Ah, Fall. Fresh starts, new cities, beginnings of potential life long friendships, not to mention the onset of beautiful foliage and cozier weather. Arguably the most exciting and energetic time of the year full of the bittersweetness and excitement of change. But as someone in a new city with no set community yet, where should you start? Perhaps a more pertinent question is how can a Christian entering college hold onto their faith?

 Welcome to Boston, incoming students! Navigating college life in a new city can be both exciting and challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. From the very beginning pages of Genesis when God created Adam a partner in Eve because God saw that “it is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18); God intended for us to live meaningful lives in community. Even if you already have a relationship with God, it can be tempting to want to just do it on your own, but real growth happens when you’re able to be in a community of believers who can spur you on and also give you examples of other Christians still pursuing to live lives please to God.

Whether you're here for studies or a fresh start, finding a church that feels like home can be a game-changer. Here are some practical tips on how to get plugged into your next spiritual home.

1. Start with Online Research

Schedule time within the first week you get to Boston to look up local college churches in the Boston area and find out their regular meeting times and locations.

It's important to do this early on so that it becomes a priority and doesn't end up falling off the radar. The first few weeks will be pretty busy and filled with other fun events and activities, but don't let your spiritual needs fall to the background.

 2. Attend Services and Events

Once you've shortlisted a few potential churches, choose a church to attend and check out a few of their services or events to get a feel for the atmosphere and the community. Once you've chosen a church, explore their website to see what their values and mission statements are, what kinds of offerings they have, and opportunities to get connected.

Of course, the best way to experience a church is to attend: to “come and see” and experience for yourself whether or not it’s a place you can grow as a Christian. Do you feel addressed and personally involved in the messages? Are there opportunities to think about how the Bible applies to you? Does it seem like a place where you can get support if you have questions?

3. Connect with Others

Look for opportunities to meet and interact with fellow students and church members. We know it can feel scary and nerve-wrecking when you're new, so make it a goal to talk and connect with just one person when you visit a new church!

4. Get Involved

Signing up for volunteer services or smaller group gatherings can be a great way to get involved and plugged in. Our suggestion is to no just become a “Sunday Christian” where your duties as a Christian are fulfilled by going to a service once a week. Seek to really grow in your relationship with God by having multiple avenues for your life to be filled with God’s word and His people.