After months of church-hopping, my fiancé and I finally found a church that feels like home. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it was worth every step. We wanted more than just a place to attend on Sundays—we wanted a community. A place where we could grow, learn, and build relationships with others who support and challenge us.

What We Looked for in a Church:

• An Engaging Pastor: We needed a pastor who could keep us spiritually fed and engaged without putting us to sleep during the sermon.

• Celebratory Worship: Worship should feel like a celebration, not a funeral. We wanted a worship team that brought joy and energy, helping us to lift our hearts to God.

• Life Groups: We searched for a church with life groups where we could be part of a supportive community that encourages growth and learning.

• Mission Work: While we may not always participate, we wanted to be part of a church that actively serves the community and the world.

• Convenient Location: Being a one-car family with my fiancé’s long commute to work, a church close to home was crucial.

Why This Journey Mattered:

Church and I have had an up-and-down relationship over the years. I’ve been to churches where the youth programs were vibrant, but the pastor didn’t resonate with me. I’ve felt judged for things like reading fantasy novels, not wearing a skirt, or for having friends in the LGBTQ+ community. These experiences made me question my faith, but my connection with God remained strong.

Breaking Free from Judgment:

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that I don’t want to be the kind of Christian who judges others or feels holier-than-thou. God is love, and it’s crucial to show love and compassion to others. As Carrie Underwood sings, “Jesus, take the wheel”—a reminder for me to let go of judgment and anxiety. This isn’t easy—I was raised in an environment where judgment and anxiety were the norm. But I’m committed to unlearning these habits because faith should be rooted in love and acceptance.

My Personal Journey to Get Closer to God:

• Listening to Worship Music: Music is my heart’s language, and it’s through worship that I feel most connected to God.

• Reading the Bible Daily: I’ve made it a habit to read the Bible every day, and it’s been transformative for my spiritual life.

• Attending Women’s Bible Study: I’ve joined a women’s Bible study group that has been incredibly supportive and enriching. (If you’re looking for a good study Bible, I highly recommend THIS one. We got THIS one for my fiancé too. HERE is the link to the bible tabs that I use on my bible.)

• Sitting in Silence and Talking with God: Sometimes, the most profound moments come from simply sitting in silence and talking with God, listening for His voice in the stillness.

Finding the right church wasn’t easy, but now my fiancé and I are excited to continue growing in our faith, surrounded by a community that feels like home.

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