How Far Are You Willing to Travel for a Great Church?

[TJGospels]

I've been doing some research on my next church and am finding that as I explore in the neighboring metro area, my options expand enormously if I am willing to drive 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

This sounds unreasonable, but if I double up I can visit multiple churches on the same day AND perhaps do some sight seeing, visit a nice restaurant and go hiking later in the afternoon. 

I used to drive and travel extensively early 2020 and prior and I stopped doing that for the past couple of years so it almost seems like a hassle to drive rather than an opportunity and adventure like I did before!

Time to load up some audiobooks and podcasts while I road trip!

What is the longest you are willing to drive/travel for a great church?

[ayin jade]

I have made a couple of hours round trip before. In my new residence, the church I wish to go to is about an hour and a half round trip. Price of gas is starting to be a concern though. 

[other one]

we have a 3 minute drive if the single light is red....   .9 miles

[walla299]

2 hours ago, TJGospels said:

What is the longest you are willing to drive/travel for a great church?

As far as necessary so long as that particular church is where the Lord wants me.

I don't recommend a 6 mile mountain bike ride in 100+ degrees, but I've done that back when I was stuck on mass transit. The exercise was great, the heat not so much.

[Marathoner]

30 years ago? 500 miles. That's how far I traveled, but I relocated there so it was a one-way trip. 

I go wherever the Lord sends me and when I arrive, I stay until He moves me somewhere else. I've been in the same place now going on 10 years which is new for me, seeing as how I never remained in one place for longer than two years. 

Edited April 22, 2022 by Marathoner

[teddyv]

We have to walk about 850 metres.

[walla299]

4 hours ago, Marathoner said:

30 years ago? 500 miles. That's how far I traveled, but I relocated there so it was a one-way trip. 

One way trip? That's cheating! 

 

[Marathoner]

3 minutes ago, walla299 said:

One way trip? That's cheating! 

 

Well... The question was how far we would travel to a great church. That it was one-way isn't important! 

 

It was so awesome, I stayed! 

Edited April 23, 2022 by Marathoner

[Deborah_]

"How far" depends on the geographical situation and the means of transport available. But I wouldn't want to go as far as a different town, however good the church there was. My reasoning is that there are (in the UK) Christians in every town, and I ought to get to know them and fellowship with them. The local churches may not be perfect, but there must be at least one where God can use me.

[TJGospels]

I absolutely prefer as short of a trip as possible to church, no question. Having said that, the local churches are forcing my hand. I've made the rounds before, settled on a church and it blew up in a heap of corruption and decadence. 

2nd church, same thing. These are the BEST run churches in town. 

I am not looking for perfection. I am looking for service messages which are relevant and coherent and for staff and congregations that think and act with integrity.