to know more of the humble and humble members of the small church
Step 4. Try praying several times before deciding
Even if you already have preferences and a desire to join a particular church community, look up information about each option so you can learn more. Perhaps a better option will emerge, one that feels right and comfortable to you.
Once you've determined that you're a Christian, Muslim, or Sufi, try searching for information about the different churches in your neighborhood to choose the one you're most comfortable with. Familiarity is as important an aspect as being a congregation when praying in church
Part 2 of 3: Following the First Worship
Step 1. Come to church with an open mind
Everyone has a different understanding of the term “going to church”. Forget the judgment of an old woman from when you were a child or the scary spell cast by a strangely dressed man in front of the room. If you've never been to church, try listening from the entrance first with an open mind and curiosity.
If you're used to going to church and haven't been to church lately, there are many more reasons you can use to find out more, but first put aside any prejudice
Step 2. Dress appropriately
Usually you are asked to wear appropriate clothing when worshiping in any church. Certain churches apply a more lenient dress code, while others demand a more formal dress. If you want to know the dress code in a particular church, ask about it over the phone or choose the safe way of wearing appropriate clothing.
Many churches don't have a dress code, but it's usually a good idea to dress appropriately for your first service. Wear after a shirt with trousers/bottom skirt or a modest and neat dress. Never wear flip-flops and shorts to church
Step 3. Invite a friend
Coming to church alone can be overwhelming. If you prefer company, bring along people who can provide support. Make this a little easier by bringing some friends who are used to church to guide you. In addition, you can go with friends or family members who have never attended worship. Form groups to discuss this afterwards.
Step 4. Try talking to other members of the congregation
People in many churches will usually be very happy to welcome you and want to talk to you. Don't try to make good friends on the first day, but try to meet some congregations and ask questions about the church and get to know the community better. Just ask if there's anything you want to know.
If you're coming alone, try to find a friend sitting next to you or greeting the person next to you. Some churches even provide brief opportunities to greet those around them during worship so that everyone can shake hands or hug each other
Step 5. Watch and try to follow what other people are doing
Each church has a different way of worshiping. Congregants may sing, take turns reading, praying in groups, or kneeling. Worship can take place lively and joyfully or in silence. It's hard to know what's going to happen before you come in person, but don't worry too much that everything has to be perfect. Others will guide you during worship.
Don't do anything that feels uncomfortable or if you're not ready. For example, in some Christian churches, communion is a common practice in worship, but is not to be received by persons who have not been baptized into the Christian faith or by visitors. Everyone may attend church services, but not everyone may receive Communion
Step 6. Observe how you feel when you worship
Do you feel comfortable in this church? Do you feel welcome? Would you like to come back to this place to pray? If so, you may consider joining this church. If not, don't despair. Maybe this church is not right for you, not the religion. Keep looking.
- Listen carefully to the sermon or message conveyed in worship. Does the content match your understanding of this religion? Does the content contradict or agree with your views? There may be different responses, depending on what you are looking for from the church.
- Don't be afraid to emphasize the little things. Does this church dress code suit your style? Are the people here as friendly and pleasant as you'd expect? Is the coffee treat good? Ask convincing questions as you consider church selection.
Part 3 of 3: Taking the Next Step
Step 1. Talk to someone about wanting to join a church community
If you enjoy attending services at a particular church, come in as a visitor a few times and then consider joining. Depending on your religion and the church itself, there are several things you will need to do, such as officially convert. However, each church has a different procedure.
Usually, you'll need to get to know the pastor, pastor, or preacher of your chosen church and express your desire to join. You will be asked a few questions and told the procedure
Step 2. Don't be afraid to ask questions
If an experience has left you confused or frustrated while worshiping, try raising your concerns and asking church staff privately. The church is a social organization, not just a group for fun. Maybe you're looking for answers to the big questions about life and existence, so don't be afraid to ask those questions.
Step 3. Consider the possibility of learning more about worship or taking another course
Many churches offer courses or small group activities that you can join as many as you want. This meeting is usually held before or after worship, but can also be held on other days. If you're not sure, try talking to church staff and find out what courses you can take.
If you are not interested in studying the scriptures, don't push yourself. Come to worship as you wish and avoid activities you don't like
Step 4. Volunteer
The church needs volunteers like you. Distributing flyers, collecting donations, leading youth groups are tasks that require volunteers. You can even volunteer by helping arrange vehicles in the parking lot or greeting the congregation at the church entrance. If you feel called, volunteer to do other tasks after joining the congregation so that you can contribute.
In some churches, it is customary to donate a certain amount of money to the church every month/week according to willingness or based on a certain percentage of salary. It's not about the amount, it's about giving a small part of what you have so that church activities can run smoothly and hold the worship you appreciate
Step 5. Think about the possibility of joining a church mission or traveling to a specific location
Many churches prioritize spreading the word and serving in public places. This is done by traveling according to the church's mission or attending regional conferences to meet with various congregations of the faithful in a particular place. If you attend worship in a very small church, this is a great opportunity to meet like-minded believers. Through this activity, you can meet people from various faraway locations.
