I went to one church most of my life, then I had an incident with some people in that church and I'm still bitter so I don't go there anymore, but I still believe in God and want to go to some church, but how do I find the right one. I can cross off th Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Lutherans because they don't condemn homosexuality, but who should I pick? I think I agree with most of the Baptist stuff, but how can I start a relationship with people? met an old man in this church, and I've been talking to him casually, but I don't know if I can talk to him about deep spiritual issues, and I'm scared to talk to the pastor because he might lead me the wrong way.
2006-08-01 16:48:06 · 26 answers · asked by waltzorro 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I went to one church most of my life, then I had an incident with some people in that church and I'm still bitter so I don't go there anymore, but I still believe in God and want to go to some church, but how do I find the right one. I can cross off th Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Lutherans because they don't condemn homosexuality, but who should I pick? I think I agree with most of the Baptist stuff, but how can I start a relationship with people? met an old man in this church, and I've been talking to him casually, but I don't know if I can talk to him about deep spiritual issues, and I'm scared to talk to the pastor because he might lead me the wrong way.
By the way JCJC, I'm a guy.
2006-08-01 17:52:26 · update #1
By the way JCJC, I'm a guy.
2006-08-01 17:53:15 · update #2
First Read your bible. You need to get the Word of God into you so well that you know when the truth is being taught and fake stuff is coming across the pulpit. I never heard of being scared to talk to your spiritual leader (ie pastor) but I know people think He is like God or something. Believe me I work for a Pastor and they would love it if their congregants would come and have discussion with them about spiritual things and not problems with so and so or things wrong with the church. As far as starting a relationship with people in church you need to start opening up and joining some of the ministries in the church. I made friends in the youth ministry with other mothers. We started a young women's ministry in church and we have bible study as well as prayer. God Bless and pray and open your heart and ask the Lord where you can be used. The body of Christ needs you and needs your gifts. He will lead you to the right place.
2006-08-01 16:54:53 · answer #1 · answered by Monique B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first thing you should do when you are looking for a church is to ask to see their "statement of faith" and then determine if you agree with it or not. If you have any questions after reading it, you should talk to the pastor or someone in leadership. If you agree with it and visiting the church seems a pleasant experience for you, then start getting involved.
Find out where the church needs some helpers and start volunteering. Show up at any meetings or events where all are welcome. Be friendly--introduce yourself and try to remember as many names as possible. A good church will allow you to be involved in many things without becoming a member. If you feel pressured to become a member before you are ready. Try looking for another church.
I'm not sure what you mean about "deep spiritual issues," but if you don't think you can trust the pastor with such a discussion, you are in the wrong place. You must trust and respect the pastor and the pastor's leadership, which will most likely be reflected in different ways throughout the church body.
2006-08-02 00:02:02 · answer #2 · answered by happygirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree, just start going. They have usually have bulletins that you can pick up and find a Sunday School class to attend. That's always a good starting off point for meeting people and being able to talk about deeper issues than the weather and stuff like that. Most churches don't hound you about joining anyway. Some will require you to be a member before you are allowed to teach a class, but with background checks so easy to come by, that's not even required all the time. I've been attending a church for over two years that I have not officially joined yet. They only accept members once or twice a year, and I just haven't felt the need to sign on the dotted line. But, that's just me. I don't rush in to much of anything. My husband and I dated for 9 years before we got married! And as for which denomination? I'm partial to Assembly of God, but go where you are most comfortable. There are a lot of strong Bible based non denominational churches out there.
Good luck and don't give up. And don't dismiss the importance of attending a Sunday school class, that's where things will change for you as far as establishing relationships.
2006-08-02 00:01:36 · answer #3 · answered by Terri 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find a church where the pastor preaches from God's Word, where there are no denominational rules and where most of the folks have a good basic familiarity with the Bible. Look for the words "Bible Church or Fellowship" in the name. They should have some sort of small group catering to your age and status (single men, married 20's, women over 40, etc., etc.. Visit the church every time the doors are open for one month.
You'll know then if its the place where God wants you to settle down.
2006-08-01 23:55:09 · answer #4 · answered by steve 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a few services and see if you agree with what the pastor says. If you like his preaching and the people seem nice, then you could go to Sunday school to learn more or talk with the Pastor. You can go to the same church all your life without "joining" it. To join a church you normally have to attend for a certain amount of time, be loyal in paying tithes, sometimes be baptized in that church, etc, etc. Ask around and go visit churches, I would say that would be your best bet! Good Luck! :)
2006-08-01 23:53:57 · answer #5 · answered by ???? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The way we found a good church was by asking our neighbors when we moved. Our church is nondenominational. We dont go in any catigorys. To be part of a church without joining you just show up to the services. Maybe you shouldnt talk to the pastor either so he dosnt think your a member, unless you want to talk to him about spiritual stuff. And dont tell anyone you are a member either. I dont really know how to join, we just go every sunday for 5 years now. And if you need someone to talk to about spiritual stuff, you should talk to a pastor. Trust me, they know what there talking about! But you should join a church, you should stay in touch with God. He loves you no matter what church you go to!
2006-08-01 23:57:52 · answer #6 · answered by * ♥ * ♥ W ♥ * ♥ * 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to be a member to attend a Baptist church -- you just show up.
Being a member, for the most part, simply gives you voting rights at congregational business meetings (where they discuss the budget). it varies slightly from church to church, so ask for a statement of faith or a copy of the church constitution.
There are annoying people at every church (we are all human). God wants you to forgive, and to try to get along with people that you are not used to getting along with, so that you may grow. Don't let a few immature people run you off! You will be always running!
Some basic Baptist beliefs can be found at the link below:
2006-08-01 23:58:16 · answer #7 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You never have to join a church, and be leary of any pastor because any and all can lead you the wrong way. They are just men and just like every man they get it wrong sometimes. I'd say visit churches and find the one you feel best at and keep reading the Bible and praying for discernment so that you will be able to tell false teachings.
2006-08-01 23:55:13 · answer #8 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to different churches until you find one you like. If you find one that you feel comfortable in and you believe what they preach and you enjoy going - then I would say you found a church. Then you get involved and meet people and attend functions. You don't have to join to go. You join when you are ready to say that this is your church and your pastor. You can attend as long as you want with out joining. It isn't a membership to a club where you can't go if you are not a member.
Good luck and visit several churches.
2006-08-01 23:55:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sister there's no perfect church or people, all Church's have problems with each other, a church is just to have fellow ship with one another, God lives in your heart not in buildings made with mans hands, maybe you should ask that old man he may have a word of wisdom for you, talking about any thing other than God is a waste of time any way, give the old man a chance at lest you will be in fellow ship with him, TRUST GOD , MAN WILL ALWAYS LET YOU DOWN
2006-08-02 00:05:40 · answer #10 · answered by JCJC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋