How to select a church? First, let go of the old one. You will not find a church that is exactly like your former church. Second, unless you plan to pick a church based upon a certain denominational consideration, prepare to visit area churches. You might want to talk with your friends, neighbors, or work associates about the church they attend. You may also want to check to see if the church has an informative website. This will probably help you begin your search.
One of the first factors you will experience is personality. Is the church warm and inviting with lots of greetings, smiles, hugs and handshakes? Is the church more reserved and respecting of your personal space? A church will need to sync with your personality for a comfortable fit.
The second factor you will need to consider is polity – how does the church make decisions? Is it congregationally led with many or all participating in decisions or is it a church that is led by a small group or even one person (usually the pastor)? How a church makes decisions may not seem important at first, but as time goes by it almost certainly will become important to you.
The third factor - something you will experience the very first visit – is liturgy, how the church worships. There are many styles from hymns, choirs and organ to contemporary music with a variety of instruments and voices. Worship styles will vary from traditional to contemporary or even blended. Preaching and teaching styles will vary. There is probably a style that seems most comfortable to you.
The fourth factor would be theology – what does a church believe about the Bible? About salvation? About baptism? About the role of women? About sexual orientation? About abortion? About guns? While not every church has a view on each of these matters, if they have a strong view you need to know. Will you be comfortable hearing strong views (or no views) expressed on these and other matters?
The final factor to consider is ministry – what ministries and programs does the church have or hope to have? If it is something that is important to you, check it out. The church is likely to have ministries within the church – men’s or women’s ministries or age-group ministries, for example. It will also likely have ministries outside the walls of the church. Many churches would refer to these ministries as outreach. Hopefully, you will not have the attitude that you are a consumer and it is up to the church to please. Try to consider if you and your family can contribute to that church; can you help and serve in that church?
Hopefully as you begin and continue your search you will be praying for God’s help. You will grow more spiritually if you join a church that is a good match for you and your family.

If you live in the Salinas Valley or you happen to find yourself traveling through King City on a Sunday, we invite you to come and try First Baptist Church of King City on for size.