Finding a new home church might be something you’re thinking about, or it might not even be on your radar.
After going to the same church almost my entire life (Pulpit Rock), I found myself missing that community of faith when I moved away for college. Those four years were spent doing a lot of “church-hopping.” Not always every Sunday, but I had a different home church each semester.
One problem I found with this was not feeling connected anywhere. I knew the friends I church-hopped with each Sunday, but I didn’t know any members of the congregation.
Another problem with so much church-hopping was that I wasn’t being poured into spiritually. I missed out on forming relationships with others older than me who could walk alongside me in my faith journey, and those younger than me who I could pour into. And I didn’t stick around long enough to experience a full sermon series. I was getting bits and pieces without learning from a whole book of the Bible consecutively. Some of the churches I went to didn’t even have the solid Scripture-based teaching I was looking for.
So here’s my advice to you…
As you begin this new semester, find a church and stick with it! Whether it’s Pulpit Rock or somewhere else, you will benefit in SO many ways.
Senior year of college, I finally committed to one church for the whole year, and my roommate and I started volunteering in the nursery and kids programs. Not only was it awesome to be able to serve in that way, but we began to meet more people and build relationships with Christians of all ages and stages of life. We got to be committed to building up the body of Christ like Paul instructs in 1 Corinthians 12. Because believe it or not, college students add value to the body of Christ!
Most importantly, it was a church that aligned with the Scripture-based teaching I was longing for. And it was exciting to grow spiritually with other members of the congregation! It was different from any other community I had in college.
At Pulpit Rock, we want to help you journey with God while you’re in college in a way that translates easily into your 20’s and the rest of your life.
There are a TON of ways you can get connected here. Whether that’s serving in our youth or kids programs, volunteering at the Coffee Bar, helping on worship team or in the tech booth, participating in Men’s or Women’s Ministry, taking a class, joining a small group, or starting by connecting at First Table! Here are some ways you can get plugged in…
But I also know that it’s intimidating to walk into a church for the first time. Whether it’s your first time at Pulpit Rock or your first time ever, we would love to meet you, help you find a seat and connect you with other students, and answer any questions you may have about Pulpit Rock. Just let us know you’re coming!
I hope you’ll join us for services on Sundays at 9AM and 10:30AM.
And to those of you who are no longer college age...
Introduce yourself to some new young faces! Invite a college student over for a meal or invite them to be part of your small group.
You don’t want to miss out on some great additions to our church body!
