I can't find a church that suits me?

Question

I used to go to a good church in Australia where there were plenty of people my age, where they were respectful and calm and welcoming to newcomers.

Since I got to Scotland I've been to one Church of Scotland church, where they were calm and respectful but the place was full of people over 70 and the sermons made me drift off. I've been to one Episcopalian church where they were closer to my age (a little younger) but they were all tearing around like hairy goats and singing those awful modern songs I hate (I like the old hymns).

Any ideas how I can find a church where I have something in common with the other people, people who are in my age group (25-40), that use decent music and use the traditional format instead of the new 'express yourself' format?

Do I have to visit every church in my area or is there any help, eg online forums. I don't personally know anyone else here who's a Christian.

sparki777, I agree with your point, but the fact is I went to the Church of Scotland church for a year and half and found that I never spoke to any other people there and they never spoke to me, and also that I would start to not listen to the service. I tried, but it was the wrong church for me. I want a church that I feel a part of.

Answer 1

sorry, but i think the only answer to this is to keep searching. eventually you will find one you like. it may not be perfect for you, but remember that if you used the church in austrailia for many years, that is what you are used to, and no church, even within the same faith is quite the same.
also try praying. ask God to lead you to a church that will suit you. good luck

Answer 2

I agree with Godislove09; if you can find an Irish (or Roman) Catholic church in the area of Scotland where you live, you might be better off. I have the same problem finding a church to attend here in the area where I live (I live here in the United States, BTW), but the area of the city where I live (Omaha, Nebraska) has no church within considerable walking distance of my apartment building. There are only two churches anywhere close to the area where I live, but unfortunately, they are both half-a-mile or more away from my part of town, and me trying to walk to either church is dangerous, not only because I'm overweight and would probably collapse from exhaustion, but also because location-wise, there are just too far away. One is located up on West Center Road directly west of 84th Street and is non-denominational; the other is located on 74th and Hickory Street, and is an Assembly of God church, the denomination I have grown accustomed to attending church with.

Another problem I have is finding a church that starts and ends services at a convenient time, preferably starting Sunday morning services at 10am and ending before noon; the two afore-mentioned churches located anywhere close to here both start Sunday morning services at 9 and 11am, both of which are extremely inconvenient, not only time-wise, but also makes it impossible to find adequate transportation; as far as Wednesday evening services, I have no information whatsoever as to whether or not either church has (or still has) such services.

Answer 3

Well, I don't have advice on Churches in Scotland since I only attended a service once in the High Kirk in Edinburgh. It was much like you described.

The only other thing I wanted to say was that God might be calling you to a deeper relationship with him so that you will be at home no matter what the style of liturgy is.

Answer 4

Hey, I understand your frustration... you never mention
if you have spoken to any one in your chosen Church,, but
I would suggest, you start a group of your own....leaflets,
adverts in your local paper, or even, (if you are really shy !
place an advert in your local Paper, with a PO box number
that way, you can sort out the idiots...((hopefully not many))
anyway, I wish you well and contentment in your God.....

Answer 5

Try going to a Roman Catholic Church! It is very holy, very traditional, and spirtual! It is also the first and oldest Church which was established by Christ himself on St. Peter 2000 years ago! God bless.

Answer 6

catholic church is more suitable and not as intense as other christian denominations........you gotta live your life too you know! i'm not condemning other christian faiths but i think they are too serious and literal in their approach.....you seem like an intelligent person so remember religion is supposed to be a guide to life NOT an obligation to serve God. Having said that, I don't believe that any one organisation owns the copyright to God....but that's just me being me...... Good luck!

Answer 7

Rather than trying to find a church that suit YOU, find one that suits GOD. After all, God is the one being worshipped in Church. Or at least, that's how it should be.

Look for friends your own age and decent music in other venues...and then get those people to come to church with you.

Answer 8

if you are a spiritual type believer you could try a christian spiritualist church. a medium is usually present to give a message for you.........if it may be your thing. it is nothing wierd give it a go. some churches also offer spiritual healing and must admit they are sometimes spot on with messages but not alwase.. after time you will find out all the good mediums who seem to connect with you

Answer 9

it's not likely you're going to find a church as you describe....try shepherds chapel via satelite or internet....no music just straight teaching chapter by chapter and verse by verse translating etc....

Answer 10

Keep searching,, and pray that God leads you to the right church,, be patient and wait on God to show you the way..