I encourage you to pray that the Holy Spirit guides you in your search for the right church. Finding a church that feels like home begins with discovering a community where you can belong, grow, and be known. As you visit different churches, there are a few key traits for a church that feels like home. 

Pay attention to where you sense genuine warmth — like when people notice and welcome you in meaningful ways. Ask yourself, “Do I sense the presence of God here?” and “Do I feel welcomed and seen?”

Pay attention to the heart of the church’s worship and teaching: Do the messages help me draw closer to Jesus, and is Scripture at the center? Also ask “Can I imagine building real relationships in this community?” Church is more than a service — it’s a spiritual family.

It’s also important to learn about the church’s doctrinal stance. Ask “Does this church’s teaching align with what I believe the Bible says?” and “Is this a place where I can grow in both truth and love?”

God cares about this journey of finding a church home. “God sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6a, NIV). God wants you to be in a church community where you can be known, loved, and serve. As you search, keep praying, “Lord, lead me to the right community where I can grow and give.”

Lt. Col. Pamilla Brackenbury, Alexandria, VA

What does waiting on God actually look like? How can I be patient and trust in the Lord’s timing?

This is a great question and, truthfully, one that doesn’t come easily to me. I would guess I’m not alone in that boat. 

Waiting can be hard. Culture has conditioned us to want immediate results, but that’s just not how life actually works, and that’s especially true in our relationship with the Lord. He doesn’t operate on our timeline — and we should be thankful for that! Waiting doesn’t mean that we sit back and do absolutely nothing until the answer appears. While we wait on God’s response, we should be praying, continually seeking His guidance. We can also continue to act in obedience to what He’s already asked us to do. Waiting patiently means that we don’t rush ahead nor do things in our own wisdom and strength. Instead, we continue to move where He leads, trusting that He will reveal answers we need (not always what we want!) when the timing is right. 

The Bible has a lot to say about waiting on the Lord and is often accompanied by commands to have courage (Joshua 1:9), to be expectant (Psalm 27:14), and to trust that God will answer (Psalm 37:4), because He promises to respond to those who seek Him.

Major Jamie Satterlee, Atlanta, GA