i want to go back to church?

Question

i'm thinking of giving a church a try. i am very drawn to the episcopal and ELCA churches. i haven't been to church in a long time, though and frankly i am a little nervous about going. i am kind of looking for a place to meet some nice like-minded people and some solace during my hectic week. i am kind of nervous about going by myself, as most of my friends are not into going to church or go to different churches i don't want to attend. any advice or suggestions?

i don't mean that i just want to join a social club. what i mean is that i would like to meet others that share my beliefs, which might be more fulfulling than practicing on my own, which is what i've been doing.

Answer 1

God created church for that specific reason. To congregate with others of like beliefs, to further build and nurture the spirit within you and others.

My advice on the specific church of your choice would be to attend a few different ones in your area, perhaps they have websites with information you may find valuable. Then make your decision based on your findings.

Its perfectly normal to feel scared or nervous about attending a new church, but be not afraid my friend. Those butterflies you feel are simply the Holy Spirit tugging your heart strings. Let Him into your life and you will be forever grateful.

Good luck to you and God Bless

Answer 2

The Episcopal church is very welcoming. In ours we have greeters who will welcome you and give you a bulletin. That shows you what comes in the service. Some churches put everything in the bulletin and some do not. Some have Eucharist every week and some have it every other week with morning prayer on the other two. I am in a high Church so we have Eucharist every week. You will find the service book easily in the pew, it is the red one with the cross on front. The hymnal is usually blue. People around you will see if you are lost and help you find the right page. Don't worry. Not everyone does the same thing. We usually tell new people to do what feels comfortable. Some of us are very high church and we bow to the cross as it comes down the isle, we cross ourselves at different places during the service and we kneel during the main part of the mass. Other in the same service do not do any of these things, they are low church. So what ever you do or don't do, you will fit right in!

If you are baptized, you may receive communion in the Episcopal church. We have what is called an open altar. We do believe that the bread and wine are the body and blood of Christ and not just a "rememberance". If you are not baptized, you can just stay in your seat and people will walk around you, no problem. Or you can go forward for a blessing. If you want a blessing only do this> cross you arms over the front of your body, right hand on left shoulder, left hand on right shoulder and the priest will know. If it were me, I would just stay in the pew the first time. Be sure to go to the 'coffee hour'. Someone will great you when they know that you are new and you will get to know people. You can e-mail me if you have other questions. We are very liberal and excepting of everyone.

Answer 3

Like Buaiaia Aratyme (sorry - I think I mispelled it) said, Go for it! Now for a little more detail that I hope is helpful - I don't have a lot of experience with ELCA, but a couple of points about Episcopal churches - first, my experience is that most are quite friendly but not pushy. Second, we Episcopalians have a pretty wide range of styles from one church to another, even though all congregations will be following pretty much the same pattern (from the Book of Common Prayer). You'll find anything from a very simple, unadorned service to very elaborate ones with incense and chanting, so if you aren't comfortable with one style, try the next parish down the road.
(Also, it's all right if you don't do all the "pew aerobics" you may see going on around you. Really.)

Anyhow, I really hope you follow up and find a welcoming congregation and a spiritual home.

Answer 4

Not sure of your age, but it seems some of the older people are more comfortable in the more traditional churches, and some of the younger may like the more contemporary churches. I'm a little older and I myself like the more contemporary. Some churches offer both, in different services. I, myself was raised Catholic, have gone to Catholic, then Lutheran, but prefer and have been going to a wonderful Pentecostal church that preaches alot on the bible, sings upbeat christian songs and is not at all traditional. I love it. So, my advice is to go to different christian churches and when you wake up wanting to go to church, then you'll know this is the one. Make sure it teaches the literal Bible, Jesus and salvation and both the Hope and warnings. Once you start going, even if by yourself, you'll never be sorry. God bless!!

Answer 5

"a place to meet some nice like-minded people"?

That in and of itself is not a good reason to go to church.

Church is a place for believers to assemble together. However, you do not indicate if you are a believer.

It is possible for unbelievers to come under conviction while hearing God's word shared at church so it is not without its merits. However, it is also possible for someone to be "put off" because they attended hoping to get something that simply is not available.

Church is not a social club.

~Neeva

Answer 6

why don't you check out a few different churches first? go to a service and then after request to speak with the priest or pastor to get a better idea of how the church works. this way you can be sure to choose a church that fits you and your beliefs the best.

Answer 7

Church is not a club. It`s all about what`s in your heart and spirit. The episcopal churches are going wacko and not really following true written biblical studies according to basic christian studies on the Holy spirit and the true laws. But glad to see someone wants God. I suggest a non-denominational christian church, spirit filled and where strong christians are.

Answer 8

Make sure the church you go to is the one that it talks about in the bible, take it seriously, ask questions about what the church teaches, and what they believe, then ask them how they got their name, some churches don't even know who Jesus is anymore they try to glorify themselves, just be real careful if they tell you something that you don't find the authority for in the bible, if their just giving you their own ideas.

Answer 9

Call the church and ask for a visit from one of the church members .... they seriously get off on doing those lol. I know it's goofy, but it will get you familiar with one of the long-time regulars. They can be someone to sit with at church, and they can introduce you to other folks there.

Answer 10

The Bible tells us to fellowship with others,going back to Church is great and go to a Church that believes what you believe. That is a big deal. Remember that when you are at Church, you are with your family, your brothers and sisters in Christ.