Please need advice when new to visiting a church?

Question

I will be going to going to visit a Christian church tomorrow for the first time in several years, so I was hoping I could please ask some advice on what is the best way to interact and become acquainted when you are new to visiting a particular church. It would also be nice to meet some new people there if possible. I am Christian and consider myself very religious (I do try my very best to be faithful to Jesus' teachings and to be a good person). The reason I haven't been to church lately is mostly because of having bad experiences and/or not feeling accepted in the ones I have attended so far, which have been discouraging in the past. This church I will be visiting is Catholic, but I am open to all Christian denominations. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

First of all, so glad to hear that you are going to church in the morning. I understand being hurt by churches- it has happened to my husband and I , not to long ago. We were hesitant about going to church too- I have some advice about making friends- be friendly yourself, that always helps. Get into a small group as soon as you can. I have to admit some churches are friendlier than others- you would think the body of Christ would be great everywhere you go. One thing I advise, from my own personal experience- look for a church that cares more about what Jesus would do, then what the felt needs of the congregation may be. If Jesus is truly the Leader of the Church then the people will be very relational and friendly. Try a non-denominational christian church also- God will lead you to the Church that is just right for you- but as I have to remind myself no church is perfect because people are in it- and I have to remember I am a person too, so things will not always be perfect. God bless.

Answer 2

Dear Beta,

Visiting a new church can be a bit scarry. Do you know anybody that attends the church? If so sit with them and ask them to be your guide. If you do not know anybody, I would suggest that you sit near the back of the church. The people arround you may be friendly or not. Often when people go to church, they become caught up in their worship to God and do not even realize that you are there. Since you are attending a Roman Catholic service, there will probably be a Mass. For the first few times back, I would refrain from partaking. Mass is something that is reserved for those who have a deep relationship with God. This may or may not be your situation, but usually it is best to wait a while.

Ther will probably be an offering taken. Offerings are designed for those that are members of the church to help defray the cost of the church. You are a guest. I do not have guests come to my house for dinner and then expect them to pay me something. So it is with the church. Guests are not expected to participate in the offering.

You may feel a bit awkward at first, but remember that you are there to worship God, and He is glad to see you there.

I personally worship at a denomination called the Christian Reformed Church. Originally many Dutch people attended that church. I have worshipped in many different churches, but have found that the CRC that I attend is very friendly.

If you enjoy the service even a bit, be sure to let the priest or minister know and ask for a time you can talk to him. It is then that you can ask questions that came to mind when you were at the service.

I will make this promise to you. As I worship tomorrow, i will be praying that God will be with you in this new experience.

God bless

Bryan

Answer 3

I am WAY DOWN HERE!!

I am guessing it would be safe to say you are used to traditional church services consisting of three services available a week.
Usually a introduction & welcome opening, a time for songs and offerings and then the teaching portion.

That's what I am used to. I was invited to church services with a co-worker and I just guessed or asumed it'd be something I was familiar with but was told it would be Catholic and I first felt creepy.

I met my friend in the parking lot nerves on end and we agreed to sit sorta toward the back and I'd follow my friends actions.
Not to go into detail I was surprised at the dicipline and repeated things we said and done.

The message was good, at least I thought it was, and afterwards was welcomed by the congragation. Over all.. I certinally would not talk down on any religion but I think I'll stick with what I am familiar with.

Good luck and keep a open mind.

Answer 4

It can be tough to find a good congregation. People often look for that perfect fit. The fact of the matter is that no congregation will be perfect because the people in it are not perfect. God wants us to have fellowship with other believers so that we can help each other and work together for his church. I think that the best thing to do is find a denomination that fits your beliefs and then find a congregation that will be convenient for you to attend. Once you start getting involved in some small groups or activities there you should start to feel right at home.

Answer 5

although you may not want to hear it,
hear the Truth of God:
The catholic church is not a Christian church for the following reasons:
1) the deny the rightful place of Jesus Christ as the only intersessor needed between humans and God the Father, replacing Him with a human priest. Being a true Christian requires that you recognize and believe in the diety of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is God. humans have no right to replace God with any human.
2) they follow the teachings of a human, called the Pope, which is not biblically supprted.
3) they have revised God's Word, the Bible, for their own purposes so it conforms to their beliefs.
4) they believe in an imaginary place called "purgatory" which is not biblically supported.
I could go on, but I think you get the idea.
find yourself a Bible believing, Bible teaching church....the denomination is not important!

Answer 6

A smile goes a long way. Be attentive You might want to look for people your own age and sit near them. Ask a simple question or two, make a complement or two to some, or someone, on the way out. Good luck.

Answer 7

Go in with a sense of reverence, which should be easy for you, because you have been practicing your faith. Remember you are in the House of the Lord, and celebrate that fact. The Light of Christ shining from within you will be enough to attract others to you and to make you feel at home.

Answer 8

I'm a Catholic so hopefully my answer will be helpful.

*Make sure to wear modest clothing and be polite.

*Use the missalette to follow along.

*Don't recieve the Holy Eucharist unless you have been to Confession recently and have not committed any mortal sins since then.

*Remember that Catholics consider Mass to be devoted to God alone instead of a social hour so don't be hurt if people don't go out of their way to speak to you.

*If you need help to get back into the swing of things make sure to tell a Priest or Deacon your problem.

Answer 9

If you are a Christian, you should not be going to a Catholic Church. Catholics believe that to goto heaven it is Jesus plus works. A Christian is someone that has asked Jesus to forgive them of their sins (not a priest) and has put their entire hopes of Salvation in Jesus and Him alone.

Answer 10

Just try talking to them before or after the service I suppose. If onr church isnt right try another