What Christian denomination should I join?

Question

I am a Christian looking to find a church. I am having trouble finding a church that fits me! I like the liturgy and structure of the Lutheran and Episcopalian churches, but I am against gay marriage and I see these churches headed that way. I am not anti-gay, just anti-gay marriage. However, I have found that some (not all) evangelical churches are very closed minded toward other christian religions and I see no need for this. I've actually had Baptists friends tell Catholic friends they are not Christian and are going to hell. I've also had Baptist friends say gay people are going to hell, which I feel is wrong. I feel we are all Christians, no need to persecute each other!

What denomination should I try to join? I've visited so many churches, and just can' t find a good fit. What do you think?

Answer 1

I don't think you will ever find a perfect church. Because churched are run by people. And people are not perfect. You'll have to settle for the best of them. And then, maybe, you can influence them for the greater good.

Answer 2

Well, you've had recommendations here to adopt quite a few different denominations and even some non-Christian faiths. You're going to be very busy visiting them all!

Seriously, if you are drawn to the liturgy, the Catholic church has a wonderful program called RCIA. The classes meet one evening a week from about September until Easter, and explore what the Church really teaches and why. Many people attend in order to convert, of course, and participate in all of the preparatory rites culminating in baptism, confirmation and their first Holy Communion at the Easter vigil mass; however, many others also just sit in on the classes because they want to learn the real deal and find out if all they've heard about the Catholic church is really true. There's no pressure and no expectation; you're welcome regardless of your reason for being there. Oh, and there's no cost involved.

Anyone in your local parish office -- the number listed for the church in the phone book -- can tell you when next fall's RCIA is scheduled to begin. Really, you have nothing to lose; even if you decide the Catholic church isn't quite your cup of tea, at least you'll know for sure what you're turning down instead of relying on hearsay from people who have no idea what they're talking about.

Answer 3

I would encourage you to become a member of a Lutheran or Episcoapalian church, despite your disagreement with gay marriage. A denomination is always going to have disagreement. If you are moved by the liturgy and agree with most of the theology, I pray homosexual marriage is not the deal breaker. We have to grow together on this issue, which ever way it goes. We must be open to disagreement and the work of the Spirit.

Answer 4

You could try a non-denomination church. I'd say that we'd be the best. Myself, I'm pentecostal and I love it ^_^ But when I'm at school I go to a First Baptist Church. Denomination isn't everything. Some things you are going to agree with, others you won't. It will be the same with all denominations. You won't find one that you agree with on everything. And as for gays going to hell...Well, I have many gay friends and I love them dearly, but the truth of the matter is the bible clearly states that homosexuality is wrong. Don't believe me? Look in Leviticus. It says homosexuality is an abomination in the sight of God, and no sin will enter Heaven.

Not to bash, just giving facts. Anyway, I hope I've helped ^_^

Answer 5

It is likely the Lutherans and Episcopalians will split. Not only over the issue of gay marraige, but also Rev. Gene Robinson - openly gay and living with his lover for years. A grave sin. Recently made bishop in the Episcopal church. As well as over the ordination of women.

So join your church and when the split comes, go where your heart tells you to go.

Don't run away because of problems within your church. Stick it out and fight for what you see as right.

Yes, it is wrong for anyone to tell someone else they are going to hell. We can't run from this. When we stand before God - he will know and he will ask us why we stood by and did nothing.

Answer 6

Non-denominational/ Pentecostal. in the beginning up, churches did no longer have denominations greater advantageous greater, Christianity isn't approximately denomination, this is approximately having a private courting with God!

Answer 7

Go to Belief net. www.beliefnet.com. Take the test. If you want to get moer in depth Skylight Path publishing puts out a book called "What Religion am I?" It's a 200 question test that helps you narrow the field.

Both tests will give you several option and let you know by percentage how much you match.

But right off the bat, I'd say you might want to look into Anglican (Episcopal in the US) Methodist or Presbyterian. Try a number of different congregations until you find one that suits you. Each one if different. Look for the word reform in church names as they tend to be more tolerant.

Answer 8

The only good advice I can give you is:

Do not allow religion to get in the way of Christianity. You can be 'a good Christian' without belonging to any specific denomination.

Basically I just want you to remember that you do not HAVE to find a church in order to be a Christian.

Answer 9

Try going to a Methodist Church. If you like liturgy and structure they have that there. I grew up going to a methodist church and then went to a baptist church, and then to a non denonminational. My preference is the non-denominational, but thats just a choice. Good luck.

Answer 10

Check out The Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Each congregation is free to make their own decisions on these type issues. We do have some regions and congregations that ordain and affirm gay and lesbian ministers, but have no official stance on gay marriage.