i think i want to go to church
I am 47 and have only been in church twice in my life,once when i was married and once
when i was around 8 or9.
any advice from regular church folks
Just pick one and go. Ask co-workers and friends see if they go and what church they go to.
Pray and ask God to guide you in your search.
A Plus
is it ok just to show up without knowing anybody,i think i would like to observe some different
churches before i decide which one might fit,but i dont want to be cornered or pointed out as a new person
Originally Posted By phil3333:
is it ok just to show up without knowing anybody,i think i would like to observe some different
churches before i decide which one might fit,but i dont want to be cornered or pointed out as a new person
probably depends on the church. Even within the same church institution, a lot can depend on the congregation.
Just about every church I have ever attended for services has made me welcome and tried to get me to become a member.
You can pick one close to home, or one with a service that fits your schedule, or go with a friend to their church. Lots of choices around here.
I would advise listening to the sermon closely to determine if the Bible is the final authority in this church, or a more modern social teaching.
maybe i should talk to the preacher before i go
Originally Posted By stevem1a:
Just about every church I have ever attended for services has made me welcome and tried to get me to become a member.
You can pick one close to home, or one with a service that fits your schedule, or go with a friend to their church. Lots of choices around here.
I would advise listening to the sermon closely to determine if the Bible is the final authority in this church, or a more modern social teaching.
ya,i dont want social justice being pushed at me
If you want to avoid any follow up while looking around, don't fill out visitor card. Ask folks about where they go.
Do you like music? We go to a real casual and comfortable church where there is about 30 minutes of upbeat music, everyone dresses casual and there is not a big emphasis on what " religion" it is.
Just a suggestion, go to www.willowcreek.com and look for churches I your area. You'll find most of these to be less traditional and more progressive. By progressive I mean not as formal.
Originally Posted By SoMiss1:
If you want to avoid any follow up while looking around, don't fill out visitor card. Ask folks about where they go.
Do you like music? We go to a real casual and comfortable church where there is about 30 minutes of upbeat music, everyone dresses casual and there is not a big emphasis on what " religion" it is.
Just a suggestion, go to www.willowcreek.com and look for churches I your area. You'll find most of these to be less traditional and more progressive. By progressive I mean not as formal.
thanks i will check that out
What was your reason for not ever going before?
Originally Posted By phil3333:
is it ok just to show up without knowing anybody,i think i would like to observe some different
churches before i decide which one might fit,but i dont want to be cornered or pointed out as a new person
This is absolutely fine. I agree if you want to be anonymous, don't fill out a visitor card.
What might be helpful is for you to look up at the top of this forum and read the postings in the "Apologetics" thread. This is a group of postings from many of us with links to the denominations we hold to. Read them and see if their doctrines agree with your thoughts. Or if you don't have any ideas as to your beliefs, what seems reasonable to you. It seems to me at least, that any religious group should be more than happy to tell you exactly what they believe. They really should be able to go deeper than, "we're a Bible based church". Well duh, I would hope so if it's a church claiming to be christian! For me, if they say, "we're an inclusive group with a wide umbrella..." that tells me that they don't stand for something and you'll hear anything. But, that's just me.
I would visit several churches in my area and, quite frankly, interview the pastor or leader and ask questions as to what they believe and how they reached their conclusions. And please remember, just because you disagree doesn't mean they are not sincere in their faith. Misdirected, perhaps; but not insincere.
I believe the reason for the church's existance is to spread the good news of the Gospel. If it has a basketball court, wonderful. But that's secondary. Churches are for worship and learning about God. Good fellowship is just icing on the cake. Welcome of course, but not the main goal.
You should probably decide before you go if the Bible is inspired by God, but open for interpretation, or inerrant. Is Jesus God, or something less?
When you find your church, please remember it's full of sinners who need to be there! Hospitals aren't for healthy people, churches aren't for the perfect!
Pray hard!
Originally Posted By WindKnot1-1:
Originally Posted By phil3333:
is it ok just to show up without knowing anybody,i think i would like to observe some different
churches before i decide which one might fit,but i dont want to be cornered or pointed out as a new person
This is absolutely fine. I agree if you want to be anonymous, don't fill out a visitor card.
What might be helpful is for you to look up at the top of this forum and read the postings in the "Apologetics" thread. This is a group of postings from many of us with links to the denominations we hold to. Read them and see if their doctrines agree with your thoughts. Or if you don't have any ideas as to your beliefs, what seems reasonable to you. It seems to me at least, that any religious group should be more than happy to tell you exactly what they believe. They really should be able to go deeper than, "we're a Bible based church". Well duh, I would hope so if it's a church claiming to be christian! For me, if they say, "we're an inclusive group with a wide umbrella..." that tells me that they don't stand for something and you'll hear anything. But, that's just me.
I would visit several churches in my area and, quite frankly, interview the pastor or leader and ask questions as to what they believe and how they reached their conclusions. And please remember, just because you disagree doesn't mean they are not sincere in their faith. Misdirected, perhaps; but not insincere.
I believe the reason for the church's existance is to spread the good news of the Gospel. If it has a basketball court, wonderful. But that's secondary. Churches are for worship and learning about God. Good fellowship is just icing on the cake. Welcome of course, but not the main goal.
You should probably decide before you go if the Bible is inspired by God, but open for interpretation, or inerrant. Is Jesus God, or something less?
When you find your church, please remember it's full of sinners who need to be there! Hospitals aren't for healthy people, churches aren't for the perfect!
Pray hard!
thank you
Just to shoot straight with you. If you have reached a point where you’re primarily just looking for a social group to gather with and have a few things in common ….simply look for one that fills your social needs.
Now if you have a desire to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”…you have an adventure before you my friend.
This country is filled with Churches that sell all kinds of various messages.
Many will appeal very nicely to our natural tendency to simply find a place that gives us a palatable list of religious rules or a punch list of good things we can “do” to “feel” better about ourselves.
But there is only one Truth that not only changes social settings but changes broken sinners.
Lots of Churches and religions have plenty to offer…..but are missing that Truth.
The root problem is Sin.
The Truth is Jesus.
Any Church that hides the “root” problem from you to make you “feel better” about yourself…will most likely also be hiding the “Truth” of Jesus as well.
Look for the Church that tells people the truth they need to hear over the religion they like to hear.
Gear Up for the Trip
Some good advice for the roadEpiscopal churches serve real wine.
You want to be in our part of heaven...
Originally Posted By 1IV:
Episcopal churches serve real wine.
You want to be in our part of heaven...
I was married in an Episcopal church,the wife and I decided were going to try them first
If you don't want to be singled out, or noticed as a visitor, consider a larger church - my experience is they don't usually point out visitors...or ask if you are one... they have many people
attending and usually don't know if your a first timer or not... A small church will usually notice visitors more. But they both have their strong points.
Do you want traditional worship, or more progressive/contemporary?
Find out what you can about the church
T1NMAN had a great post––- search for the truth!!
“seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”
Steven Curtis Chapman (Contemporary Christian singer) had a song out several yrs ago, "The Great Adventure"
It really is!!!
I would recommend a smaller congregation. It will be easier to see if God is there, through both the people you interact with and the message being preached. Also remember no church will be perfect. Satan will use any way possible to keep you from God, be diligent in finding a church. In my years I've gone to church I've been to churches that were doctrinally sound, yet lacked love among the people, and I've been to churches that had an abundance of love among the people yet the messages preached were watered down and ineffectual. I pray you find the right balance.
Prepare to meet a lot of people who can't think for themselves, and feel that a collection of people driven by some strange form of guilt is the best type of person to associate with.
Originally Posted By Madcap72:
Prepare to meet a lot of people who can't think for themselves, and feel that a collection of people driven by some strange form of guilt is the best type of person to associate with.
You do know this is a no-trolling forum, right?
Originally Posted By Justa_TXguy:
Originally Posted By Madcap72:
Prepare to meet a lot of people who can't think for themselves, and feel that a collection of people driven by some strange form of guilt is the best type of person to associate with.
You do know this is a no-trolling forum, right?
You know that sharing a difference of opinions is not trolling right?
Is the religion forum solely the realm of Christian group think, or is it open to free discussion?
Originally Posted By Madcap72:
Originally Posted By Justa_TXguy:
Originally Posted By Madcap72:
Prepare to meet a lot of people who can't think for themselves, and feel that a collection of people driven by some strange form of guilt is the best type of person to associate with.
You do know this is a no-trolling forum, right?
You know that sharing a difference of opinions is not trolling right?
Is the religion forum solely the realm of Christian group think, or is it open to free discussion?
Honestly, it's generally a Christian forum on arfcom. I know they don't say that officially but that is what it is. Just deal with it.
Originally Posted By Justa_TXguy:
Originally Posted By Madcap72:
Originally Posted By Justa_TXguy:
Originally Posted By Madcap72:
Prepare to meet a lot of people who can't think for themselves, and feel that a collection of people driven by some strange form of guilt is the best type of person to associate with.
You do know this is a no-trolling forum, right?
You know that sharing a difference of opinions is not trolling right?
Is the religion forum solely the realm of Christian group think, or is it open to free discussion?
Honestly, it's generally a Christian forum on arfcom. I know they don't say that officially but that is what it is. Just deal with it.
So... basically my initial statement was spot on?
I would suggest you find a non denominational church for starters. Lots of churches are more interested in getting you to join and start giving money than in your salvation. ymmy
Originally Posted By NRA2:
I would suggest you find a non denominational church for starters. Lots of churches are more interested in getting you to join and start giving money than in your salvation. ymmy
Are you serious with this? You honestly believe that congregations that are part of a denomination don't care about sprading the Gospel? Most denominations at least have a doctrine: a core statement of beliefs as to what the Bible states. Most denominations at least have seminaries where the clergy receives an education. What does "nondenominational" mean exactly? That Tom got up one morning and decided to start a church? Well, what does Tom thnk of infant baptism, and how did Tom reach that conclusion? What thoughts does Tom have on whether or not Christ is present on communion, or what does baptism do, if anything? Can Tom read the Scriptures in the original tongues, or does he have to rely on someone else's ranslations? Where does Tom go for a mentor? Where does a congregant go for church discipline is Tom errs in his ways? I've asked "preachers" in a couple of nondenominational congregations and found them to plain ol' NOT KNOW the Scriptures and have no idea of why we need to know the Law, for example, so that we can appreciate the Gospel.
It goes both ways. The OP should go to church with the intent of hearing the Word. If he doesn't whether it's a denominational or non denominational congregation, he needs to look further.
Originally Posted By WindKnot1-1:
Originally Posted By NRA2:
I would suggest you find a non denominational church for starters. Lots of churches are more interested in getting you to join and start giving money than in your salvation. ymmy
Are you serious with this? You honestly believe that congregations that are part of a denomination don't care about sprading the Gospel?
Churches are the best tax dodge around. Look at all the Mega Churches, and chain Churches like "Mars Hill Church". Scientology is the best example period of for profit religion.
Most denominations at least have a doctrine: a core statement of beliefs as to what the Bible states. Most denominations at least have seminaries where the clergy receives an education. What does "nondenominational" mean exactly? That Tom got up one morning and decided to start a church? Well, what does Tom thnk of infant baptism, and how did Tom reach that conclusion? What thoughts does Tom have on whether or not Christ is present on communion, or what does baptism do, if anything? Can Tom read the Scriptures in the original tongues, or does he have to rely on someone else's ranslations? Where does Tom go for a mentor? Where does a congregant go for church discipline is Tom errs in his ways? I've asked "preachers" in a couple of nondenominational congregations and found them to plain ol' NOT KNOW the Scriptures and have no idea of why we need to know the Law, for example, so that we can appreciate the Gospel.
Maybe Tom just want to go to a church, and offer himself to GOd, without a bunch of questions and opinions crammed down his throat
It goes both ways. The OP should go to church with the intent of hearing the Word. If he doesn't whether it's a denominational or non denominational congregation, he needs to look further.
But Tom (and those falsely founded churches of ANY sort) decided to lead people in their desire to understand God. Because of this, he has special responsibilities to them and is anserable to God on a higher level. Further, the Bible tells us we all have different gifts; just deciding to offer oneself for God doesn't qualify him to preach. How do the new to Christ know if Tom is right in his understanding or if he's wrong? Tom SHOULD be thoroughly prepared for all kinds of questions to be "rammed down his throat". He has decided to become a spiritual leader! God just may have planned for Tom to mow the grass at church. No less of importance, but different roles.
Nice try though.
Originally Posted By Madcap72:
Originally Posted By Justa_TXguy:
Originally Posted By Madcap72:
Prepare to meet a lot of people who can't think for themselves, and feel that a collection of people driven by some strange form of guilt is the best type of person to associate with.
You do know this is a no-trolling forum, right?
You know that sharing a difference of opinions is not trolling right?
Is the religion forum solely the realm of Christian group think, or is it open to free discussion?
Open and free discussion is strongly encouraged in this forum with the understanding that the discussion must be serious and remain respectful to all others who post.
Originally Posted By medicmandan:
Open and free discussion is strongly encouraged in this forum with the understanding that the discussion must be serious and remain respectful to all others who post.
No worries.
Originally Posted By medicmandan:
Open and free discussion is strongly encouraged in this forum with the understanding that the discussion must be serious and remain respectful to all others who post.
No worries.
Originally Posted By Shane333:
Pray and ask God to guide you in your search.
+1
Originally Posted By phil3333:
I am 47 and have only been in church twice in my life,once when i was married and once
when i was around 8 or9.
any advice from regular church folks
Any luck Op? If so, how did it go?
If you are drawn to church then go. I hope you find whatever you are looking for.
Originally Posted By name:
Just pick one and go. Ask co-workers and friends see if they go and what church they go to.
This. If, for whatever reason, you don't like the first church you pick, try another. I am happy for you wanting to take this step. Once you develop a close relationship with God, life gets better and better.
Posted Via AR15.Com MobileOriginally Posted By Shane333:
Pray and ask God to guide you in your search.
This also
Posted Via AR15.Com MobileOriginally Posted By Shane333:
Originally Posted By phil3333:
is it ok just to show up without knowing anybody,i think i would like to observe some different
churches before i decide which one might fit,but i dont want to be cornered or pointed out as a new person
probably depends on the church. Even within the same church institution, a lot can depend on the congregation.
I would say that if they don't welcome you, that isn't a church you want anything to do with.
Ultimately (and as has been said before in this thread), it all depends on what you're looking for.
I used to be an Episcopalian, but I left that church when I figured out that the Bible wasn't the Episcopalian's only source of authority. I was looking for a church that believes in the Bible and nothing else. None of the major denominations had that, and to make a long story very short, I ended up worshiping at a Church of Christ congregation. Couldn't be happier or more comfortable.
Happy to answer questions if you have 'em and good luck with your search. As someone else posted (quite correctly), life gets LOTS better as you get to know God!
