What is the best type of christian Church to go to.?

Question

I am not interested in any of the churchs that have been classified as "cults" so mainstream i am considering Catholic or conservative Evangelical. I might do both, I like the Catholic style but I do find the evangelical model more involving?

Doctrinaly they are the same "faith in christ for salvation" etc. i am not to concerned about the minor differences as they are just that.

What do you think. I want to start going on a regular basis.

I know a lot of evangelicals has misconceptions about Catholics. So please leave that out. Catholics dont worship mary or statues.

Most evangelicals with biased views come from highly biased and uneducated pastors teching them untruths.

I like the catholic model because its all about you and God. I like the evangelical model as well but I always feel that they have a Jello mold and the ultimate goal is to turn me into a carbon copy of everyone else.

I am not into JW. I have a problem with the interpretationa of the bible and the lack of puplished scholars used in the translation.

Answer 1

As a Catholic I would say - Go Catholic!

Answer 2

In order to know what to look for in a church, we must first understand its purpose, the reason for its existence. The church is designed by God to be many things, but two stand out above all others. First, “the church of the living God [is] the pillar and ground (foundation) of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15, italics added). Second, we must understand that Christ alone is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22, 4:15; Colossians 1:18).

In regard to the truth, the church is a place where the Bible (God’s only Truth) has complete authority. It is the only infallible rule of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Therefore, when seeking a church to attend, we should find one where, according to biblical standards, the Gospel is preached, sin is condemned, worship is from the heart, the teaching is biblical, and opportunities for ministry (to minister to others as well as to be ministered to) exist. Consider the model of the early church found in Acts 2:42-47, "They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved."

In regard to the second most important factor, Christians should attend a local fellowship that declares Christ’s headship in all matters of doctrine and practice. No man—whether pastor, priest or pope—is the head of the church. All men die—how can the living church of the living God have a dead head? It cannot. Christ is the church’s one supreme authority and all church leadership, gifts, order, discipline and worship are appointed through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures.

Once these two fundamentals are in place, the rest of the factors (buildings, worship styles, activities, programs, location, etc.) are merely a matter of personal taste. Before even stepping foot inside a church, some homework is in order. The local phone book will provide a list of the churches in the area. Doctrinal statements, purpose statements, mission statements, or anything that will give insight as to what a church believes should be carefully looked over. Many churches have web sites where one can get a feel for what they believe regarding the Bible, God, the Trinity, Jesus Christ, sin, salvation, and man.

Next should be visits to the churches that seem to have the fundamentals in place. Attendance at two or three services at each church will be helpful. Any literature they have for visitors should be scrutinized, paying close attention to belief statements. Church evaluation should be based on the principles outlined above. Is the Bible held as the only authority? Is Christ exalted as head of the church? Does the church focus on discipleship? Were you led to worship God? What type of ministries does the church involve itself in? Was the message biblical and evangelical? How was the fellowship? You also need to feel comfortable; were you made to feel welcome? Is the congregation comprised of people you can identify with?

Finally, remember that no church is perfect. At best, it is still filled with saved sinners whose flesh and spirits are at war constantly. Also, don’t forget the importance of prayer. Praying about the place God would have you attend is crucial from the very start of any search, throughout the search, and through the decision-making process.

Recommended Resource: The Church: Why Bother? by Philip Yancey.

Answer 3

You will never hear the truth of The Salvation Message in the catholic cult... they are forbidden, by their own law, to teach it... The True Christian Faith has nothing to do with any man invented cult or "religion" or "denomionation"...

All who come to God in The Way He prescribes will receive His free gift of Salvation. Those become part of The Body of The Church of which Jesus The Christ is The Head. Those are the ones of The True Christian Faith. Only those of The Church will enter Heaven.

Being a Christian is not about self(you)... it is about God... if you are looking for something to make you feel good... what you like... then The True Christian Faith is not what you are seeking... The Faith is open to all who hear God's call and come to Him in The Way He prescribes... by your words you are not answering God's call... you are looking for something to make you feel good... that aint what The Faith is about...

I would still say to you... seek out a small...150 or less members... conservative, Bible teaching congrigation... such as conservative Baptist or Bible Baptist... if you are honestly seeking God that is the way to start.

If you have any question concerning the basics of The True Christian Faith, Feel free to email me... one honest question will receive one honest answer to the best of my ability... I do not spam those who email me.

Answer 4

Whoa, Catholic and Evangelical are two completely different belief systems. Style should not be your main concern, these two groups have different fundamental beliefs. Look more closely into the beliefs and doctrines of the two, and you will find some major differences.

I personally go to an evangelical, nondenominational church. I do not agree with many Catholic doctrines and practices. Don't just pick one that looks the best or has the most people, search into what YOU believe and ask God for his guidance in putting you where you belong.

Answer 5

You should check out "The Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah's Witnesses",
Here's some cool things about it, they don't pass money donation baskets around, actually they ussualy have a wooden box nailed to a wall in back of the hall so you can give according to your heart, in private.
Also there is'nt one man speaking, many different brothers are assigned talks, the audiance looks up scriptures along with the speaker, and answer questions. They open with prayer sing a song in 1 hour they sing a song after 2 hours they sing the third song then they close with prayer. It is a clean well organized building, people are dressed "Dignified" to represent Jehovah God in a dignified manner. There is no Sunday school for the children the children are well behaved and seated with their family. Oh and when you are apart of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses, you are invited to many clean activities, for example you would'nt see anyone smokeing, no one cursing, no inappropriate lude behavior, they are not competative, if they drink it's in moderation, not to get drunk. Theres fun and games for all ages, and great food ussually lol. We might not celebrate pegan holidays, but we do love to give gifts out of love, and I have seen the children are'nt spoiled rotten they are brought up to be descent people, respectful children with good manners. I know most people have no idea about who we are and what we are about they think were a cult, look up cult in the dictionary it's meaning does not apply to us at all.

Answer 6

Go to several different ones before you decide. It will be different in every are of the country which church is on fire for God. We moved a lot and each time we moved it was a different denomination that was filled with the Spirit of God in each different place. I do have to add that there are irreconcilable differences between the catholic church and evangelical protestant beliefs. God bless!!

Answer 7

Coming from a conservative evangelical church, I can tell you that it is not the same as Catholicism. In fact, a lot of the doctrines of Catholicism and a conservative evangelical church come into conflict. If you want a mix of the two, then Methodist or Lutheran is the way to go. Sometimes it is not about the denomination of the church, but rather, the beliefs of the church itself.

Answer 8

It's hard to tell someone what kind of church they should go to. It's all about going and seeing what is out there. From there, you can decide for yourself what suites you best. For some, it may be the Catholic church, and for others, it may be Baptist. All that matters is that you're growing in your relationship with Christ. Ask Christian friends of yours what churches they attend and see if those churches work for you. Good luck on your journey seeking Christ. :]

Answer 9

My vote goes for non-denominational. No need to worry about man-made add-on rules and rituals as most just teach the Bible. They tend to be more casual and modern in their worship as well.

Answer 10

"Doctrinaly they are the same "faith in christ for salvation" etc. i am not to concerned about the minor differences as they are just that."

They are much, much more than minor differences. More like two completely different gospels.

Irreconcilable Differences: Catholics, Evangelicals
http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/ECTDOC.HTM

If you are looking for the right church, find a biblical one.

What to Look For When Choosing a New Church Home
http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/newchur.htm

SORRY ROBERT, I know Catholics like to play that "victim card", but it's simply not true.

Answer 11

Non-Denominational Community Church. Their services have a little of the best parts from all Christian Religions, and some Jewish tradition. They are much less legalistic than some of the older established Church groups.