I have lived in quite a few major cities since the age of 18, with the most recent being Dallas, Texas. And although I consistently find myself in a new place, I end up going on the same church-search routine:

• Research bible-teaching churches in the area
• Write down any church I see while I’m out exploring my new city
• Check out each church’s website, leadership team, ministries, and beliefs
• Make a list, visit each one, and pray for direction

If this process sounds tiring to you, just imagine me having to do this for every church in every city I have lived.

via GIPHY

Finding a church home can be a long process, especially when you’re new to an area. Plus, there are so many factors to consider when selecting the best “fit” for you and your family.

• Where is the church located?
• Does it have a children’s ministry?
• Does it have opportunities to serve?
• Is it bible-based teaching?
• Most important, is God leading you there?

I have asked myself these questions and many more after visiting possibly hundreds of churches over the past decade. And with every search, I remember wishing that there was some sort of church directory or recommended list to make my pursuits a little easier.

And this is why I wanted to share some of my favorite bible teachers and churches that I’ve been blessed to encounter along my journey. I understand how tiring this process can be, so whether you’re new to an area and seeking a good church home or already belong to a church but desire to try something new, below are few personal recommendations. Plus, all of the pastors and churches mentioned below stream their services online, so you can check them out even if you’re not in the same area.

Criteria for Recommended Churches

• Biblically sound doctrine
  • Although I grew up attending non-denominational churches, what matters most to me is truth. Therefore, I have also attended churches that are Baptist.
• Expository teaching 
  • I have always gravitated toward pastors who truly break down the meaning of scriptures.
• Church attendance
  • I have either attended the church as a member or regularly follow the pastor’s teachings.

8 Bible-Teachers I Recommend for Spiritual Growth

Dr. Marvin L. Hugley, Sr.—Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church (Tucson, AZ)

I’ll admit that I have a personal bias with Pastor Hugley because he is my dad. But, relationship aside, he is a solid bible teacher. What I appreciate about his teaching is that he makes a point to connect every sermon and message back to the cross so that our perspectives as Christians are never on “self.” He is also very outspoken about race and social justice issues from the biblical perspective, and his mastery of the black sermonic tradition gives you uplifting Martin Luther King, Jr. vibes.

*I have visited but have not been a member of this church.

Pastor D.A. Glasby—Remnant Community Church (Washington, D.C.)

Pastor Glasby is an excellent bible teacher because he does not shy away from the truth, even when it’s unpopular. He also does a great job of breaking down scriptures to a level that people can relate to and understand. One of the most important reasons I recommend this pastor is because I know him personally—as a pastor, spiritual father, and friend—and I can attest to his character. Unfortunately, many people are deterred from Christianity because they don’t see some christian leaders’ personal lives align with their teachings of righteousness, but this is far from the case for Pastor Glasby. He truly has a heart for preaching the word and a bigger heart for loving his family and others.

*I have visited but have not been a member of this church.

Pastor Sean R. Moore—Faith Christian Center Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ)

I first saw Pastor Moore preach when I visited FCC-Phoenix my sophomore year in college. He was fired up and excited about God and the Word as he delivered his message, and let me assure you that he’s the same way almost 12 years later. Not only will Pastor Moore give you a sound, scripture-backed word, he will do it with some humor, encouragement, and a little conviction because he makes sure to challenge you to grow.

Also, FCC-Phoenix as a church is phenomenal! The friendly greeters, how they welcome each visitor, and the beautiful diversity (age, ethnicity, and gender) of this church is refreshing. Plus, their praise and worship is the absolute best and most dynamic out there!

*I have been a member of this church.

Pastor Reggie Roberson—King’s Park International Church (Durham, NC)

King’s Park is a hidden gem! I love that it’s diverse, the people are welcoming, and you can truly tell that the members are part of a community. What stood out to me during my time at King’s Park was how every message connected to Jesus. I had never seen this correlation consistently taught in a church and learning this while at King’s Park truly opened my eyes to the significance of Jesus Christ and how everything points back to him. Also, King’s Park was committed to biblical racial reconciliation before it was a hashtag. I recall one service where they focused on this issue from the perspectives of people of different races and even had a time of confessing wrongdoings, asking for repentance, and prayer for healing. Absolutely incredible ministry.

*I have been a member of this church.

Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile—Anacostia River Church (Washington, D.C.)

It saddens me that I discovered ARC right before I was set to move from D.C., but I make it a point to follow Pastor “T” and ARC each Sunday. If you’re looking for a true biblical scholar, a solid word, and deeper truth and understanding, go no further than Pastor T. He is one of the best biblical orators I have ever followed. He is highly intellectual and educated not only about the bible but also critical national and international matters and how we should operate in this world and through these various social issues as Christians. And I so greatly appreciate his commitment to partnering with the Southeast D.C. community to restore and revitalize that area and his fervor about protecting the underserved. Plus, his journey as a converted Muslim is extremely educational and can help challenge your assumptions and approaches to non-Christians.

*I have regularly attended but have not been a member of this church.

Pastor Joel E. Gregory—Linked Up Church (Atlanta, GA)

Pastor Gregory really helped me grow my first year out of college, especially in my understanding of the Holy Spirit. Although I have not followed him since 2015, I still recommend him because I know he is a dedicated bible teacher and a faithful man of God. He always taught the truth in love, even when it didn’t feel good, and I am sure anyone who attends his church will feel welcomed and will grow under his leadership.

Priscilla Shirer—Going Beyond Ministries

Priscilla Shirer is an amazing bible teacher. She practices expository teaching, so you can be certain that you will walk away with a well-rounded understanding of the scriptures after listening to one of her messages. I love her books and bible studies and also that she consistently displays and teaches about biblical womanhood.

Tim Mackie—Bible Project

Tim Mackie is my absolute favorite bible scholar! I stumbled upon a Bible Project video on YouTube in 2017 and have been hooked ever since. Mackie’s fascinating background of seminary, Hebrew studies, professor, and former pastor all work together beautifully to equip him to educate the world about the story of Jesus through the Bible Project. Plus, his testimony is very cool and shows how God can use the most unlikely people for His glory. 

I regularly listen to Mackie’s old sermons and credit his teaching style with helping me grow in my understanding of so many biblical concepts from how to read the bible to the meaning of words used in scripture to the symbolism in Revelation. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of the bible’s purpose and better understand how the book connects us to Jesus, Tim Mackie and the Bible Project are sure to challenge you!

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This list reflects my personal Christian walk thus far as these teachers/pastors helped me grow during different stages of my journey. However, my recommendations won’t be for everyone. So, if you don’t see a pastor, bible teacher, or church community listed that has strengthened your relationship with God and the scriptures, feel free to list them below!