I started reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Within the first three pages I realized that the Lord was giving me another chance. The problem is that I don't know what denomination to attend. I used to go to a non-denominational church, but it's so far away. I don't like churches that are highlighted by the type of community in it (caucasian, hispanic, African American) because I want my son to see a mixed community and not become segregated. Are there any contemporary churches that teach about the word, worship, and provide the message in a modern way? Where do I find that in Maryland? I thought of Arlington, VA. What denomination is Pastor Rick Warren's church?
2007-01-08 13:31:13 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
you can do internet research on the various denominations. religioustolerance.org is a great, unbiased resource. there are hundreds of christian denominations out there. go to the website and read a few each day, remembering the ones that interest you and follow your personal beliefs. once you narrow down the list, do more research. if there is a branch near you, visit their church. if youlike how they're run and the service appeals to you, keep going.
2007-01-08 13:37:44 · answer #1 · answered by super_shlee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure it has already been said in one way or another. You need to find a Bible teaching church. One that puts the words to action and is not content to let people wander in aimlessly instead of seeking them out.
To this end you must search and see what kinds are out there and give each a fair chance. Visit one a Sunday and make a list of the ones that fit that criteria and then go back on odd nights and see how they measure up. I know it sounds horrid, but really you judge them by their fruits. Also, you have children and they need to have good instruction too.
Some one mentioned Calvary Chapel. It is a good church, but I find some of their inner workings flawed. Not enough that I would not go if there was not more to choose from. Nazarenes are good as well as the other main lines. Non denom's should not be over looked either. I never thought I would find myself outside my old "religion" but I am now attending a Christian Church.
Do everything through prayer and careful consideration and you will find yourself in a very good place. It is just like marriage you should search carefully and find the right one. Do not settle or you will find your self jaded instead of divorced.
2007-01-08 14:12:35 · answer #2 · answered by crimthann69 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if I were you, the most important priority in finding a church is that it contain the fullness of truth as revealed by God. That is more important than the kind of music or people that attend. (Not to say that is not important. You want to LIKE your church!!) The Bible says that there is only one Truth, not multiple truths. So your goal should be to find the church that contains that truth.
Let's look for the 4 marks of the true Church in the Bible.
Well, first, the Bible says that there is ONE Church. (Mt. 16- "And I say to you, you are Peter and upon this rock I will built my CHURCH." Not churches.) So there is one Church.
The second mark is that the Church is holy. The founder is Jesus and the purpose of the Church is to get you to heaven. The Church is called the Body of Christ in the Bible. So the Church is holy, although it is made up of sinners, it is a divine and holy institution.
Thirdly, the Church is catholic, or universal, meaning that it is everywhere. Jesus said in Mt. 28 "Go therefore and make disciples of ALL NATIONS, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
Lastly, the Church is apostolic, meaning that the true Church can trace its leaders back to the apostles. Jesus appointed 12 apostles, and when Judas hung himself, the apostles appointed another in his place, calling it a office to be filled. You can also see this by the writings of the early Church fathers that apostolic succession is a reality.
You may have guessed that I'm Catholic, and you're right. I am Catholic because I believe the Catholic Church has the fullness of truth as revealed by God.
Since you are not Catholic, you may want to ask yourself a few questions. I am assuming you believe in standard Protestant doctrines.
Why do you believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God? Because it claims to be? Does the Bible anywhere say that the Bible alone is our authority?
Does the Bible ever say we are saved by faith alone? James actually says that we are not saved by faith alone. (Jas. 2:24) That's the only place in the Bible where the phrase "faith alone" appears.
Does your church have presbyters (Greek for priest), deacons or bishops? The early Church did! You can read all about it in Acts, or Paul's letters.
I suggest you study your Bible for yourself, as well as Biblical history before you spend time finding a new church, and spend time in prayer asking God for guidance. I'm not trying to convert you or anything. Just make sure that you can trust your soul to the church you attend.
God Bless you in your search for the Truth!
P.S. There are many Catholic Churches in nearly every city!
2007-01-08 13:57:00 · answer #3 · answered by ♥ Rose♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good center between denominational and non-denominational for you would be a Calvary Chapel. On the whole, the message is consistent and orthodox, and, although there is some structure and accountability going back to the mother church in Costa Mesa, there is much autonomy in the separate branches. I attend Calvary Chapel Awatukee and am blessed constantly.
Rick Warren's church, Saddlerock in San Diego, is non-denominational, I think...
2007-01-08 13:41:31 · answer #4 · answered by stronzo5785 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have no idea what religion Rick Warren is but I would suggest a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses for all the other requirements you wish. They are everywhere and unitedly teach God's word without prejudice toward any race and culture no matter where they are.
2007-01-08 19:34:37 · answer #5 · answered by Sparkle1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rick Warren founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., in 1980. Today, it is an evangelical congregation averaging 22,000 weekly attendees, a 120-acre campus, and has more than 300 community ministries. He is a non-denominational theologian, same as Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, and myself.
2007-01-08 13:41:13 · answer #6 · answered by Heaven's Messenger 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
as you know from the book you should go to a church that you feel good about being in, all churches have their problems but you need to get past some of that it is best to find one that preaches the Word and you will be able to tell that church so I would suggest you go and check out some that you are interested in such as Pastor Rick Warren's and others and then go to the one you feel is right for you
2007-01-08 13:37:41 · answer #7 · answered by billc4u 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't try to find a mixed church-that never works for anyone. Most large churches will have mostly one race and a few others-thats the way it will always wind up. So, trust me-forget that.
You should look for a Calvary Chapel. They are fairly baptistic in doctrine, but are not Baptist. They have Maranatha type music and very sound Bible teaching. It is a very safe church to attend while you are looking for one. There are about 2500 Calvary Chapels in the USA. Do a web search on calvary chapel. you will find one. I have never known anyonw who did not like Calvary Chapel.
2007-01-08 13:43:58 · answer #8 · answered by DATA DROID 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is a book that is better than Rick Warren's book, it is called the Bible. Find a church that is a Bible teaching church.
2007-01-08 13:40:03 · answer #9 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I would check your phone book. Look in the yellow pages. Sometimes you just "know" which church is right.
God bless
2007-01-08 13:36:01 · answer #10 · answered by Jennifer D 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋