I just left a very strict, fundamental church. Which church should I attend now?

Question

I attended a church where the men and women sat on opposite sides, the women wore veils and skirts all the time and had their hair always tied back, and everyone avoided worldy entertainment. A year of that was enough for me. I don't want to go a church where it's too laid back, but I certainly don't want one as suffocating as the one I went to.

I live in St Paul, MN

slave - it was the apostolic christian church

Answer 1

I salute you for your courage and integrity !! It is a major feat to make a change like you have. Do not be too surprised if you have some after effects, emotional hangovers...profound doubts about your decision and nostalgia..plus, temptation to return.

I like the Episcopalian church..(although it is in turmoil right now over...homo priests)...Nevertheless, the rites are solemn, the readings are participatory and many strive to have social gatherings and fun.

Or, just go church shopping. Attend first one, then another and another and check them out....kick the tires, if you will LOL.

Suffocating...great word....Don't forget it, in times of temptation and nostalgia....Of course, I am assuming you are recently out...If you have made your adjustments, that's a different matter.

God Bless

Answer 2

try different ones in your area and see where you feel confortable. Even within the same religion, different churches will different types of services. For example in the Catholic church they may have a folk mass, which has more singing and is more geared to the younger people, versus a more traditional mass service which you usually go through the rote movements and prayers.

I also attended one catholic church that was very modern in design and had alot of contemporary singing but another church was very quiet and subdued.

Also it depends on how much biblical teachings you are interested in. Some churches go by more of a mass service which is pretty regimented and other churches are more led by the preacher and listening to sermons.

Experiment until you find somewhere comfortable for you and that suits your needs.

Don't forget to speak with the preacher or minister of the church and find out what docitrines there church follows.

good luck

Answer 3

Church searching is a very important part of life as a Christian. When searching for a church, there are a few things to take into account:

1. Does the church believe the fundamentals of Christianity?
You used the term fundamental church in the sense that is often referred to by pop culture, but I am using the term fundamental in it's traditional sense. Does the church believe in the deity of Christ (that He is God)? Does it believe in the virgin birth, the resurrection, and perfection of Christ's life? Does it believe that the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God? Does it believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven? If a church is missing any of these elements, run out the door as fast as you can, because it's not a Christian church at all, rather it is a device of the devil to pull people away from Christ (and yes, I mean it to sound that strong).

2. Does the church strive to grow its members?
Is there a passion for God's work in the church? Are people encouraged to join in ministry? Is there accountability for those in both the leadership and the laity? Do they reach out to support their fellow Christians in need?

3. Do they have a heart for the lost?
Do they seek to spread God's good news of salvation to a dying world that needs Him? Do they engage with active outreach programs with the community? Church planting? Some type of outreach should be visible in a healthy church.

This is my list coming right off my head, so there are bound to be other things that I am not immediately thinking of, but hopefully that can get you started, and remember, it is much more important to have a good church than a popular one. In the words of C.S. Lewis, we should "Buy Truth, and sell it not."

Answer 4

From way too much experience, I have discovered that you'll never find a perfect church. People always mess things up, and they will never do things the way you think they should be done.

Focus on the teaching of the church. Do you agree with most of what they believe? Again, you probably won't find a church that is 100% correct, but try.

Search for the truth, but don't base your search on what other people are doing, because you'll be let down.

Answer 5

Could try a more loose church like a Methodist. Methodist churchs are pretty loose most of the time. U get some standing up some sitting down. Get to sing or listen to some music. I get to say some things the paster says things back. It's all good.

Answer 6

Personally, I'd stay away from all mainstream religions (ie:Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, Methodist, Baptist, Mormon, Jahova Witness, Presbyterian, Buddhist, etc.)Did I leave anyone out? Find a nice 'Universal' Church where they don't care what religion you are/were. The purpose of gathering to worship(God)is to do just that and to feel the love and pass it along. I always feel very uncomfortable around people who have very strict, narrow minded beliefs and want to push them on me. I also don't like it when one religion puts another down or touts themselves as being the only one true religion. We should feel good about where and with whom we worship. Look in your yellow pages or online & pick one that looks good to you. If you don't like it, you can always keep looking until you find one that suits you. Or, you could start your own! Happy Hunting!

Answer 7

Sounds like the old Jewish way, not Christian.
You didn't have freedom.
You had the law.
The law was put on you.
Jesus came to set us free.

Gal 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

So you were in a synagogue of Satan.
You were there for a year.
How did you stand it for a year?

I think you should start thinking of worshiping in Spirit and in Truth..
Internal worship.

Be careful of the churches.
Very few represent God.

Answer 8

wow that was strict. I personally would have left a year ago. You have to go to a church where you feel most comfortable. Go church shopping. You will find the right one.

Answer 9

Check out the United Methodist Church.
John Wesley was very open minded, but respected and taught that salvation comes through Jesus Christ and is the way to eternal life. How you worship has no bearing on your eternal life. It is in loving others and accepting God's son through repenting your sin. All have sinned and need salvation.

Answer 10

One that you believe in. You must have an idea of what you believe in or don't believe in. The only suggestions people can give you is what they know, it would be best for you to conduct some research and set up meetings with misc. church officials, missionaries etc.