Let’s be real: university life means independence and freedom, but it also brings new experiences and challenges that are impossible to face alone. The friendship and guidance found in a safe church community can make all the difference.
People start their journey to finding a church in different places. Some are looking for friends or a friend takes them along. Some are seeking answers to their questions. Others still are seeking churches to help them grow in specific areas of struggle.
CU Staff Worker Rosie said, 'At one time in my life I was wrestling with doubt. I wanted space to figure it out without any pressure. I chose a church where I could hide at the back, and no one would know who I was.'
Everyone will have a different starting place for finding a church but many then discover, like Rosie did, that church can be a place where you can be known and loved.
The local church is the place where you can find lifelong community and growth in your walk with Jesus. In fact, we think it's so important that it's one of UCCF's core values. Personal spiritual growth is a community project.
The Christian Union at your university can help you find a church. They might even be running a ‘Church Search’, a great way to make friends with others in the same situation. One of the best ways is simply meeting people at CU, asking which church they’re a part of, and seeing if you can go with them. Some churches have welcome events and others might invite you for lunch. Make the most of these chances to meet people.
Maybe you've never been to church before, which makes this an exciting first step! Or you might have a list of things that are important to you in a church and other things which are just preferences. Either way:
No local church is perfect (and neither are we). Be willing to be open to things that are different to what you’re used to.
It may not be wise to visit every church, so choose a few churches to visit for the first few Sundays. While you are visiting, be considering if it's one you could settle into.
Each week at a church is different. It’s impossible to know everything about a church on your first visit. When you have a hunch about a church you’d like to join, visit them a few more times to get a more rounded view, and then if you're still keen to join, make a decision.
A friend I met at university in CU told me she asked three questions when she was looking for a church, the 'Three Bs'. They don’t cover everything, but they’re a start. I still recommend this to students I work with:
It’s essential to know that a church believes the Bible, teaches it, and seeks to follow it. Be open to how churches might express that differently, but aim for somewhere that loves the truth of the Bible and aims to live it out.
Can you see yourself making friends, being cared for, and being a part of this community? Can you see yourself meeting people who you might not otherwise get a chance to know? Can you see yourself getting involved on a team helping with different parts of church life?
The reasons for your 'yes' or 'no' to this might differ depending on your friends. Would they feel welcomed, awkward, or alienated? Would they hear enough about Jesus to understand more of the gospel?
As well as these three Bs look for a church that will care for your soul. Which means finding a church which will help you grow in faith, hope and love as you follow Jesus.
If you’ve been a part of a church before moving to university and can think of someone whose advice you appreciate, then maybe drop them a message and ask their opinion.
The Christian Union at your university is a diverse group of people from different churches uniting to help each other introduce students to Jesus. That’s incredible!
We’ve got a whole paper on what makes CU different to a church. Among other reasons, in church you can get to know someone three times your age, you can help teach younger generations, you can connect with families who might feed you meals, you can get out of the student bubble, and you can get involved with your church’s service to the community outside university. The local church is the place you can call home which you don’t have to leave at graduation.
When you graduate, you can still support the CU from a distance, but your church will be your primary place of ministry and discipleship. The habits you set now as part of a church will serve you for the rest of your life, no matter where you end up.
This blog was written by CU Staff Workers Fearghal Kelly and Rosie O'Donnell.
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