Daily Devotional

Now let me be clear, if you’re attending Campus Bible Church, you’ve already chosen the right church, so quit looking. *grin!* But what I’m thinking about is college students who are going to out-of-town colleges and universities this fall.

When you get to college you will find that there are many on-campus Christian groups that meet regularly. And I highly recommend you get involved in one of these groups to find fellowship with classmates, especially groups that are intentional about reaching your classmates for Christ.

But as important as these on-campus Christian groups are, they can never take the place of church attendance.

The writer of Hebrews says, “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Heb.10:25)

Committed followers of Jesus Christ don’t get out of the habit of meeting together with other Christians in church, even while they’re away at college. We need to be encouraged in our walk with Christ, and we need to encourage others as we look forward to the Day of Christ’s return.

And while you may have been very involved in the many connecting and serving opportunities here at Campus, you will have to be intentional about finding that when you go away to college.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right church…

1. Is the preaching biblical, engaging, and relevant for me?
The preaching is the ‘front door’ of any church. You need to find a church where the preaching resonates with you because you are going to want to attend each week. And because preaching is the first step toward spiritual growth, you have to find a church where the preaching doesn’t bore you to tears, otherwise, you won’t grow spiritually.

Find a preacher whose messages help you apply the Bible to your everyday life.

2. Does the music help me connect with God in worship?
It doesn’t matter if it's hymns or contemporary Christian music, the lyrics of the songs need to declare the glory of God and help you feel close to Him.

If you are struggling to connect to God through the music you need to ask yourself why. It could be that it’s too loud or not loud enough, or you don’t like the style, or the worship leaders are distracting, or there’s not enough energy. Or maybe you need to consider your own heart. Are you prepared for worship?

The music should be done with excellence. And it should help you declare the greatness of God, claim His promises, and express thanks for all He has done for you.

3. Do I feel welcome and see the possibility of building relationships?
I have seen people arrive for the church service five minutes after it starts, and be the first one out the door after the final ‘Amen’. Then they complain that they don’t feel welcome and no one talks to them.

To see the possibility of building relationships, you have to linger after services and initiate with people. You have to be willing to put yourself out there. It’s hard, but I guarantee there are others who are feeling the same way, hoping someone will talk to them. You start it and see where it goes.

On your first Sunday, watch the people. Does anyone interact with people outside of their immediate social circle? Does anyone initiate with you, offering a warm smile and handshake? Does anyone take the conversation beyond ‘small talk’?

4. Are the services and small group times workable for your schedule?
Most Churches have services on Sunday mornings. And let’s face it, college students don’t get along very well with ‘mornings’. So some churches have started offering evening services on Saturday, Sunday, or even midweek. Find a service that works well, and attend it each week.

Find out when the small group Bible studies meet. If you can fit it into your schedule, join one. Get to know others, and be known by others. This will give you someone to say “Hi” to on Sunday mornings, plus it will make a huge impact on your spiritual growth.

5. Is there a group of people who are going through a similar stage of life as me?
Most church services are made up of people of all ages and stages of life, and being part of an intergenerational group is important for all of us.  

But you need to ask if this church has a group that you identify with. Is there a college or careers group? Or ask yourself what would help you most right now. Do you simply need Bible study, or are you working through a difficult stage of life like grief, divorce, addictions, etc? Find out if the church offers something to address your needs right now.

6. Can I find a place to volunteer using my talents and other areas of interest?
The healthiest churches have a strong core of volunteers. It’s important for all of us to feel like we are making a difference for Christ in our church.

So what opportunities are available for you to volunteer? Maybe hospitality, music, children and youth, set-up, and tear-down, etc. Think about what you’re good at and how you can use that talent to serve the Lord in this church.

So when you get to college, ask some of your Christian classmates where they go to church. Go check out their church and ask yourself whether you’re able to relate to the preaching, connect with the music, and get to know others. If you are able to do all these things, then start attending each week, because that’s what committed followers of Christ do.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation