Why You Will Choose The Wrong Church
6 Psychological Biases To Avoid When Church Shopping
Every year, millions of Christians will move churches. So much so, that I decided to write a book on the topic. The goal of church shopping should be to find the place that God has prepared for you and your family, but I have seen several psychological biases that can get in the way.
In this article, I will share the six most common biases to overcome when looking for a new church.
1) The Comparison Trap
When shopping for a new church home, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of comparing every new church to your previous one. This bias can impact your perception and lead to being too quick to dismiss potential church options. You idolize your previous pastor, church, and community and struggle to find something that matches your expectations.
Many people end up quitting the search and deciding to livestream services at their old church. Don’t do that. If God has moved you on, there is a reason. Visit new churches with fresh eyes and an open heart. Trust Him to lead you into this next season.
2) The Paradox of Choice
In areas where churches are plentiful, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, leading to analysis paralysis. This phenomenon, known as the paradox of choice, can make it incredibly difficult to make a decision, as the fear of making the wrong choice looms large. Additionally, studies have shown that the more options you consider, the less your satisfaction is with your final choice.
The antidote to this paralysis is setting clear, personal criteria for what you are looking for and giving yourself a limit of churches to visit. I recommend visiting three churches before deciding on one but certainly don’t visit more than four or five. By narrowing your field, you will make the decision process more manageable.
3) In-group Bias
Our natural tendency to gravitate towards groups and individuals who resemble ourselves can be limiting in the context of church selection. This bias can prevent us from joining church communities where we might be challenged and grow in new and unexpected ways. By consciously seeking out diversity in church communities — not only in demographics but in thought and practice — we open ourselves up to a broader, richer spectrum of spiritual experiences and growth opportunities.
4) The Bandwagon Effect
It can be tempting to choose a church based simply on its popularity or the recommendation of others. However, this bandwagon effect can lead us astray, into communities that might not align with our personal beliefs or spiritual needs. It’s important to remember that a church’s suitability is deeply personal and cannot be determined by popularity alone. Like I said in another article, don’t use Google to find a church. Investigating a church’s doctrines, practices, and community involvement firsthand is crucial to finding the right fit.
5) Confirmation Bias
In our search for a new church home, we might find ourselves looking for signs or information that confirm our pre-existing beliefs or desires, ignoring evidence that contradicts them. This confirmation bias can narrow our vision, potentially causing us to overlook churches that could offer valuable new perspectives or challenge us to grow. Keeping an open mind and being willing to question our assumptions are vital strategies for overcoming this bias.
6) Authority Bias
The influence of authoritative figures in our lives — be it family, friends, or spiritual leaders — can be powerful. While their recommendations can be a helpful starting point, relying too heavily on them without conducting our own exploration can lead us into communities where we don’t fully belong. Personal reflection, prayer, and visits to potential church homes are essential steps in making a decision that truly resonates with our spiritual needs and values.
In the end, finding the right church is a deeply personal journey, one that requires prayer, patience, and a willingness to step beyond our comfort zones. By being mindful of the biases above and actively working to counteract them, we position ourselves to make choices that align more closely with our spiritual goals. Remember, the goal is not just to find a church where we can attend services but to discover a community where we can belong, grow, and contribute.
For more information, check out Church Shopping: How To Find a Church & Thrive In Your Faith.
