No matter who you are, there may have come a time when you stopped going to church. Perhaps you lost your faith, or maybe you were one of many teenagers who struggled to get up on Sunday morning. Remember that a church’s doors are always open, and when you feel it’s time to return, we look forward to you joining us.

The idea of returning to church after several years can seem daunting. You may feel embarrassed or unsure of yourself. This is all completely normal, which is why we’ve come up with these tips to make it easier for you to return to church:

Find the right church for you

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when returning to church is to find a congregation that you feel comfortable in. Just because you went to a particular church when you were a child doesn’t mean that you have to go to that same church as an adult. Look at some websites and ask yourself what you hope to find. Are you looking for something more formal or informal? Do you want to have a large church where you can blend in, or would you prefer a smaller church with a close community? Asking yourself these questions will help you narrow down on your choices.

Go with a friend or family member

Go to a church service with a friend or family member. It will make you feel more comfortable. Attending a new church all alone after many years is a challenging experience. Having a friend by your side will put you more at ease.

Prepare ahead of time

Even if you are returning to the same church that you went to as a child, it’s best not to go in blind. Churches change over the years, and you may not know what’s custom and what’s not. If you’re going with a friend who is already a member of the congregation, ask them a few days in advance what you should wear. Then, take a look at their website to get a better feel for what the congregation and services are like.

Start slow

Start slow and do only what you feel comfortable doing. If that means only going to church once a month, then only go once a month. Your church will always be there for you, and as you get more comfortable, you’ll be encouraged to participate more.

Returning to church after time away can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. At Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, we welcome everybody who has been away from the church, no matter how long. To learn more about us, give us a call at 919-303-9200 or contact us on our website today.