Halifax writer David Friesen shares tips for finding Christian community in a new city, from church visits to small groups, and build lasting connections.
I remember standing in my new kitchen one October afternoon. The light was unfamiliar, the street outside busy with voices and sounds I couldn’t recognize. I felt a little strange, out of place. The new city had its charms; there was no doubt about it. But my heart was restless; it had yearned for something deeper.
I missed the gentle atmosphere of shared prayer, the way Scripture could settle into a room like a cozy shroud made out of words. Besides finding a place to live, I always thought moving meant finding people who will carry you in prayer, who will sit beside you in joy and in hardship. Luckily, it wasn’t long before I found the right crowd, and today, using my own experiences, I’ll show you how to find a Christian community in a new city.
Rooting your faith in new soil
They say relocation stirs the soul. They’re right: sometimes, the emotional side of moving can feel more demanding than packing and paperwork (especially when you’re as old as I am). The change will loosen the ties you once thought unshakable. You’ll find yourself longing for the familiar cadence of your home church – the faces, the hymns, even the after-service coffee you’ve never really liked so much as the others.
When I finally packed my stuff and moved from Manitoba to Nova Scotia almost a quarter of a century ago, I had underestimated how deeply I’d miss my Wednesday night Bible study. The kitchen where we used to meet smelled faintly of cinnamon buns, and the laughter would often outlast the tea.
My first weeks in Halifax were full of half-assembled furniture and plastic cutlery. Still, the ache for a spiritual home was constant. It took time, small steps, and a willingness to walk into rooms where I knew no one before that ache had begun to ease.
Joining a congregation in a new place can feel like stepping into the middle of a conversation between people you’ve never met. The good news is that most Christian communities are more than eager to welcome newcomers (at least from my experience).
Visit several churches
The first Sunday should be a time of exploration. Attend services at different congregations across the city. Pay attention to the little details – how greeters meet you at the door, how the sermon connects with the congregation, how people linger afterward. A good fit should reveal itself through a sense of peace and belonging rather than anything else.
Join small groups and Bible studies
Yes, Sunday worship is essential, but weekday gatherings are where friendships grow. Many churches will host small groups or Bible studies that meet in homes or community centres. These settings invite deeper conversation and open the door to shared life in prayer.
My first real connection in Halifax came through a Thursday night potluck and study group. The conversation meandered from the Book of James to gardening tips, and, interestingly enough, I’ve left the place with both Scripture on my mind and a bag of fresh tomatoes from someone’s backyard.
Volunteer for church ministries
Whether it’s preparing meals for a community outreach, helping in the nursery, or joining the music ministry, working toward a shared goal fosters trust and joy. Service shouldn’t be seen as a task, but a common ground where strangers become friends.
Explore Citywide Christian networks
Many cities host interdenominational events and worship nights. These gatherings widen the circle and reveal opportunities that mightn’t appear in your average Sunday bulletin.
In Halifax, the town I can proudly call my own now, I’ve discovered a monthly prayer breakfast for local pastors and lay leaders. Even as a newcomer, I was welcomed with warmth and found several new friends whose home churches were scattered across the city.
Walking forward with an open heart
In a new city, the path to spiritual connection might begin with a handshake after church or a somewhat shy invitation to share a meal. It grows in the moments when we say yes – to attending an event, to serving, to opening our homes in return.
The joy of finding Christian community in a new city is that it becomes part of the story you’ll carry forward. Years later, the places and faces of those early days become woven into your personal faith journey. You’ll remember the sanctuary where you first felt at home, the kitchen table where you studied Scripture late into the evening. Most importantly, you’ll remember the people who became your family away from what you still considered home.
David Friesen moved from Manitoba to Halifax over 25 years ago and has spent much of his life learning what it means to build faith and friendship in a new city. Photo of two volunteers by Ismael Paramo on Unsplash.