I need to pick a new church, but how?

Question

I was raised Catholic, but stopped going to church because I found that when I was there, I didn't like being there. There are a lot of things Catholics believe that I do not. My beliefs are, like many people my age, much more liberal. So I am trying to find a church that fits me better. I am not a super religious person, but I would like to start going to church once in a while. I do not want to go to a church that frowns upon other religions or tries to "recrute" peple to be members of their church. I think thats weird. How do I pick a new church?

It's not a matter of me wanting to "belong" to a group. It's more about wanting to have something to believe in. Something a little structured.

Sorry, not into sewing or Bingo.....guess that wont work, but maybe you should reevaluate your faith...it obviously isn't to accepting of other people and thats very sad...you are very sad... I pity people like you.

Answer 1

Try visiting an Episcopal or Unitarian church. I liked Methodist too. Just visit on Sunday and see what you get from the different places. In fact, visit them all with an open mind. It is very enlightening about human nature.

Answer 2

how you choose a church should be based on "what is truth?" not on what people do or think. There may be different churches in the same religion-one group of people may be more interesting to you. But start with the beliefs of the church. If you believe there is a God and that the Bible is His Word then you have a great starting point. You can look up what churches believe online and see if what they say is true yourself. If it is so complicated that you cannot understand it then I would go somewhere else. The truth should be easy to understand and explain. Here is a great starting point to check out different religions. A true religion should teach to obey all the commandments of God. That is basic. Click on any of these religions to see what they believe....will save a lot of time. One other thing is to ask God to guide you to find the truth. He promises to do that. John 8:32, John 7:17

Answer 3

As a cradle catholic, who for the last 25 years was a non- practicing, I found that the rule to each their own was pretty much what I followed. But last year I returned to Church and remembered that the very first item that is taught is obedience. Man was I lost at that first service! I know it sounds crazy but once you realize that, the dogmas and catechism falls right into place. The only other piece advice I can offer is pray. Prayer offers you a comfort that you can't get anywhere else. I try to pray the rosary every day and I find that I don't get upset easily as I use to. Oh You will have bad days but I will tell you regardless of where you decide to worship, you won't have a bad week.

Answer 4

First, ask your friends (who have common interests) where they attend. If you begin there when you go the first time you will know at least one person. Pick their brains a little too about what they believe and why. You won't go wrong starting there.
Remember that it can take a while to find the right "fit" that's one of the reasons there are so many different congregations out there.
What's good for the goose doesn't always work for the gander.
Good luck!

Answer 5

I was born a Catholic but the church scared me, too much pain, suffering, the crucifix, the martyrs, etc. But my personal circumstances changed dramatically and I was adopted by a Chinese family (I am white and we were living in Hong Kong at the time), my new family was Buddhist (actually my new brothers and I were good friends before the adoption took place) and I had gone to the temple with them before. It is such a gentle religion, undemanding and one of the heart. I do not have a shaven head, nor do I wear a robe. I am a physician. Buddhism is a personal religion and we do go to the temple sometimes...but not often, our prayers are in our thoughts. I won't tell you is it right for you, but worthy of a thought. If I may assist further, email me.

Answer 6

I was also raised Catholic, and grew up not agreeing with everything the Catholic church said...like confession, priests having to be male etc.

When I got older I really gave a lot of thought to changing churches. I ended up going to service every week at a different church...including other Catholic churches, other Christian denominations, Jewish temples. I was looking for a place that I felt I belonged.

In the end, I ended up switching to another Catholic church where the priest was more liberal. Yes, they do exist. My feeling on sticking with the Catholic church is that I understand their positions, which makes me better equipped to question them. My faith has never been stronger.

So my recommendation would be to try out as many churches as you can until you find one that you feel you belong in. One suggestion would be a Lutheran Church. I really loved attending one in my town. They have many of the same traditions, their service is similar, but they are more liberal and are very welcoming....but not super pushy, like the Evangelical church I attended also. (no offense to Evangelicals...this was just my experience).

Best of luck to you in your journey.

Answer 7

How? It's called "independent investigation of truth". You are wise not to let people 'recrute' you into this or that church. Seek the Word of God alone and don't be content with human interpretation. God, Himself, will lead you to the right church (faith?). I was in a similar place about 14 years ago. What I was hearing from the pulpit didn't jive with what I was reading in the Bible. I was eventually lead to the Baha'i Holy Writings. One of the Teachings I was really attracted to is that all the major religions come from the one, true God. The dissension between them is manmade and not, in the least, pleasing to God. I investigated the Writings for almost a year before declaring myself a Baha'i. If you'd like to check it out, a good place to start is www.bahai.org. If you feel it's something you'd like to investigate further the website can connect you with other Baha'is in your area.

Here's a quote from one of the books from Baha'u'llah's Revelation, THE HIDDEN WORDS. It has to do with your statement "I do not want to go to a church that frowns upon other religions ...":

"O CHILDREN OF MEN!
Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest. Such is My counsel to you, O concourse of light! Heed ye this counsel that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness from the tree of wondrous glory."

God be with you in your search.

Answer 8

I also being raised Catholic myself, had this same issue with the their beliefs. So, what I did was do some church hopping, literally I went around and visited several different Churches until I found one that I felt comfortable in. One that I felt i would like to be involved with and participate in their worship service. And better fit into my belief systems. So, that would be my suggestion, God will put you where you should be. Good luck and God bless

Answer 9

Try starting with a non-denominational church that accepts you for the way you are. All are welcome at my church. We want those that the religious churches have rejected: the drug addict, the prostitute, the gang banger, the alcoholic. It never fails, once they get under the loving TRUTH of the word, NOT THE RELIGION, they begin to see their lives turned around.

http://www.withoutwalls.org

looks like Sho-Nuff has the gift of prophecy, because that is the name of our church!!!!!
BTW, you can watch our services live on the internet. We'll be having service tonight at 7:00 eastern

Answer 10

That's the problem nowadays. People think they can pick and choose a religious belief like a new pair of shoes. I am sorry if i am sounding critical please don't be offended. I don't go to church but i am a believer. I believe in God and i don't need to sit in a church to prove it. My suggestion to you is to sit down and really think hard on what it is you believe in (Not what others try and push on you) and go from there. You might find that what is inside you is better than any church could hope to provide. I am not trying to put you off to church by any means but God will judge you for who YOU are not what denomination you are.