Finding a Church as a Freshman

College is a land of options and pathways galore. Between the degrees to earn, friends to make, clubs to join, and the ministries to devote yourself to, there is almost an infinite number of lives you can choose to live for yourself here at the University of Maryland. When it comes to churches, it's no different! So, from someone who has gone through the process already, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

Find a church that preaches the Gospel

I know you may find yourself saying, “Well, duh!” But before you skim over to the next section, remember that this is arguably the most important thing for you to find in a healthy, God-honoring church. There is a reason Paul begins his letter to Galatia with “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-7). A good church is one that returns its sermons, service, fellowship, and missions to the truth and beauty of the Gospel, and it is paramount for your continued growth and faith. 

Know your fundamentals 

When you chose what school to attend, there were probably some things that were absolutely necessary. You would never choose a school that doesn't offer your major, and maybe you were only interested in schools that were in the DC area.

In some ways, choosing a church is very similar: you need to know what areas you are not willing to compromise. For me, I knew I had to attend a Gospel-preaching church that confessed the divinity of Jesus and the trinitarian nature of God. Other than these and a few other doctrinal issues, I refrained from making a laundry list of requirements for my idea of a “perfect” church. No such thing exists. 

Be open to something new

After you know your non-negotiables, I would encourage you to be flexible. More likely than not, you have only attended one or two churches for your entire life. If you're anything like me, you will have easy access to more types of churches within a few miles of campus than your entire hometown!

I grew up in a Southern Baptist church, and now I am a member at a Nondenominational one! I will admit, it took some getting used to, but the Lord has used it both for my good and His glory. 

Take some time (but not too much)

I did not stay at the first, second, or even third church I tried out in my freshman year. One church I attended a few times before I decided that it was not quite right for me. Shopping around and testing the waters of a church are both parts of a healthy search for a new church, and I am glad I allowed myself to experiment.

My biggest regret from my church search, however, was the length of my deliberation. I floated through my entire freshman year, going to churches as I pleased and not truly committing to any single one. To my freshman self, I would offer the following: if you haven’t chosen a church by the end of your first semester, what are you still waiting for? Do you need to adjust your expectations for what church will be like? Is there something else keeping you from staying in one place?

A good church matters - don’t wait to make it home.

Stay local

From personal experience, I would also advise against this approach. I believe Passion City Church in D.C. is a faithful congregation with wise and reliable leadership. However, after attending for a few weeks during my freshman year of college, a mentor helped me recognize the importance of community within the local church—particularly its reciprocal nature.

As a university student, I neither lived nor worked in D.C., and the people I met there were unlikely to become a regular part of my life in the way that fellow students and College Park residents could. When we commit to a local church, we open ourselves to the possibility of building relationships with people we can see multiple times a week—those who can mentor us, hold us accountable, and even grab lunch with us after Sunday service at a favorite local spot.

Finally, have a selfless spirit 

Church isn’t just about what you receive, but how you serve. Search for a local church that has opportunities for you to volunteer and contribute your gifts and interests to the Kingdom of God. Become a member, drive others to church, and help teach a children’s class. College is such a unique opportunity to make an impact in a community you only get to cherish for a few years. Make them count!

Settling into a new church community can be a little challenging, and is not a decision you want to make lightly. The next four years of your faith and spiritual walk (or in my case, even more) will be impacted one way or another by the church you choose, and it is important to get it right!