How to Find a Biblically Faithful Church After Moving to a New City

Moving is stressful — finding a church doesn’t have to be.

When you relocate, one of the most important decisions you will make is where you and your family will worship. A healthy church will shape your spiritual growth, community, and long-term faithfulness.

Scripture reminds us that believers are not meant to walk alone. The early church was devoted to “the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42, ESV). Finding a faithful local church is not optional — it is essential.

Here is a clear, practical guide to help you search wisely.

Step 1: Clarify Your Theological Convictions

Before you search for a church, know what you believe.

Not every church teaches the same doctrine. While faithful churches may differ on secondary issues, essential truths should never be compromised.

Ask yourself:

• Do they affirm the authority and inerrancy of Scripture?
• Do they clearly teach salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone?
• Do they uphold the Trinity?
• Is the gospel central in their preaching?

Moving is not the time to drift doctrinally. It is the time to anchor deeply.

Step 2: Research Churches Online

Start with trusted tools.

Platforms like ChurchDex allow you to filter churches by location, denomination, and doctrinal alignment. This saves time and helps you narrow your search before visiting in person.

When reviewing a church website, look for:

• A clear statement of faith
• Transparent leadership structure
• Sermon archives
• Defined ministry philosophy

If a church is unclear about what it believes, that lack of clarity matters.

Step 3: Listen to Sermons

Before attending, listen to several sermons online.

Healthy churches prioritize the clear teaching of Scripture. Paul instructed Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Ask:

• Is the sermon rooted in the text?
• Is Scripture explained in context?
• Is Christ central?
• Is sin addressed honestly?
• Is grace proclaimed clearly?

A church’s pulpit reveals its priorities.

Step 4: Visit More Than Once

First impressions can be misleading.

Visit more than once to see consistency over time. Culture is revealed in repetition, not in a single Sunday experience.

Pay attention to:

• The tone of worship
• The seriousness of prayer
• The warmth of the congregation
• The clarity of the gospel

Is the church performance-driven — or Christ-centered?

Consistency reveals health.

Step 5: Look for Healthy Leadership

Leadership matters.

Scripture outlines qualifications for elders and overseers in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Biblical leadership should be:

• Above reproach
• Spiritually mature
• Doctrinally sound
• Servant-hearted

Does the church have accountable leadership? Is there transparency? Is authority exercised biblically?

A healthy church is led by qualified, humble shepherds.

Don’t Rush the Process

Finding a church in a new city is one of the most important spiritual decisions you will make. Take time. Pray. Ask questions.

God has not designed the Christian life to be lived in isolation. He builds His people through the local church.

Use reliable tools. Evaluate carefully. Commit faithfully.

Trusted Resources for Evaluating Church Health

• 9Marks Ministry Resources: https://www.9marks.org/
• The Gospel Coalition Articles: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/
• Ligonier Ministries: https://www.ligonier.org/

Relocation changes your address — not your need for biblical community.

Find a church that faithfully proclaims the gospel, teaches the Word clearly, and shepherds people well. Your spiritual growth depends on it.