Looking for a new church can feel overwhelming. Whether you're new to faith, relocating, or simply searching for something deeper, choosing a church is a meaningful decision.

If you're wondering how to find a church that fits, here are thoughtful questions to guide your discernment.

What to Look for in a Church’s Theology

• What kind of God is preached?

• How is Jesus talked about?

• How do they view the Bible?

• Are doubt and curiosity welcomed?

• Do sermons leave you feeling expanded and hopeful?

Healthy theology should make room for growth, mystery, and compassion.

Is the Church Inclusive and Affirming?

• Are LGBTQ+ people fully affirmed in belonging, leadership, and marriage?

• How does the church speak about race, gender, immigration, poverty, and disability?

• Would a queer friend, skeptic, or person from another faith tradition feel safe here?

A welcoming church does more than say “all are welcome.” It embodies it.

How to Know if a Church Community Is Healthy

• Do people genuinely seem to know and care for one another?

• Is it easy to move from visitor to participant?

• Are there opportunities for connection beyond Sunday morning?

• Could you imagine being known here, not just attending?

The right church won’t be perfect, but it will feel authentic.

Questions About Spiritual Growth and Formation

• What spiritual practices are encouraged? (Prayer, contemplation, service, study, creativity?)

• Is there space for grief, doubt, and complexity?

• Are children and youth invited into meaningful participation?

Church should help you deepen your faith, not shrink your humanity.

Evaluating Church Leadership and Accountability

• How are decisions made? Is there transparency and collaboration?

• Are leaders accountable and approachable?

• Are multiple voices heard from the pulpit?

Trustworthy leadership creates spiritual safety.

Listen to Your Own Spiritual Experience

• How does your body feel during worship?

• Do you feel like you have to hide parts of yourself?

• Do you leave energized or drained?

• Could you grow here?

• Could you heal here?

Pay attention to what your body and spirit are telling you.

The Most Important Question When Choosing a Church

Does this community help you love God, yourself, and your neighbor more deeply?

Church should not require you to abandon your questions, your identity, or your humanity. The right community will gently invite you into who you are becoming.

If you're searching for a church home, we hope you find a place where your soul can exhale. Where you are welcomed fully and encouraged to grow.

Looking for an open and affirming church? We believe that finding a faith community where you are fully welcomed and affirmed matters deeply.

An open and affirming church is one that publicly and explicitly affirms LGBTQ+ people in every aspect of church life including leadership, marriage, membership, and belonging. These churches do more than say “all are welcome.” They make it clear that your identity is something to honor.

Find open and affirming churches in Charlotte: https://www.gaychurch.org/find_a_church/

This directory includes congregations across Charlotte that are committed to justice, inclusion, and spiritual growth for all people.

Wherever you land, we pray you find a church where your full self is welcomed and where your faith can grow without fear.

If you’re searching for ways to serve the community in Charlotte, you’re not alone. Many of us want our faith to move beyond Sunday morning and into meaningful action. Serving our neighbors is one way we embody love in tangible ways.

Whether you're looking for:

• Volunteer opportunities in Charlotte

• Local nonprofit organizations in Charlotte

• Ways to give back in Charlotte

• Community service opportunities near you

• Charlotte charities making a difference

We encourage you to explore the incredible work already happening across our city.

Find volunteer opportunities through ShareCharlotte
https://sharecharlotte.org

ShareCharlotte connects individuals and families to hundreds of local nonprofits serving in areas such as education, hunger relief, housing, healthcare, environmental justice, refugee support, and more.

No matter your schedule, skills, or experience level, there are opportunities to make a difference.