Before You Move

The location is perfect. Twice the square footage. Affordable monthly payments. These are the usual concerns when moving to a new place. But what is the spiritual climate of your new town and just how close is your new house to your new church?

Most of us just assume we'll "find someplace" to go to church in a new city, as if selecting a new church is just the same as finding the nearest Walmart. But what if the nearest church is Roman Catholic and you are non-denominational. Will you really attend a conservative Mass week after week?

With the availability of the internet, there is no reason not to Google 3-6 churches within a reasonable proximity of your new house that you can research and visit. Many churches have Facebook and Twitter pages that you can link to and see what kinds of ministries and events are going on. You can download or stream services to your Smartphone or Tablet to get a feel for the style of sermonizing. Don't assume that you'll be able to drive to the nearest Baptist church; it could be 50 miles away.

Moving provides a great opportunity to start fresh and this carries to your spirituality as well. If you have a lackluster church attendance record, rarely volunteer at your current church, and hardly know anyone, this could be a great chance to change that. Pick a church that has ministries that cater to your specific needs. If you are Single, look for a church that has an active Singles Ministry and lots of events going on during the week. For couples and people with kids, I suggest looking for churches that have couples or kids' oriented ministries.

Your spiritual well being is just as, if not more, important than the quality of the school district or your granite countertops. Make it a high priority so that you don't succomb to feelings of loneliness or detachment that can lead to spiritual disillusionment, altogether.

If, for some reason, there are no churches within the distance you are willing or able to drive, then you might need to look at some other place to live. I know it sounds drastic, but what is more important, where you live or how you live?

God has a way of working things out for people who are willing to make a small sacrifice for Him. So yes your new house should be the center of your home search, just make sure it's His House.