2006-10-06 06:57:05 · 9 answers · asked by TC 87 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Incredibly welcome. I had people praying over me, shaking my hand, hugging me, kissing me. It was almost too much! Then, to top it off, they asked me to stand up in front of the congregation and witness to them; I didn't know it, but they were taping it and my little speech was played at the end of the church broadcast the next Sunday (our church produces a tv show). Then they decided to run it for months after each sermon. Kinda embarrasing, but lots of people said I spoke well.
Peace.
2006-10-06 07:02:40 · answer #1 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's always different, but it is actually how I chose which church to become a part of. I've been a Christian pretty much all my life, and I don't believe in denominational separation, so I didn't have that guideline to use in choosing. I tried a few different churches when I moved into town and I came and went without anyone so much as saying hi. I had previously been at a very friendly, community oriented church, so that is what I looked for. I finally found it and stayed.
You can get teaching anywhere, off your tv or radio even, so finding a church body to join should be more about finding a support net and a family. Sadly, too many churches don't offer this, leading to the shunning of churches by many.
2006-10-06 14:08:14 · answer #2 · answered by BaseballGrrl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an interesting perspective on this topic. Though I did not join a new religion I did change "congregations". The church I belong to is world wide. When I moved I was welcomed with open arms. I was given rides to and from church invited to dinner regularly even given a place to stay while I looked for an apartment. I was made a part of many families. It was wonderful. I try to do the same when new people come to church for the first time. I shake their hand and tell them how happy I am to see them there. Sadly this is not always the case. I wish everyone could be as lucky as I was.
2006-10-06 14:01:59 · answer #3 · answered by Richmond C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
After we first got saved we went to one church that was mostly his family in it. Then we left that church and started going to another church close by and they made us feel like we was family. They got us involved with the choir, and any work we would do. It wasn't long before I was teaching the young kids. Then we got involved in a Nursing Home Ministry. So really it was like we was never really new commers. Thats the way a church should be. I been to some churches for there revivals and not one came to shake my hand, but I went around shaking there hand, bet that made some feel bad. If you have a unfriendly church chances are the Holy Spirit isn't there.
2006-10-06 14:05:41 · answer #4 · answered by iwant_u2_wantme2000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having moved a couple of times, I've had different experiences with different congregations (of the same religion), but for the most part, I'd say I always felt very welcomed. Now that I've been in this congregation for a while I try to help new folks feel welcome. It's a little tricky to do that for all of them though because there's a student apartment complex in our neighborhood, and a lot of young people moving in and out all time!
2006-10-06 14:02:11 · answer #5 · answered by daisyk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They were so nice to me and that has never changed. I came in jeans and a t-shirt and my husband told me I ought to be ashamed but I never felt even the least bit scorned or ridiculed even though everyone else was dressed in suits or dresses. Since then, I have visited many other Kingdom Halls in other parts of the US and Canada and always felt welcome. Even when I went to a Spanish speaking meeting by mistake!! I believe these truly are God's people.
2006-10-06 14:57:44 · answer #6 · answered by Sparkle1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had the full gamut of experiences from being made to feel like an old friend to being so ostracized I was frightened.
2006-10-06 14:01:29 · answer #7 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The truth is:
Some congregations make you feel at home, by showing friendliness and a genuine interest in you. "By their love shall you know them".
Others make you feel like an outsider.
2006-10-06 14:04:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was welcome 20 years ago,but now...
2006-10-06 16:24:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋