Picking out a new church can feel like such an ordeal! After all, deciding on a faith community to put time, energy, and precious spiritual investment in is an important decision. Many families will embark on a process affectionately known as “church shopping” to find a community where they feel welcome and as thought they can become a part of the community. This process is one that people looking for churches will laugh about, but it is a serious process and one that should be approached thoughtfully and carefully. As you are making this important decision, one of the smartest things you can do is to find a church after which you would like to model your search, whether you like in the area that they are in or not. One church that really sets the bar for church communities is Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades. They know that living in community with each other looks like and they make an effort to help you live in community and with God with them. They have so many different opportunities to be involved in their community and would be thrilled to make your family a part of it too! If you live in the area, this Santa Monica Church is one church you simply must be a part of! Here are a few of the things they do well and that you should look for as you are searching for a church community to be a part of:

• Vibrant ministries for all groups of people: Some churches work really well with young children. Other churches work really well with high school aged populations. Still others are best for the elderly and retired groups. It can be tough to find a church community that meets the needs of all people in different ways. When you find a church that recognizes each type of ministry as an opportunity to reach different types of people, then you find a church that is full of life and allows people of different walks to learn from each other. That is truly a powerful thing and a powerful way for a Christian church to meet the needs of the people around them.
• Thoughtful lessons and sermons: Of course, community is one thing, but if you do not feel able to really connect with the messages and the sermons that are part of the church you are a part of, then you will find yourself in a difficult position and wondering what you are really learning or getting out of the church. This is why it is important to not only find a church whose community you can feel engaged with but also to find a church whose minister and theology you can connect to.
• Lots of opportunities for engagement: A great church is an active church, so finding a church that has something going on all the time is a great way to make sure that you getting the engagement and the active membership that a really strong faith based community can create.