home away from home

When we left Lawton one of the hardest things to say goodbye to was our church family at Western Hills Christian Church (WHCC.)  We had become active members, established friendships, and we were growing spiritually.  It was my first real church family experience.  Being a military family this meant a great deal to us.  When a job (in my case my husband's job) requires you to relocate every couple years it is important to find people in your new city on which you can rely.  This is why upon arriving in Augusta we immediately began church "shopping".  Searching for a church is one of my least favorite things to do!  Especially when coming from a loved church, it was hard not to compare all the new churches to WHCC.  It's also hard to get a true feel for a church by just observing one service.  With church services being held once a week, it can take months and months to finally find a place you want to call your own.

MM and I share 3 main church criteria...
1. The message of the church needs to be Biblical and the pastor needs to be speaking God's Word and Truth through himself.  Not focusing on the doctrines of his denomination, the creeds of men, or the teachings of earthly psychologists.
2.  The congregation needs to be welcoming, a place we felt we could belong.  Once we find a church, we like to jump right in; volunteering for events, giving of offering, connecting with fellow believers.  A church is a vessel for building relationships!  If your church is not helping you to grow in your relationship with Jesus and not uniting you with friends who will hold you accountable and build you up when you have fallen, then I would encourage you to begin church "shopping"!
3.  The worship needs to be meaningful.  This is more of a want than a need.  Marshall and I both like contemporary worship.  It's more relatable and enjoyable.  With that said, keeping traditional hymns alive in the church is important.  [Another love of WHCC was the great mix of old and new music.]  It would be a sad event to have a generation of Christians grow up never knowing Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, The Old Rugged Cross, Jesus Paid It All.

After visits, discussions, and re-visits we found a church that meet these 3 criteria!  It's funny because at first it was one of my least favorite churches that we had visited and I wasn't too concerned with going back for a second visit.  Luckily we did though, because The Quest Church is were we have chosen to take root while living in Augusta.  I excitedly look forward to Sunday mornings . The music and the message feed my soul.  To help sustain me through the week I have joined a women's bible study, while MM and I both attend a young married couples small group.  We are meeting great people, anticipating to build some lasting friendships, and hoping that this church is as hard to to say goodbye as Western Hills was when PCS* time is here. 




*For non military folks, PCS = Permanent Change of Station.

http://www.thequestonline.com/   Our Augusta, GA church