Whether you are an incoming freshman or an upperclassman, it is never too late to get involved in a good church. You may not see a reason to venture outside of campus for a church or community, especially when attending a Christian university, because there are many chapels and worship nights to be involved with. But one thing you may not think about is what will happen after graduation. If you plan to stay in state, you'll need to have a whole new church to attend, or and you might even feel hesitant about fitting in with those who have been attending since the start of college. Let’s talk about the importance of branching outside of your college campus for church and why getting involved is crucial as a Christian in college.
Why Do You Need to Find a Church?
God calls us to meet together in community with other believers to be taught God’s Word for our spiritual growth. If we aren’t walking in faith with other Christians, we won’t grow in our faith as well as if we are doing it alone. We were never meant to go down the path God has for us alone.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another."
Going to church is not just some habit or tradition that has been done for centuries; there is a biblical reason behind it. Even in the early church, some were falling into the bad habit of not meeting with other believers. The author of Hebrews says this is not an act of obedience to God.
We need the encouragement that church attendance affords us. Reading your Bible will only get you so far if you don’t completely understand it. It is important to be learning more about what you are reading, and the best way for that to happen is by going to church and hearing an expert preach on the subject in a way that you will be able to understand.
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Church is a place where believers can love, encourage, serve, instruct, honor and show compassion to one another. When believers trust Jesus as their Savior, they are adopted into the church body (body of Christ). Because we are a part of Christ and the church when we believe, we must be active in our church, going further than just attending.
Our church helps to equip us for ministry and sharing the gospel, and in turn, we must serve our church. Whether it is in children’s classes, mission trips, giving, or another area, it is important for believers to step out in leadership in this way as part of the body.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace."
What College Students Often Find Difficult
Common reasons why college students never find a church to connect with include:
One of these reasons may sound familiar to you, and that’s because it has become common to only do what you want to do and not what will benefit you. We come up with excuses for a lot of things throughout our day that we know we have fallen short on.
Building community requires intentionality, which means rejecting these excuses and finding a church to become a part of. God often uses our discomfort to build our faith. We learn and grow by making mistakes or toughing out situations we normally wouldn’t put ourselves into. Walking into a new church can be very nerve-wracking, but God can give you the courage to brave through it, walking in and introducing yourself to someone you do not know.
Ask yourself what excuse feels the most familiar. How can you reject that thought and show up to church this week? It’s never too late to reframe your mindset and begin new habits. With the new year just begun, see how joining a church and building community with fellow believers can strengthen your walk with God.
Which Church Is the Right One?
You want to commit to a church this year, but how do you figure out which one is right for you? There are a lot of churches, especially around the Grand Canyon University campus. It’s easy to be misled and join a church that seems great in the moment, but the longer you are there, the more things you’ll find to contradict scripture.
Here are some key things to look for when trying out churches:
These are just a few of the key things to consider when visiting a church. But the most important way to discern if a church is right for you is to pray to God about it. Ask Him for guidance, and He will give it to you.
Taking the First Step
Showing up is an act of obedience to God. He commands us to attend church and gather with a community of believers. He never promises that it will be easy, but He does promise to be present. Take courage and strength from Him and make that first effort to find a church.
Each small step matters:
No church is going to be perfect, because humans are not perfect. Discomfort doesn’t always mean God is saying no; sometimes it’s an invitation to growth. But keep an eye out for things that make you uncomfortable when attending the service.
College shapes many of the habits you will have later in life. Finding a fulfilling church now can set you up for success later on. Even if you end up moving and need to find a new church, attending one now allows you to gain experience in what to look for in a church.
Ask God today to show you what church fits the aspects you are looking for. Gather the courage to step out of your comfort zone and try something new that will benefit your spiritual walk.
Grow your faith by joining a church outside of campus that can lead you to Christ.
