How to Find the Right Church for Your Family
Choosing a church for your family can feel overwhelming… especially if you’ve been hurt, disappointed, or disillusioned by church in the past.
If you’re hesitant to try again, you’re not alone. Many families today carry church baggage, unanswered questions, or a deep disconnect between the Jesus we can read about in the Bible and how Christianity is often portrayed in culture.
This guide isn’t about convincing you to attend a church.
It’s about helping you discern what a healthy church looks like - one worth taking a brave step toward.
If you’re hesitant to try again, you’re not alone. Many families today carry church baggage, unanswered questions, or a deep disconnect between the Jesus we can read about in the Bible and how Christianity is often portrayed in culture.
This guide isn’t about convincing you to attend a church.
It’s about helping you discern what a healthy church looks like - one worth taking a brave step toward.
Start Here: It’s Okay to Be Hesitant
The church Jesus envisioned is not always the church people see in headlines or social media. Most local churches are not driven by political movements or the pursuit of power - they’re communities of ordinary, imperfect people trying to follow Jesus together.
Church, at its best, is messy and hopeful at the same time. It’s full of people still growing, still learning, still figuring things out. If you’re waiting to find a perfect church, you’ll be waiting a long time. But you can find a healthy one.
Church, at its best, is messy and hopeful at the same time. It’s full of people still growing, still learning, still figuring things out. If you’re waiting to find a perfect church, you’ll be waiting a long time. But you can find a healthy one.
3 Things to Look for in a Healthy Church for Your Family
1. A Place Where Jesus Is the Main Thing
A healthy church teaches people how to think biblically, not what to think politically or culturally.
Look for a church where:
Healthy churches are honest about what Scripture does - and doesn’t- address, while trusting that God’s good news is still true and relevant today. They leave room for thoughtful conversation, recognizing that people who genuinely love Jesus may sometimes land in different places, while remaining united around Him.
Look for a church where:
- Scripture is handled with care, humility, and faithfulness
- Teaching consistently points back to the heart and way of Jesus
- The Bible is taught in its original context, not used to support personal agendas
Healthy churches are honest about what Scripture does - and doesn’t- address, while trusting that God’s good news is still true and relevant today. They leave room for thoughtful conversation, recognizing that people who genuinely love Jesus may sometimes land in different places, while remaining united around Him.
2. A Place Where You and Your Kids Are Known
Healthy churches help people move from attending to belonging.
Look for a church where:
Real connection usually requires a step beyond the Sunday worship service. In larger churches especially, that means choosing to engage through small groups or serving. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s often where real belonging begins.
Look for a church where:
- People learn your name and your story
- Your kids are more than numbers in a classroom
- Community goes deeper than Sunday attendance
Real connection usually requires a step beyond the Sunday worship service. In larger churches especially, that means choosing to engage through small groups or serving. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s often where real belonging begins.
3. A Place Where You Can Show Up as You Are
Church was never meant to be a spectator experience.
Look for a church that invites you to:
Healthy churches help families see that faith isn’t just something you consume - it’s something you live, together. When families step into serving and community, belief deepens, relationships grow, and faith becomes active and personal, not theoretical.
Look for a church that invites you to:
- Participate, not just attend
- Serve others in meaningful ways
- Live out your faith beyond the walls of the building
Healthy churches help families see that faith isn’t just something you consume - it’s something you live, together. When families step into serving and community, belief deepens, relationships grow, and faith becomes active and personal, not theoretical.
What to Be Cautious Of
As you explore, be aware of warning signs:
Connection requires courage, not coercion.
- Places where honesty feels unsafe or rushed
- Churches that don’t offer a clear path toward community
- Messages that center politics more than Jesus
- Environments where kids feel like a distraction
- Churches where celebrity culture replaces shared spiritual formation
Connection requires courage, not coercion.
A Gentle Encouragement
If you’re unsure about church, consider this your invitation to pause - not to commit.
Pray honestly.
Ask God to show you whether it’s time to try again.
And if you sense even a small nudge, take one brave step toward community… anywhere. A small group. A serving opportunity. A conversation after a service.
We believe deeply in the good of the local church and the power of biblical community. Not because churches are perfect, but because Jesus still works through imperfect people who choose to follow Him together.
Pray honestly.
Ask God to show you whether it’s time to try again.
And if you sense even a small nudge, take one brave step toward community… anywhere. A small group. A serving opportunity. A conversation after a service.
We believe deeply in the good of the local church and the power of biblical community. Not because churches are perfect, but because Jesus still works through imperfect people who choose to follow Him together.
A Simple Next Step
If you’re ready to take a next step, consider starting with something simple.
Join us for Sunday worship at Preston Trail Community Church in Frisco. It’s a great first step to experience community, teaching, and worship in person. No pressure. No expectations. Come as you are.
And if Preston Trail isn’t close to where you live, work, or play here in North Texas, we’d encourage you to try a healthy local church near you. The goal isn’t finding the perfect church; it’s taking a step toward the kind of biblical community Jesus designed.
Wherever you land, we’re cheering you on. God is still at work through the local church, and He desires to meet you in your story.
Preston Trail Community Church is a non-denominational Christian church serving families in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and the far North Dallas area.
Join us for Sunday worship at Preston Trail Community Church in Frisco. It’s a great first step to experience community, teaching, and worship in person. No pressure. No expectations. Come as you are.
And if Preston Trail isn’t close to where you live, work, or play here in North Texas, we’d encourage you to try a healthy local church near you. The goal isn’t finding the perfect church; it’s taking a step toward the kind of biblical community Jesus designed.
Wherever you land, we’re cheering you on. God is still at work through the local church, and He desires to meet you in your story.
Preston Trail Community Church is a non-denominational Christian church serving families in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and the far North Dallas area.
Check out the What If Our Lives Looked More Like Jesus message playlist.
Posted in Faith
Posted in preston trail community church, north texas church, nondenominational church, christian church, church family
Posted in preston trail community church, north texas church, nondenominational church, christian church, church family