Need help finding a church that fits me?

Question

I have been in several different types of churches but can't seem to find one that fits me and my beliefs. I'm looking for any suggestions.

I believe that salvation comes through Jesus Christ, through faith. I believe that water baptism is an outward expression of the inward belief and do not believe that a person is saved by being baptized. I believe in infant dedication, but not infant baptism.

I believe in the Bible, but find modern interpretations to be more accurate than previous teachings.

I have very strong pro-life beliefs and believe that abortion takes the life of an innocent human being. I think women need better resources and education in order to prevent pregnancy and to make a living for themselves and their child if they are pregnant.

I have 2 young children that I want to raise in a good Christian church, but don't want them to learn to exclude/hate others.

And finally, I'm a lesbian, so I want a church that accepts me without condemnation.

TY!

Answer 1

It kind of depends on where you live. In larger cities you might find a Metropolitan Community Church. Another would be a United Church of Christ (NOT just "Church of Christ", they'll condemn you in a heartbeat) but I believe they are mostly in the Northeast U.S.

As a United Methodist pastor, I wish I could say that every United Methodist Church would welcome you without condemnation. Unfortunately, that's not the case. However, many United Methodist Churches will, you'll just have to visit and ask questions to find out how a particular church or pastor feels about LGBT folks. Also, United Methodists do practice infant baptism, which was another or your criteria.

Good luck with your search, and God bless. You are a child of God, and God loves you.

Answer 2

That last statement is one that will allow you to attend a Baptist church, but do not expect to get baptized within the church. Homosexuality is identified as "an abomination to the Lord", and unless there is a struggle to abstain from this behavior, just like any other sin that you do not plan to struggle against, you won't be considered ready for this ordinance until there are signals of your desire to turn away from this (and perhaps other) sinful lifestyles.

I can't answer as to whether the pastor would be willing to dedicate your children either, since there is also a promise made by the parents as well as the church, to bring them up in a Christian manner. If you are intending to bring them up believing that homosexuality is an accepted practice and not an abomination to the Lord, then again, don't expect these rites to be performed. You will be welcome in the church, but you'll need to realize that membership involves outward signs of a change of heart, and you will be a (loved) guest until that point.

Answer 3

You should not look be looking for a church that "fits" you. You should be looking to do God's will even if its not convenient to you.

It sounds like you are convinced that being a lesbian is not wrong. No one can make you believe something you do not want to believe, not even the Holy Spirit.

So basically your situation is this. You have chidren and want them to believe in God and have values. You dont want them to learn that homosexualism is wrong in the eyes of God (or learn to exclude/hate as you call it). You dont want them to learn this because you do it, not because its a bad thing to learn.

Sorry but you cant have it both ways.

So, look for a church that teaches the truth, not just whats convenient. Tell them who you are from the begginning to avoid the gossip issue. Start serving God with all your heart even if they dont make you an official member because of you being a lesbian.

God will make the necessary changes in the way. If you listen.

You chidren will learn whats right and wrong one way or the other.

Answer 4

Iam the same way. I strongly urge you to check out a non denominational church. especailly for your kids. I was athiests because of my father (he is one) but When i joined the scouts (they are catholic) I learned alot of things on my own. Now I am not the strongest christian you'll see. (although i should try harder) but the honor in what I follow and the code I live by from being an eagle scout falls in line so much with the ten coomandments and it is not so much that I follow them. I feel I am a part of them and I have alot of pride in learning these things under my own influences. This is a scoiety that is shuning christianity and I find that non denominatiol churches removes alot of the unessacary ignorance that christians put between one another. I hope you as well as your kids choose well based not just on what you believe but how you act and what you do. I wish the greatest of luck

Answer 5

Why not say "i want to find a Christian church that follows the bible."
The bible says, 'our ways are not God's ways"
You say you believe that baptism is an outward expression of the inward belief-where is this in the bible?
What does bible say about baptism?
I present the following Bible passages to answer that question.

Mark 16:16 He that believes and is baptized will be saved, but he that does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 2:38 "Peter said to them, Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."

John 3:5 Jesus answered, most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born from water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Galatians 3:27 For all of you who are baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.

Colossians 2:12 For you were buried with him in baptism and you were raised up together through faith.

Acts 10:48 With that he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Mark 1:5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with him through our baptism into his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised up from the dead through the glory of the Father, we also should likewise walk in a newness of life.

Ephesians 4:5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
(The person helping the Christian in the body of water during the baptism process is not the one that is baptizing that Christian. The one who is doing the actual baptism is the Holy Spirit, because He is the one who does all baptizing. That is why this verse says, "One Baptism").

Acts 22:16 And now why are you delaying? Rise and get baptized and wash your sins away by your calling upon his name.

Acts 2:38 Repent and be Baptized for the remission (forgiveness) of your sins.

1 Peter 3:21 And corresponding to that, baptism saves you. Not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience; through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of people of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Try either
"Christian church"
"Disciples of christ"
These follow bible teachings very close

Answer 6

I think you are living in a dream world. The best way to bring up young children is to teach them the Native American 10 commandments, they make a lot more sense than anything else I have read.

1. Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.

2. Remain close to the Great Spirit in all that you do.

3. Show great respect for your fellow human beings and respect yourself.

4. Work together for the benefit of all Mankind.

5. Give assistance and kindness whenever needed.

6. Do what you know to be right, but be careful not to fall into self righteousness.

7. Look after the well being of both mind and body.

8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.

9. Be truthful and honest at all times, especially be truthful and honest with yourself.

10.Take full responsibility for your actions.

Answer 7

I think a Unitarian Church, some Presbyterian churches, and the United Church of Christ would be some for you to check out if you haven't already.

I don't condemn you, either. Pray about your search and the Lord will lead you to the right church !

Answer 8

that's my understanding which you pass to church to learn approximately God, no longer fill your "desires:" you are able to relax certain that in case you decide on for the different reason, very quickly you will no longer could desire to undertaking when you consider which you will have not have been given any needs to fulfill. If the certainty is what you're in seek of, Jehovah's witnesses can assist you. in case you seek for something else, you will discover many churches who will convenience you with the certainty which you're able to do something you prefer and nonetheless be a member in reliable status.

Answer 9

Well, you sounded like a normal Christian that would fit into any church I've ever been to, until that last line. If you believe in the Bible you have to acknowledge what it says about that.

I was one once too, and I found a church that accepted me and didn't condemn me, but they helped me to get free of it. They accepted me, but they knew the Bible well enough to assist me in changing. They didn't force me, I wanted to change. But Biblically, if someone is unwilling to acknowledge their sin and seek change, they aren't allowed to stay in the church.

Answer 10

Question; Have you considered fitting a church; rather than a church fitting you? (In effect; are you putting self ahead of the church? Is the church suppose to be Christ's body)?