Church in the UK
How do I find a church in the UK?
Use an online church finder, ask any Christians you know and then visit two or three churches. Look for one that teaches the Bible, keeps Jesus at the centre and makes you welcome.
Where to look
- A Church Near You, the Church of England’s directory, which covers every parish in England
- Find a Church, a UK directory covering many denominations
Most other denominations, including the Church of Scotland, the Church in Wales, the Catholic Church, the Methodist Church and the Baptist churches, have a church finder on their own websites. Searching for “church” and the name of your town will also show you what is nearby. And if you know a Christian, ask where they go. Going with someone is the easiest way to start.
What to look for
- The Bible is read and explained, and treated as God’s word.
- Jesus, and what he did by dying and rising, is at the centre.
- People are welcomed whoever they are, and newcomers are not ignored.
- People’s lives show something of what they say they believe.
- There is somewhere to belong beyond Sunday, such as a small group.
They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.
The style of music, the age of the building and the name over the door matter much less than these.
Before you visit
Look at the church’s website. Most give service times and have a page for newcomers, and many put recordings of their services online so that you can see what they are like. You are welcome to email or phone and say that you are thinking of coming. Somebody will usually offer to look out for you.
Give it more than one visit
A single Sunday is not a fair test of a church, or of you. Go three or four times, stay for coffee afterwards and talk to people. It is quite normal to try two or three churches before you settle.
If you live in the countryside
Rural churches often share a minister, so a village church may hold a service only once or twice a month, with other weeks in neighbouring villages. The church noticeboard or website will give the pattern.
If you are a student
Most UK universities have a Christian Union run by students, and churches in university towns usually have student groups. Either is a good way in.
Warning signs
The great majority of churches are safe and healthy. Be cautious of any group where:
- leaders cannot be questioned and answer to no one;
- you are pressed to give money, or promised wealth or healing in return for it;
- you are discouraged from seeing family or friends outside the group;
- it claims to be the only true church and says all others are false.
Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.