Searching for a great Christian church in Canberra can often feel overwhelming, especially in a city like Canberra where there are many great choices. However, don’t worry!
Finding a place that feels like home can be both fulfilling and spiritually enriching. This guide aims to help you discover a great church community where you can thrive. First, before we start, remember, this is not about 'Church shopping', the Church is not a consumer product. It is not like choosing between Mcdonalds or Hungry Jacks. Finding a great Christian Church in Canberra is about connecting into a new spiritual community that encourages and spurs one another onto everything God wants for us. Church is family, and Jesus is the head. (Heb 10) These points are not rocket science but can we encourage you in the importance of this in your journey.
1. Seek Biblical focus
The first step in finding a solid church is ensuring that its teachings align with Scripture.
Reference: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Remember the point of the word is not knowledge in itself but that "the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work". It should be about changed lives that conform to Jesus.
A commitment to sound doctrine helps you grow in your faith and understand God's will for your life.
2. Community
Seek a community that embraces real community. Church should be more than a Sunday gathering; it fosters deeper relationships that serve the Lord.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) - “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Look for an opportunity to get connected into small group community. At Divergent Church, we call this style of community a "Life Community" or LifeCom for short.
3. Worship / Music approach
Now, don't hear this as a consumer response but rather a matter of fit. If one goes to a traditional Church than simply complains about the lack of modern songs it grates against what is reasonable. Find your groove, maybe it will be a bit out of your comfort zone but try to lean in and participate.
Psalm 95:1-2 (NIV) - “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”
Finding a worship style that resonates with you helps establish a deeper connection with God.
4. Pastoral Leadership
A church's leadership often shapes its mission and atmosphere. Touch base with the leadership. What is your understanding of leadership from a biblical point of view?
1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NIV) - “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…”
5. Mission is not secondary, it is central
Look for a church that prioritizes mission, both local and global. A vibrant church on some level, in some way should engage in serving the community and supporting global missions.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) - “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”
6. Are you the right fit for the community
If you have kids or plan to start a family, check if the church has emphasis that will allow you and your family to grow. Look around and see the leaders engagement with children, youth and young adults. Do they have children? Can you see yourself looking up to them in some way in this role?
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) - “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Divergent Church Canberra - a Christian Church in Canberra
If you're still on the lookout, consider visiting Divergent Church Canberra. Now it will come as no surprise that I am biased but we love Divergent Church, whether it is in Queanbeyan, in the South toward Tuggeranong, in the City or in the North. Drop in and say hi :) There are some other great Churches in the Canberra region, so if Divergent Church Canberra does not end up being the right fit, I am sure we can recommend some others.
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