Person moving to a new city looking at skyline

Moving to a new city is exciting, exhausting, and sometimes lonely all at once. Among all the logistics of unpacking boxes, learning new routes, and starting a new job, finding a church home might seem like something that can wait. But research and experience consistently show that connecting with a faith community early in a relocation is one of the most powerful things you can do to build belonging in your new city. Here is a practical, step-by-step guide to finding your church after moving.

Why Finding a Church Quickly Matters

The first 90 days after a move are critical for building social connections. During this window, you are naturally more open to new relationships, more willing to try new things, and more motivated to put yourself out there. After that window closes, it becomes progressively harder to build community.

A church provides something almost no other institution can: instant access to a diverse community of people who share your values, meet regularly, and are organized around genuine care for one another. Unlike a gym membership or a neighborhood app, a church community actively invests in your wellbeing.

People who find a church home within the first two months of moving report higher satisfaction with their relocation, stronger local friendships, and a faster sense of belonging. The data is clear: do not wait.

Step 1: Know What You Are Looking For

Before you start visiting churches, take 15 minutes to clarify your priorities. Consider:

Denomination or theological tradition: Do you want to stay in your current denomination, or are you open to exploring? Read our guides on Baptist vs Methodist, non-denominational vs denominational, or Catholic vs Protestant if you are weighing options.
Worship style: Contemporary with a band? Traditional with hymns? Liturgical? Gospel? Knowing your preference saves time.
Church size: Do you want the programs and anonymity of a megachurch, or the intimacy of a small congregation?
Location: How far are you willing to drive? We recommend prioritizing churches within 15-20 minutes of your home.
Family needs: Children's programs, youth groups, marriage ministry, singles groups — what matters for your life stage?
Community and culture: Do you want a church that looks like your new neighborhood? That has people in your age bracket? That emphasizes service, social justice, discipleship, or fellowship?

The fastest way to clarify these priorities is to take FaithScout's 2-minute matching quiz. It asks the right questions and gives you a ranked list of churches that match your answers.

Step 2: Build Your Short List

With your priorities defined, build a list of 4-6 churches to visit. Here is how to find candidates:

FaithScout search: Search by city, denomination, worship style, and more. Read visitor reviews from people who have been in your exact situation.
Personal recommendations: Ask coworkers, neighbors, and friends in the area. Word-of-mouth is still the number one way people find churches.
Your previous pastor: Before you move, ask your current pastor if they know anyone in your new city. Pastoral networks are surprisingly extensive.
Denominational directories: If you want to stay within your denomination, check their official church locator.
Social media: Search Instagram and Facebook for churches in your area. Their social presence often gives you a feel for the culture.

Step 3: Visit Strategically

Do not just show up randomly. Be intentional about your visits:

Start within two weeks of moving. Even if boxes are unpacked and you are still eating off paper plates. The momentum matters.
Visit one church per week. Do not try to hit two churches in one Sunday — you will not give either a fair shot.
Visit each church twice before making a judgment. One visit is a snapshot. Two visits show you the pattern. A bad first visit might be an off week; a great first visit might be an unusually good one.
Go at different service times if available. A church's 9am service might feel different from its 11am service. Some churches are more casual early, more traditional later, or vice versa.
Take notes. After each visit, jot down your impressions while they are fresh. What did you love? What gave you pause? How did you feel?

For more on what to expect when you walk through the door, read our complete guide to your first church visit.

Step 4: Evaluate Beyond Sunday Morning

Sunday services are important, but they are only part of the picture. Before committing to a church, explore these dimensions:

Small groups or community groups: This is where real relationships happen. Ask about the church's small group structure, when they meet, and how you can join.
Serving opportunities: Can you get involved quickly? Serving on a team is one of the fastest ways to build friendships.
Newcomer process: Does the church have a defined path for new members? Classes, mentorship, or a connection process?
Midweek programs: Bible studies, prayer groups, and community events show the church's heartbeat beyond Sundays.
Online presence: Can you watch past sermons to get a fuller picture of the teaching? Is there an app for staying connected?

FaithScout's comparison tool lets you evaluate multiple churches side by side across these dimensions.

Step 5: Make a Decision (and Commit)

After visiting 3-5 churches over 4-8 weeks, it is time to make a decision. Here is the truth many church shoppers need to hear: no church will be perfect. Every church has strengths and weaknesses, quirks you love and things that mildly annoy you. The goal is not perfection — it is finding a community where you can grow, serve, and belong.

When you have made your choice:

Attend consistently for a month to confirm your decision.
Join a small group or community group immediately.
Start serving — even if it is just greeting at the door or setting up chairs.
Attend the newcomer class or membership process.
Exchange phone numbers with at least 2-3 people your first month.

For a detailed timeline, read our guide on how long you should church shop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long to start. Every week you delay makes it harder to start. Visit a church your first Sunday in town, even if your living room is still full of boxes.
Church shopping forever. Some people visit churches for months or even years without committing. Set a deadline (6-8 weeks) and make a decision.
Comparing to your old church. Your previous church had years of built-up relationships and familiarity. A new church cannot replicate that on day one. Give it time.
Prioritizing programs over people. A church with fewer programs but genuinely warm people will serve you better than a program-heavy church where no one knows your name.
Only attending Sundays. You cannot build community in 75 minutes per week. Midweek involvement (small groups, serving, events) is where belonging is built.
Going alone when you don't have to. If your spouse or partner is also looking, go together. If you know someone in the city, ask them to join you.

Special Situations

Moving as a single person

Finding a church as a single person has unique challenges. Look for churches with active singles ministries or young adult groups. Read our dedicated guide on finding a church as a single person.

Moving with young children

Children's ministry quality can make or break your church experience. Visit the children's area, ask about curriculum and safety protocols, and see how your kids respond after a visit.

Moving as an interracial or multicultural family

Look for churches that reflect the diversity you want your family to experience. Many cities now have intentionally multiethnic churches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to find a church after moving?

Most people find their church home within 4-8 weeks of intentional searching. We recommend visiting 3-5 churches, attending each at least twice, and making a decision within 6-8 weeks of starting your search.

Should I stay in my same denomination when I move?

Not necessarily. While denominational loyalty can provide continuity, a move is a natural time to explore. You might find that a different tradition better suits your current season of life. Be open to visiting churches outside your usual denomination — you might be surprised.

How many churches should I visit before deciding?

We recommend visiting 3-5 churches, with at least two visits to each serious contender. This gives you enough variety to compare while preventing the paralysis of endless church shopping.

What's the best way to find churches in my new city?

Use FaithScout's search tool to find and compare churches by location, denomination, and worship style. Also ask for personal recommendations from coworkers, neighbors, and your previous pastor. Taking FaithScout's matching quiz at faithscout.com/onboarding gives you personalized recommendations in two minutes.

How do I build community at a new church quickly?

Join a small group within your first two weeks, start serving on a team, attend the newcomer class, and make an effort to exchange contact information with at least 2-3 people each time you attend. Building community requires intentional effort beyond just attending Sunday services.

Get Started Today

Finding a church in a new city is one of the most impactful things you can do for your wellbeing, your family, and your faith. Do not overthink it, do not wait for the perfect moment, and do not try to do it alone.

Take the FaithScout matching quiz to get personalized recommendations for your new city, browse churches near you, or use our comparison tool to evaluate your options. Your new church family is out there — go find them.