October 14, 2025 by

When incoming freshmen arrive at Cedarville, one of the first decisions they make is finding a new church. This decision can seem daunting at first, especially with how many amazing churches there are near Cedarville’s campus for you to choose from. 

But finding a church is not something you need to stress about! Here are three questions to consider when evaluating whether you should attend a specific church:

Question 1: Do I Align Theologically With This Church? 

The first question you should ask when evaluating a church is whether you align theologically. There are so many amazing, Gospel-centered churches just minutes from campus, and you should be able to find one you agree with on most doctrinal matters.  

Of course, you will never fully agree with a church on every single preference issue, but at least ensure that you agree with them on key matters such as the Gospel, the authority of Scripture, the Trinity, the role and method of baptism, etc.  

 

Question 2: How Can I Get Involved With This Church? 

The second question you should ask when evaluating whether you should attend a church is how you can get involved. It’s so important for our spiritual walks that we not only serve on campus but also within the local church. Search for ways you can get plugged in before choosing a church as your “church home.” 

While looking at a church, consider the involvement opportunities they may offer, such as a college ministry where you could connect with other college students. Are there any small groups or mentorship opportunities for older generations to pour into you? Are there children’s ministry or youth ministry opportunities to pour into the younger generation? Are there ways you can use your specific giftings and talents to glorify God through the local church?  

 

Question 3: Can I Actually Travel to This Church? 

The final question you should ask when evaluating whether you should attend a church is whether you can get there. Even if you align almost perfectly with a church doctrinally and there may be many opportunities for you to get involved, it may just not be feasible to make the commute there. 

This is especially the case for those who will not have a car on campus. I ran into this issue my freshman year. Not being able to find a ride is a rare situation, as many churches have Cedarville students or church members who would love to give you a ride, but in this situation, I was just not able to find one. As I proceeded with the “church search,” I realized that I wanted to find a church within walking distance so that even when I could not find a ride with someone, I could still go and serve. 

There are many churches within walking or short driving distances, so it can be extremely helpful to evaluate how far you are willing to travel, how much you want to be involved in the community surrounding your church, and whether you can practically get to church! 

Though the “church search” process can seem nerve-wracking at first, it is such a growing and rewarding experience. Don’t stress it! You will never find the “perfect” church, so don’t put pressure on yourself to find a church that suits every item on your checklist. Rather, focus on the key qualities that are most important to you and trust God as He opens the right doors. He is sovereign, so make the choice to trust Him, then take the next steps to figure out where He wants you to be. He is faithful, and if you take those steps of obedience in seeking to be a part of a local church body, He will provide the way. 

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