What type of church do you go to and why did you choose that church for you and/or your family?

Question

I am just wondering what criteria people have when searching for a new church when moving to a new area.We recently moved and have not found a new "home" church that offers what we had in our previous area. I am asking so I can get insight from other believers to see what they did to determine the church would work for them and the needs of their family. We found a local church that the message was good but it had no youth program for our 13 & 16 yr olds. We are still seeking to find a church that encompasses good programs as well as good messages for our entire family to be fed the word as a whole, not just bits and pieces. Answers will be greatly appreciated.

Women's groups, bible studies, youth programs are not called for directly in the bible, but it does talk about fellowshipping with those of like faith. This is why we are looking for a church that has programs that help our family develop as a whole, not just one hour service and that is it. We want to make sure our family is fed the word and can learn how to make good choices for friendships and other relationships that with those of like faith and beliefs. We believe that the sooner we start teaching them these skills with a church that helps them in the youth progams/bible studies, etc will help in this area.

Answer 1

I agree with you on your criteria.

I had been without a church home for a long time as well. The church I chose is very caring and non-judgemental.

It also has great programs for teenagers, which is an area of particular interest to me, because I have several teens, and I want them to be both interested and involved in church life. And I want them to be people who have a close relationship with God, have a clear understanding of and knowlege of the Word, and to live according to the Word every day of their lives.

I had listened to the pastor of this church on television for several years before making my decision. His messages are very insightful, but are also Biblically sound, scripturally accurate, and he clarifies everything. and I failed to mention this, but I prayed about it for two years, and then the door was opened for me to visit.

I have visited the church twice now, and I felt very at home there. I want to give my children a few more visits before they tell me what they think.

You have received some very insightful answers to your question

I hope God leads you to the place that is right for your family.

God bless you.

And I hope I helped.

Answer 2

One thing that breaks my heart to see is when people choose a church for any other reason then believing that it is the true church. I would emplore you to diligently seek and search for which church is true, read james 1:5 and take its advise and ask God which church is the true church and you should join. the only criteria you should use in choosing a church is whether or not you think it is true, if Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Mormons, and others all teach different things then only one can be right. One other thing to consider is the fact that either the Catholic Church or the Mormon Church is the true church. Either the priesthood authority that all the prophets in the bible had, and that Jesus had, and that he gave to Peter, that is required to run the Church of Jesus Christ has stayed on the earth and is still in the Catholic Church, or after the crucifiction of Christ the world became so evil killing all of Jesus's apostles that God took the priesthood off the earth and restorded the priesthood in latter days like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (mormons) teaches. If the Catholic Church isn't true then how could all the reformation churches (Baptists, Methodists, etc) be true if they simple broke off from the Catholic Chruch. and if it is true then obviously there was no need for those other churches to break off. So I recommend that you research what the Mormons and the Catholics believe and then pray about which is true if either are true, and you will get your answer. That would be the best way to choose your church. If you want to research the LDS church, (Mormons) at www.lds.org

Answer 3

I started reading the Bible and studying it. Then I changed denominations to follow what was right. I became a Seventh-day Adventist. Once I joined the church I went to several in the area until I found one that suited me. I like small, friendly churches that keep busy with various programs. Once I got to know the people I started helping out with whatever needed done.

If you find a church that teaches the truth, don't let the fact that there's no teen program stop you from going. Get to know the people and create one. That's how churches thrive - active participation from all members.

Answer 4

I can only speak for my self... but I was led to the church I attend by God... I came to God on a Saturday morning witrh out any church affiliation... the next morning I felt a strong need to get to Church... long story but I know God led me to the little church I have been attending for the lat 7 yrs....

As for 13-16 yrolds... they are old enough to hear the adult service and to sit through it... Church is not about "programs"... but then... maybe you should be the one to get involved and start one... if the "message" was "good" that is the main thing... The Word of God is The message...if That is being taught then the other things are extra...if there is a need for a youth program... start one.... are the kids actualy involved?...or are they just going because you "make them"... if they are involved in The Word... then they are old enough to be a part of growing a youth program.... pray on it... if God leads... do it.

Answer 5

I would pretty much use the same criteria as what you have been suggesting.
1. What is the message that they send to parishioners?
2. How friendly is the congregation?
3. What are the programs available for my children to keep them interested and active in the parish?
4. Is the parish within a reasonable distance from home so that attending family functions is not difficult?
5. What parish groups are available that my husband and I can actively participate in?
6. How does the parish help the surrounding community?

Answer 6

The first thing I look for in a church, is that it pearches and teaches the Bible in its fullness.

Is it a church were people are being saved in nearly every service?

Next I would look at the programs they had for my children.

If you send me an E-mail with your regular E-mail address and your new zipcode I will try to help you.

Pastor Art

PS: I was raised Lutheran and would not go near a Lutheran church or any church which sprinkles water on babies heads and calls it baptism.

Answer 7

Well, I'm not certain if my answer will help, but I'll offer it anyway. I'm Pagan, (please no movie refences about evilness or gong to Hell, Hell is a Christian idea so it doesn't apply to Pagans and neither does the Devil, we just mostly don't believe in it at all, we do good and ill, the ill we do comes back threefold etc. I can go into more depth if you're interested) so my church is either my alter, which if anyone is interested I can show pics of it, and the natural world in general.

Answer 8

The main criteria for a good church, is the preaching, discipline, and proper use of the sacraments. Youth groups, Women groups and not really called for in the Bible.

The main doctrines they should hold to should be a significant system subscription to Calvinist doctrine (e.g. Three forms of Unity, Westminster Standards), faithfully guarding the fundamentals of the faith (e.g. Trinity, Resurrection, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Bible Alone) and that they are comparatively conservative (e.g. oppose homosexuality, abortion, evolution; and do not ordain women elders).

I would recommend a church off this database:

http://www.db.gracealone.com

Answer 9

I'm an atheist, so I don't go to church to worship. I know some atheists who go because they like to sign, socialize, etc. I wanted to find a group of like minded people to socialize with so I joined a local atheist organization (some places they are called humanist or free-thought organizations). I also find it's nice to meet once a month to hear speakers about subjects that relate to atheists (secular parenting, science, philosophy, etc) and keep up with attacks on the principle of separation of church and state.

Answer 10

I would say you have to go where you feel the spirit and where you believe the minister to be preaching the true word of God and if there isn't a "youth" program, maybe you can be the catalyst to start one. You just have to see where you feel comfortable and where the spirit is good and right!