Get to Know a Local Church With an Open Heart and Mind
Whether you’re new in town or seeking a new fellowship that fulfills your spiritual needs, attending a local church on Sunday helps you find the best fit. Experiencing a church service in person teaches you a great deal about a church’s beliefs, culture, and community.
After you’ve identified a few Lee’s Summit churches you’d like to visit, consider our tips on how to make the most of your experience. No matter which church you ultimately call home, Lakeland Community Church’s first commitment as followers of Jesus Christ is to befriend you on your spiritual journey.
Discovering a Lee’s Summit Church Service
As you
visit a local church to find a permanent fellowship, what you experience during the Sunday service will give you insight into whether that church fulfills your spiritual needs. As you enjoy the service, ask yourself about aspects of its worship practices.
- The sermon: Did the message resonate with you? Did you feel responsive to the pastor’s style? Could you see yourself looking forward to the substance of the preaching or teaching you heard today?
- Music: Did the music move you? Even if it isn’t what you’re used to, was there something unique or compelling about this music that could become a welcome addition to your Sunday worship?
- Congregation: Did you feel connected to the congregation? Were they welcoming? Did they seem engaged? Could you see yourself regularly joining them in worship? Are members of the congregation celebrated or recognized during the service? On first impression, does the congregation feel connected or unified with those leading the service?
- Family: If you are attending as a family, did your kids enjoy the children’s ministry? Did you feel that the church provided a safe, loving environment for your younger children who need care during the service? Did you and your partner or spouse appreciate the church experience in your own ways? Did the service reflect your family values?
- Culture: What impact did the service have on you? Is there talk about values that matter to you, such as social justice or mission work? Are there habits or practices, including close reading of the Bible, the Lord’s Table, or contemplation, that are essential to your beliefs? Did you feel the expectations for attire fit your level of comfort? Were there any other amenities, such as free coffee, to improve your experience?
You may need to attend more than one
local church service to answer these questions. Some may even prefer to attend with an open heart without considering questions at all, so that the experience isn’t tied to judgment but to a willingness to see what God may have in store for you.
Advice for Those Who Have Experienced Hurt at Church
If you’ve experienced hurt from prior church experiences, attending a new church may bring up complicated emotions. Much like other forms of hurt, our past may alter our perceptions in the present, causing us to be understandably cautious and anxious about new church experiences.
Be compassionate with yourself and do what feels best for you. Know that you control your decisions and that your commitment to seeking will help you find the right fit. With all our hearts, Lakeland Community Church hopes that you find a worship community that feels safe, comfortable, and promising for you.
If you decide to attend our church in Lee’s Summit, know that many who have experienced church hurt have found refuge in our fellowship.
Beyond the Local Church Service
Although attending a service is integral to joining a church community, it’s only part of what a church has to offer for growing your spiritual life. You may consider attending other events beyond the Sunday service to learn more about a Lee’s Summit church, including:
Exploring these opportunities may be helpful if you see yourself joining more than just church services on Sunday. If you’re looking for a deeper sense of community and fellowship, these events and gatherings provide additional chances to determine the best church home.
What to Expect at Our Lee’s Summit Church
Lakeland Community Church encourages you to visit us on Sunday for a worship service that draws together several Christian traditions, including contemporary, exuberant music and ancient contemplative practices.
- Parking: We have plenty of parking right in front of our church.
- Attire: Dress how you feel comfortable — attire is always casual.
- Greeters: Expect to be welcomed and shown around when you arrive!
- Childcare: We offer a nursery, called “Kindling,” for infants and young children from birth through Pre-K.
- Family Ministry: Your children in K-4 and 5-8 will enjoy our services for young people.
Free Coffee: Every Sunday, no exceptions!
Our congregation is filled with people from many spiritual backgrounds, including the faithful, doubtful, devoted, and curious. At Lakeland Community, we’re all on different parts of the spiritual path but headed in one direction: forward!
Get more information about our 10:30 a.m.
Sunday church service or explore our website to get a glimpse of what to expect
when you visit our Lee’s Summit church.
