Looking for a church?
There are many excellent options in Providence, but that can prove overwhelming to navigate. We believe that God calls us to grow in and be part of different church communities that best suit us. A list has been compiled by a collection of fellowships at Brown and RISD with up-to-date contact info of current students who go to churches near Brown and RISD. Here are our recommendations on going to church with a full heart.
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First: pray and prepare your heart. :-) Church has been a different experience for everyone, and we hope you find something familiar in Providence. You may also find a church that's different from what you're used to, and you may love it, too! You will undoubtedly meet Jesus-centered communities - and they are incredibly amazing to meet.
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If you can, look through the website early! Do some research and to see if there's a church that you feel called to and welcomed at. Online impressions are hard, but having a general idea of what's around College Hill will help.
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Join any of the walking / carpool groups to different churches. We frequently send reminder texts in our GroupMe. Going with a friend (or just a mildly familiar face) helps! Come to a Friday Night Gathering to learn more.
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When you pick a church, go for the first month to see what it's like. Shopping around and leaving a church after only one Sunday service will make it hard for you to ground yourself spiritually. By staying at the church for a few Sundays, you will be able to get a good feel for what the sermons are like, what the worship is like, what the people are like.
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Get plugged into the church. Speak to the people there, ask why people have planted roots in that church, talk to the pastor. It might feel easy to sit in the back or try to leave early, but we encourage you to meet the wonderful folks at your church, especially if this is a new thing for you!
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If you still feel like you should try a different church after your first month on campus, you can check out the list and text or email one of the contact persons listed to find out more about a different church.
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Our hope is that during your time in Providence, you will be able to find a church that you truly love, feel connected to, and look forward going to!
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You can access a list of popular churches in Providence compiled and maintained by students at Brown and RISD, here: