The most important thing I can tell you is that God wants us to grow spiritually–and one of the most important ways we do this is through our fellowship with other believers. This is why the Bible says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25).

This is why I urge you to pray about this, asking God to lead you to the right church–one where you’ll not only feel comfortable, but where you and your family can grow closer to Christ. How does that happen? It happens first of all through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, the Bible–not only from the pulpit (although that’s very important) but also in smaller Bible studies and other groups. It happens also as you take advantage of opportunities to serve God in some way–not simply being spectators in a church, but participating in its programs.

Admittedly, no church is perfect–but don’t spend your first weeks in a new church trying to figure out what’s wrong with it! Instead, ask God to show you how you can help support and strengthen it. Pray for its pastor and its leaders, and ask God to help you love your brothers and sisters in Christ. When we truly love Christ, we also will love His people.