First time at church? What to expect as an adult

With Easter here and more people than ever looking for hope during these uncertain times, a post about the church seems like a good choice. If it’s your first time at church as an adult, what will the experience look like? Here are some things to look forward to as you explore the power of faith.

Nervous? That’s natural with anything new

Going to church for the first time as an adult can be a little bit intimidating, as with anything new. You may wonder how you’re supposed to act or which church is going to be right for you.

You may want to avoid the old-school churches with dated beliefs and prefer more modern establishments instead. There is something for everyone.

Why faith is important

Nevertheless, sometimes we can question why our faith is important and if it matters, especially if we have experienced a tragedy in our life or feel stress about COVID-19. Many of us hold firm, some of us take some time to think, and then some never come back to the church.

No one can tell you what to believe, but through the words of Lord Jesus Christ, we can gain support, inspiration, and love. And, of course, we can connect with God through prayer.

Whether or not this is right for you is completely your choice. Some people don’t believe in God their entire life. They then go through something and feel reborn – this can often happen after something like drug rehab, prison, or losing someone they love. The journey is different for everyone.

The church has saved lives

We must remember that none of us are above sin. Romans 3:23 NIV teaches us that:

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

Therefore, we must not judge those who have taken a different path. However, through accepting the teachings gained from Christ’s birth, death and resurrection, lives can be turned around.

There are so many examples of people who have gone down the wrong path, and then used the church to help them turn around. Your past doesn’t define you, so don’t let this worry you about going to church.

First time at church: Finding one that suits you is key

As has been previously stated, it is important to find the right church for you. It is a place where we can pray and, by being faithful in this prayer, this allows us to reach out and touch others with Lord Jesus Christ’s teachings.

Indeed, to be effective in our growth in the faith of Christ, we must pray and do so on a regular basis. Being around others keeps us vigilant.

God also hears our prayers, and He responds to them through the churches where He dwells. This helps us build a privileged relationship with God.

A church should always be a place of prayer to allow for this. So, you’ll want to find a church that prays and stays true to the teachings of the Bible while allowing you to see why it is practical and relevant to your everyday life.

However, there are those who prefer to pray in private. They want to connect with God in this way, and that is their choice.

21st century churches

If you are looking for a church, you will undoubtedly have a number of different options to choose from, and one thing you will notice cropping up more and more is the phrase “21st-century church.” In this section, we will explore what that actually means before your first time at church.

Over the past few years, we have seen an increased number of people attend church, especially those in early adulthood. Why?

A birt reason is that churches are looking for different ways to appeal to this generation, and that is essentially what a 21st-century church is all about. It doesn’t lose the values of a traditional church; instead, it looks for different ways to teach the word of God.

Today’s churches embrace people from all walks of life; they are multi-cultural places where all people connect. Bible studies represent a forum of debate nowadays, where people can express their views and interpretations of God’s word.

There are also churches that are using technology and multimedia to appeal to all ages and make the process more engaging for some people.

Also, the curriculum for youth ministry is often holistic in nature, encouraging young people to reach out to others around them while taking steps toward spiritual maturity. Communities are created by meaningfully engaging with each other over everything from shared faith experiences and Bible study groups, which can often help bridge the gap between those with strong religious backgrounds and those just exploring their beliefs. Regardless of one’s involvement or level of understanding, these initiatives help people come together in fellowship and form lasting relationships as they grow closer to God.

After all, we all learn in different ways, and isn’t that the main part of what church is about, learning God’s ways? Today’s churches are looking for different ways to spread the teachings of Jesus and God while they are also opening their arms wide to all people, and this is making a massive difference.

Practical teachings during your first time at church

Through studying the Bible, we can use what it teaches us as a guide in our everyday life. There are many lessons to be learned from the Bible and in worshipping God.

These lessons are just as relevant in today’s world as they have ever been – perhaps even more so. For example, take the fall of Samson.

Despite it being the will of God, Samson did not overcome temptation, and through studying Judges 16:1-21, we can understand Samson’s mistakes. He found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, he did not pay heed to warning signs and he did not see that he needed to flee from battle – sometimes it is okay to flee from a situation.

Bible verses to lift you up

The church is a place of inspiration, support, love, hope, encouragement, acceptance, and warmth. It can be so many things to so many people.

Churches allow the faithful to adore the Eucharist. Confession allows you to find forgiveness for your sins. And, of course, the Bible provides everything from strength to guidance.

A lot of people turn to the church when they are feeling down, whether they are sad, stressed or simply can’t seem to put a smile on their faces. If you’re looking for some uplifting Bible verses, here are few that might get read during your first time at church.

The first Bible verse is from Deuteronomy 31:8, stating:

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

If you are feeling discouraged and are close to giving up, remember that the Lord is here to save you:

“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Another wonderful verse to help you find inner-strength to overcome the negative emotions you are feeling is:

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (Tim 1:7)

And, don’t ever forget that:

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27)

These are a few of many verses that can help to uplift you and give you the motivation you need, when you need it the most.

First time at church: More uplifting Bible verses

A church can give people a new outlook, which uplifts their mood and motivates them. Below are some of the most inspirational bible verses that you might come across, whether it’s your first time at church or you attend regularly.

Let’s begin with John 10:28-29:

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch the out of the Father’s hand.”

This verse is inspirational for those who find themselves in a dark place, lost or unworthy to be saved, as it reassures us that we are all held firm in the hands of Jesus and God.

Romans 8:28 is another inspirational verse that tells us that everything works for the ultimate good, even the bad, reassuring those going through a bad time that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and things will get better. The verse goes:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Another powerful verse is:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)

This verse can be exactly what we need to feel we have the strength to achieve our dreams and overcome any hurdles.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse to share? Where do you find inspiration during these difficult coronavirus times? Wishing you a safe Easter!