How to Choose a Church - What to Look for Beyond the Lights and Lyrics

Let’s be honest, this topic can open a can of worms. Some may feel skeptical or even defensive. Why? Because choosing a church is deeply personal. It touches on theology, background, preferences, traditions and for many, past hurt.

There are a lot of factors to consider when looking for a church. Just acknowledging that can send our minds in different directions. But after years of conversations with believers and nonbelievers alike, I’ve noticed that some patterns and assumptions deserve a closer look. Here are two I believe are common ones.

1. The Worship Experience

Many people begin their search for a church by asking how does the worship feel? They evaluate the style of music, the volume, the energy, and how easily they can "connect" emotionally in the moment. But there’s danger here. We need to ask: What is the focus of the songs? What are the lyrics teaching us about God? Are we singing to glorify God or to stir a feeling within ourselves?

Songs that are rooted in biblical truth will stir the heart because they exalt Christ not because they manipulate emotions. When emotional connection becomes the goal instead of a byproduct of truth, we begin to build our faith on sand instead of Scripture.

2. The Personality of the Preacher

In some church circles I’ve been part of, people often look for off-the-cuff, energetic, spontaneous preachers. They may be passionate, but too often their sermons are unclear or disconnected from Scripture. Yet people are told to “take the good and leave the bad” as if the Holy Spirit works through confusion.

Let’s be clear, if the theology is bad, the message is dangerous.

God does not speak through distorted doctrine. A preacher may be likable or charismatic, but if they present a false view of God, they’re not helping you grow, they're leading you astray.

The measure of good preaching is not style; it’s faithfulness to God’s Word.

Real Issues, Real Discernment

Now, maybe these examples sound extreme but I can assure you they’re real. I’ve seen them firsthand. The deeper issue is this: many believers today don’t know how to discern what’s biblical and what’s just preference or opinion. That’s not criticism; it’s a call to grow in discernment. And here’s an important distinction:

It’s understandable that someone who doesn’t yet know Christ may initially approach church like a consumer looking for an experience, a feeling, or an atmosphere that feels good. We pray that those first steps would lead them toward the truth of the gospel.

But for those of us who claim to follow Jesus, our approach must be different. We are not consumers, we are disciples. We’re not seeking a service that entertains us, but a community that forms us into the image of Christ. That’s why churches built entirely around experience-driven environments may feel more comfortable at first especially for non-believers. But comfort and truth are not always the same. For the follower of Christ, the goal is not emotional satisfaction but spiritual transformation. This is why discernment matters so much when choosing a church.

Guidelines for Choosing a Church

1. Start with the Statement of Faith

Before anything else, ask: What does this church believe? Does it align with Scripture? Can I joyfully submit to its teaching?

2. Pay Attention to What’s Being Communicated

Not just in the sermons, but in the songs, values, and culture. Does everything point you to Jesus? Or is the focus more on the experience or on us?

3. Don’t Rush In

Spend at least a month listening to the preaching, attending a class or Bible study, and observing how the church functions. You’re not just joining a service; you’re joining a body.

4. Ask Questions

Reach out to a pastor or leader. Ask about their doctrine, how decisions are made, how they handle Scripture. Healthy churches welcome honest inquiry.

5. Pray for Discernment

You’re not just choosing a church, you’re seeking where God wants you to be formed, discipled, and sent out. Ask Him to guide your steps.

A Word of Encouragement

Here in Lake County, Florida, we are blessed with many faithful churches. Some may have programs, others don’t. Some may have different preaching styles or worship formats. But before you let personal preference guide your decision, take time to discern the spiritual health and theological foundation of the church.

As the book What Is a Healthy Church? by 9Marks puts it, “Don’t look for the church that will make you feel comfortable. Look for the church that will make you faithful.”

If you're in a season of searching, let me encourage you, God cares more about where you grow than where you’re entertained. Find a church that opens the Word, exalts Christ, and welcomes people into genuine gospel community.

And once you find that place, commit, serve, and grow.