Single? Don’t Know Anyone? No Problem!

If you’re someone like me, who’s never really been a regular churchgoer and might be feeling a bit apprehensive about walking into a service alone, you're not alone in that feeling. It can be intimidating, especially if you don’t have anyone to sit with or talk to. But as I discovered during my first visit to Crossroads, church can be surprisingly welcoming and comfortable—even when you walk in solo. Here are a few tips to help ease the nerves and make your first (or any) visit a lot smoother:

Arrive Early
This might seem counterintuitive if you’re nervous, but arriving a little early can actually make things less stressful. You’ll have a moment to get the lay of the land, find a good spot to sit, and settle in before the service starts. Plus, early arrival means less pressure to find a seat in the middle of a crowded room.

Look for the Greeters
At Crossroads, smiling faces greet you at each entrance (the main door to the Community Centre and back door of the lower level). These folks love Jesus and enjoy welcoming people to our place of worship each week! If you’re unsure where to go, don’t be afraid to ask. It’s not a “church-y” thing, it’s just a way to create a friendly atmosphere, and you’ll likely feel a lot less lost if you take advantage of it.

Make Yourself Comfortable
Grab a cup of hot coffee or tea and sit wherever you’d like! One of the many great things about Crossroads is that no one is judging you. Come dressed any way you like and sit wherever feels right for you—whether it’s near the front to immerse yourself in the experience, or in the back. It’s your choice, and no one will bat an eye.

Don’t Worry About Fitting In
Here’s a secret: people aren’t watching you as much as you might think. Don’t stress about needing to look or act a certain way! I was surprised to find that the people around me at Crossroads didn’t seem to care whether I was a regular member or not.

Participate, But Don’t Feel Obligated
At the start of each Crossroads service is worship. This is a chance to connect with God. If you’re comfortable, join in! But if not, it’s totally okay to just observe. No one’s going to call you out for not singing. Do what feels natural for you in the moment.

Stay After the Service (If You Want)                                                                                If you’re feeling like you want to meet people but aren’t sure how to start, hang around for a little bit after the service ends. Visit Crossroads Central on the way out or fill out a blue You Card to learn more about the church or get more deeply connected.

The best part about church, especially as a newcomer, is that it’s a space where you don’t have to have everything figured out. It’s about showing up, taking part in the moment, and finding a place of comfort—no matter whether you know anyone or not. So if you’re thinking about going but feel hesitant, take the leap! You might just find that walking in solo doesn’t have to mean feeling alone at all.