Finding a Local Church

I believe establishing a church home is one of the most important things you can do during college. While I am a huge advocate of campus ministries and was an active member of TCU’s Christian sorority HIS (He Is Sufficient) and the BSM (Baptist Student Ministry), organizations on campus are no substitute for church.

The church members you connect with are able to provide spiritual guidance, support, and encouragement that you may not find in a campus ministry where all the fellow members are your same age and in your same walk in life. In addition, the relationships you form will, in turn, provide accountability and challenges that help you grow.
Personally, I am extremely thankful for the relationship I formed with Mr. Paul Curtis, a senior adult at University Baptist Church, and all of his friends that I sat with week in and week out. I was able to draw on the life experiences that these Godly men and women shared with me, and I was given unconditional love while I was miles away from home at college. Because of these relationships, I had people with whom to share life and to keep me accountable. I wanted to be there every Sunday, because I knew these people would notice if I were not. The relationships I formed were lasting. I have been out of college a little over two years now, and Mr. Paul and I still keep in touch with each other on a regular basis. I know that my “adopted grandparents” and friends are still in Fort Worth thinking about me and praying for me.

When looking for a church, first pray that God will reveal to you the church he has for you. Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you and remember that the church your best friend has found may not be the church for you. Visit as many churches as possible in the beginning. When I attended TCU, the BSM had a Progressive Dinner in which we visited a different church for each course of our meal. In addition, a group of girls from HIS joined together and attended a different church each Sunday for service. Sometimes it is easier to make those initial visits in groups. Most importantly, look for a church that holds the Bible as its sole authority over all else.

Although it is beneficial to visit several churches in the beginning, beware of “church hopping,” or rotating churches each week, for an extended period of time. I know this is tempting, but by doing this, you never develop relationships or truly connect and get to know other believers. Once you have found a church, commit to it. Look for chances to be involved and to serve within that church. In fact, this is how I found UBC. After attending Howdy Lunch at UBC, I began receiving information about UBC from Kathy Raines, the College Minister. She sent an e-mail that Mrs. Melanie Tate needed help with childcare at the church. Prior to receiving that e-mail, I had felt a strong desire to be around children again. I was an assistant dance teacher every afternoon throughout high school, and since moving to college and living on campus, I felt as if I never got to interact with children. I e-mailed Mrs. Melanie and was serving in the church nursery within just a few weeks after moving to Fort Worth. I worked there through my senior year. What a blessing!

One thing to remember when finding a local church is that no church is perfect. It is important not to look for your home church replicated. Every church is unique and has uniquely gifted members. Your gifts can enrich others as you join together as a church body to spread the gospel of Christ.

Heather Bays, UBC & TCU Graduate, Class of 2009