Christians, what is your denomination, and why did you choose it?

Question

I'm just curious to why people choose the denominations that they do. I've always been raised southern baptist, and I haven't had the chance to explore any other denomination yet, but I am quite interested. I'd really like to hear from a Church of Christ member because a few of my friends are, and from how they speak about it, it seems as though its very close to what the Bible says. Thanks for your time! :)

Answer 1

I am Mormon. I chose it after gaining a testimony of it's truthfulness, through prayer and study.

Answer 2

I don't participate in any religion anymore. But when I did, I started off as a Mormon since a few members of my family belonged. I started going to different denominations like Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, and Church of Christ. I went to those other ones because I had other family members and friends who went there. I found that there are pros and cons to EVERY single church (even the non-denominational ones I tried out.) I am just a lot happier doing my own thing without religion.

Answer 3

I grew up Methodist, went to non-denominational churches for many years, and have more recently settled into a Southern Baptist church, because of doctrinal statements I found on the SBC website and on ReligionFacts.com. I like a Bible-believing church that doesn't try to rewrite Scripture.

Southern Baptist Convention:
http://www.sbc.net/default.asp

ReligionFacts.com:
http://www.religionfacts.com/

Great question, by the way!

Answer 4

I am a Lutheran because I was born into it.

These days I'm leaning towards Universalism while maintaining my membership within the Lutheran church due to COMMUNITY.

My pastor didn't want me to leave because he appreciates my insight.

The Lutheran Church helped me to build a nice doctrinal box for myself: parochial school through grade 5, a Lutheran college for a couple of years, the whole nine yards! Many people are very comfortable staying inside of that box all of their lives and I see nothing wrong with that.

Personally, my faith has grown and I started to think outside of the box quite some time ago. The church taught me how to read a map and use a compass. Now I can use the tools that I was given in the church as I follow my individual path.
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Answer 5

I'm a born-again, evangelical Christian. I've mostly attended a variety of churches within the Baptist denomination because I found their theology to be most similar to a literal interpretation and application of scripture. However, I've also been greatly blessed by independent Bible churches and a couple of Evangelical Free Churches while moving around the country. A lot of it depends on the town you're living in and what's available to you locally.

Answer 6

I formerly attended the Church of Christ. they do try to live by what the Bible says or what the early church did. However, they will say that they are not a denomination, they don't use musical instruments, there is no speaking in tongues or gifts from the Holy Spirit anymore, women cannot speak during services, you HAVE to be baptised to be saved, etc. So be wary of your choice.

Answer 7

I'm a confessional Lutheran who believes that the Book of Concord is a correct explanation of the doctrines in the Scriptures. All Lutherans are supposed to believe that, but many don't nowadays. That what "confessional Lutheran" means--he believes that the Lutheran confessions (the Book of Concord) give a correct explanation of Scripture. You can do a search with "confessional Lutheran" in order to find out more and where some confessional Lutheran churches are located. Or you can buy a Book of Concord and read it for yourself.

I have investigated other denominations, but I wasn't convinced that any of them were closer to Scripture that what the Lutheran church is supposed to be teaching. Depending on where you live, it can be hard to find a church that teaches true Lutheran doctrine. Wherever it is, it should be teaching that our salvation comes from God through Jesus Christ's sacrificial death on the Cross. It doesn't come through making a decision, it doesn't come through doing good works, it doesn't come through a special gift of the Holy Spirit, it comes only through Jesus Christ who chose us--we didn't choose Him. He gave His good works (His righteousness) to us and took our sin upon Himself. That's the "Blessed Exchange". Faith comes through hearing the Word of God. That's how the Holy Spirit works--through the Word. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.--Matthew 28:19. Notice that it doesn't say that Christians are to pray people into heaven, but to teach them. Then the Holy Spirit can do His work. Pray, but realize that the Holy Spirit needs us to put God's Word into their ears. Prayer can't do anything unless the person hears God's Word too.

Answer 8

I am a Lutheran. I have experienced the Episcopal and Catholic religions, and had some Jewish friends, as well.

I did marry a Catholic, and raised my children in that faith, but since they've been grown, I have gone back to the Lutheran church. It is very similar to the Catholic mass at a Lutheran service--and except for the pope and saints, the religions are very close (prayers, service/mass, etc.).

I like it, because the Lutheran service is not like just sitting at a table and reading the Bible, we sing hymns, listen to the Gospel, receive Holy Communion--it just seems right, for me.

Answer 9

Dan, I was raised in the Assemblies of God (pentecostal) and spent 8 1/2 years in a Christian drama Company where I got to attend many different church and denominations. When I came home my parents and sisters were more comfortable in the Nazarene Church and have stayed with that but I went back to the Assemblies of God and I've stayed there because I feel at home and enjoy not only the worship but have pastors that are anointed of God and preach the Word of God.

Answer 10

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was born in this church and I will die a member of this church. I have been a member for 40 years.
I know that this is the true church and that Jesus is my lord and savior. I know this because I have prayed and studied.
Check out more info here:
www.LDS.org or
www.mormon.org

You can also learn more about us and hear what the Lord wants you to know, through His Prophet, at our upcoming conference. It will be broadcast over the internet and on cable and satellite TV throughout the world, the first weekend in April.

Answer 11

I was born Episcopalian. It chose me. But early on in my life organized religion did not connect with me. As nice as the people in my church were. I just was not ready to hear. I got this email from my cousin about Episcopals today with a listing of humorous tell-tale characteristics. If someone had told me something like: 'When Episopalians watch a Star Wars movie and they hear, "May the Force be with
you," they respond, "and also with you."' I might still be Episcopalian today. I am Presbyterian now largely because I stumbled into a loving congregation and stayed. Not much of a Calvinist I can tell you, but I don't think Jesus was much of Calvinist either... only to the extent that he died for Calvin's sins.