Church Advice

[Soverinth]

Here is a list of all the Churches in my Area. Could you guys help me decide which one to go to? There are probably a lot more then the ones I've listed. Just search "Churches in Chardon, Ohio" in Google and there are more results.



202 South Hambden Street
Chardon
(440) 285-8791
Pilgrim Christian Church
chardonpcc.org/


515 North Street
Chardon
(440) 285-4581
Chardon United Methodist Church
ChardonUMC


11519 Wilson Mills Road
Chardon
(440) 285-4641
ST LUKE EPISCOPAL CHURCH | chardon, OH 44024
ST LUKE EPISCOPAL CHURCH | chardon, OH 44024


12199 County Road 3
Chardon
(440) 635-0823
New Testament Baptist Church
New Testament Baptist Church of Claridon


103 Center Street
Chardon
(440) 286-6461
Chardon Assembly of God
Chardon Assembly of God


363 Wilson Mills Road
Chardon
(440) 285-3757
Chardon Baptist Church
Chardon Baptist Church


401 South Hambden Street
Chardon
(440) 285-3535
Chardon Christian Fellowship
Chardon Christian Fellowship


10621 Auburn Road
Chardon
(440) 285-5402
Celebration Lutheran Church
celebration-lutheran.org/


12686 Bass Lake Road
Chardon
(440) 286-1266
Peace Lutheran Church and Pre School
Peace Lutheran Church LCMS – Chardon, Ohio

 

[hedrick]

You're going to have to tell us a bit more. Otherwise people will just recommend their own favorite church. From web pages we can probably tell a few things, but a lot, particularly in a non-denominational church will depend upon the pastor, and we may not be able to tell that. Some key questions you need to tell us:

* Do you believe that Scripture is inerrant and should be interpreted "literally?" Your answer will quickly eliminate about half the churches.

* Do you want informal or liturgical worship? That further classifies them.

* How do you feel about Pentecostal / Charismatic Christianity? They typically believe in speaking in tongues, and often in healing and spiritual warfare (though that depends upon the Church). A couple of your churches are that.

But beyond that it's going to depend upon the pastor and (at your age) the youth group, and that we can't tell from here.

I would point you at the mainline churches, but I think inerrancy and literal interpretation are based on a basic misconception of what Scripture is about. Most people here disagree.

It's more important to pick a decent church and spent time with it than to pick the absolute perfect church. In fact there is no such thing. Churches are made up of humans, after all.

 

[Soverinth]

You're going to have to tell us a bit more. Otherwise people will just recommend their own favorite church. From web pages we can probably tell a few things, but a lot, particularly in a non-denominational church will depend upon the pastor, and we may not be able to tell that. Some key questions you need to tell us:

* Do you believe that Scripture is inerrant and should be interpreted "literally?" Your answer will quickly eliminate about half the churches.

* Do you want informal or liturgical worship? That further classifies them.

But beyond that it's going to depend upon the pastor and (at your age) the youth group, and that we can't tell from here.

I would point you at the mainline churches, but I think inerrancy and literal interpretation are based on a basic misconception of what Scripture is about. Most people here disagree.

Well i'm mostly more worried about ending up into a church that teaches things the wrong way. I may be too gullible and fall into a false teachers trap. I mean that's already happened somewhat because of my internet search raid.

 

[seashale76]

Hedrick is right. People will point you to their preferred churches. Keep that in mind. (I'm no different.) However, I don't think it would hurt for you to visit those you have listed. The more liturgical, the better, imo. I was raised in the Assemblies of God, and they are the opposite of liturgical, so you have an idea of how different that might be (I had friends that got scared visiting my church with me when I was younger- as you might see some speaking in tongues type stuff- so be prepared).

Here's (what I think) is the closest Orthodox church to you, in Mentor (about 21 minutes away if Google is right): Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church - Home

 

[hedrick]

Unfortunately CF readers disagree on who are the false teachers. These churches all look responsible, but they are going to disagree on a number of topics.

Here's my quick assessment:

Pilgrim: Disciples, a moderate mainline church
not strong on doctrine, but on service
has both traditional and contemporary service
looks fairly small; from photos I doubt they have a "critical mass" of youth

Chardon United Methodist, a mainline church
both traditional and contemporary services
normally Methodists are moderately liberal, not strongly theological
looks fairly large and diverse, looks like it probably has an active youth group

St Lukes - mainline, liturgical
liturgical. small, which is going to mean probably not a big youth ministry
not enough info on web site to be sure about much

New Testament Baptist - conservative Calvinist
They are Calvinist Baptists, literature includes Piper. Conservative (inerrancy)
I'm not sure their theology is going to be a good fit for you.
have a youth group

Assembly of God - conservative Pentecostal
second baptism in the Holy Spirit, healing ministry
no mention of a youth group

Chardon Baptist
virtually no information on web site

Chardon Christian Fellowship - conservative Charismatic / Penteocostal
seems to believe in the second baptism of the Holy Spirit
participates in a joint youth program, probably has active youth

Celebration Lutheran - mainline (ELCA)
Lutheran churches are often moderately liturgical
seems to be large and active, with good youth program

Peace Lutheran - conservative Lutheran
web page doesn't have much information
doesn't look particularly large or active


For you I'd pick the Methodist or Celebration Lutheran, but remember that I'm mainline. (If I moved to your community I'd start with Celebration Lutheran.) Among the conservative churches the info on the web sites makes it hard to make a clear recommendation. The churches with better web sites tend to be Pentecostal. I'm not sure whether you want that. The others are hard to get enough information to make an assessment. Given your particular situation I worry about a church that values Piper. He's the source of one of the web pages that bothered you. Of the conservative churches, the Chardon Fellowship may be the most active, but I almost certainly disagree with almost everything they teach. Giving you the NKJV suggests they are very conservative, since the NKJV editors reject not just Biblical criticism but even the use of manuscripts discovered in the last few centuries. I'd expect opposition to evolution and traditional beliefs on women, though I could certainly be wrong. They appear to be Arminian (i.e. not Calvinist).

The mainline churches are not as likely to push specific theological movements like Lordship salvation or second Baptism or Calvinism. They're less likely to get you in trouble than some of the others. But they're also not likely to assume that Scripture is inerrant, and may well accept gays, which many here would consider a problem.

 

[AndrewK9]

This is a very difficult topic. I spent a long times searching for a decent church. Personally I would not recommend the Episcopal church, with some of the things the denomination has done. (I know, I tried one). I think you should attend a church which holds to the God-breathed scriptures (bible) and makes them the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

 

[Soverinth]

Lol this is hard, i posted this because i want to try to decide before tomorrow so i can finally attend a service. I've been hesitating going because i don't know which church is best for me. Although i am almost more worried about going to a correct church whether is suits my liking or not. I don't want to be following false teachings. That won't save me any faster.

 

[seashale76]

Lol this is hard, i posted this because i want to try to decide before tomorrow so i can finally attend a service. I've been hesitating going because i don't know which church is best for me. Although i am almost more worried about going to a correct church whether is suits my liking or not. I don't want to be following false teachings. That won't save me any faster.

If I was forced to choose or stay home, I'd go to one of the Lutheran churches and then perhaps the UMC. Of course, if it were me in reality, I'd drive 21 minutes to the Orthodox Church.

 

[AndrewK9]

If you want my personal opinion, I would go with the New Testament Baptist church or the Peace Lutheran. I know, finding a sound spiritual home can be difficult. My church is half decent, but I usually listen to sermons to help me online. You could try listening to sermons by Adrian Rogers, John Piper or J. Vernon McGee.

 

[Soverinth]

Well i forgot to mention that i don't always have a way to get to the Churches that are farther away. The Orthodox looks weird at first but, its intriguing because they stick to the the original way they used do Christianity right? I might not be able to get into the habit of all the old tradition. I don't know.

I've been thinking Lutheran. Are they safe in terms of doctrine?

And Methodist. I don't know just doesn't seem interesting.

 

[AndrewK9]

Well i forgot to mention that i don't always have a way to get to the Churches that are farther away. The Orthodox looks weird at first but, its intriguing because they stick to the the original way they used do Christianity right? I might not be able to get into the habit of all the old tradition. I don't know.

I've been thinking Lutheran. Are they safe in terms of doctrine?

And Methodist. I don't know just doesn't seem interesting.

It depends on the Lutheran church you go to. Some are more liberal, while others are conservative. Personally, if you want to go to a Lutheran church, then I guess Peace Lutheran, because they are LCMS. I mean, their tagline on the website says "A Scripture based church", that's a good thing, but there's not much else to go on.

 

[joey_downunder]

I would go to a Lutheran church if I couldn't go to a Baptist or conservative Presbyterian one.

Lutheran churches seem to have a very strong emphasis on Christian teachings, especially the difference between Law and Grace.

 

[hedrick]

Of the conservative churches I'd like to recommend the Peace Lutheran. Particularly for Armizer, who could really benefit by Lutheran theology given his specific problems. The reason I didn't is that its web page doesn't show much sign of any youth activities.

The ELCA church looks like it might have more activities for him. ELCA churches vary a lot in theological orientation, so it's hard to know where this one stands. I note that they have a female pastor. So that tells you something.

 

[Soverinth]

Whats the ELCA

 

[AndrewK9]

Elca?

ELCA are liberal Lutherans I would think. They have made some "questionable" decisions.

LCMS are conservative Lutherans. They hold to scripture. Like I said, I would probably recommend them. It's important to attend a church which is biblical.

 

[Soverinth]

Well i just emailed the pastor at the Peace Lutheran church, hope i can get a response back before tomorrow so i can at least get the feeling of church back. I haven't been to a church service or was in a church for deeper reasons for 14 years. So i am quite nervous. I'm a shy person so this is basically new for me again.

 

[AndrewK9]

Well i just emailed the pastor at the Peace Lutheran church, hope i can get a response back before tomorrow so i can at least get the feeling of church back. I haven't been to a church service or was in a church for deeper reasons for 14 years. So i am quite nervous. I'm a shy person so this is basically new for me again.

If this is indeed a good church, then I pray you do get an answer before Sunday. You can even possibly talk with this pastor tomorrow at the church if you can get a chance to and let him know of some of the concerns which you have been facing.

 

[TheyCallMeDave]

Here is a list of all the Churches in my Area. Could you guys help me decide which one to go to? There are probably a lot more then the ones I've listed. Just search "Churches in Chardon, Ohio" in Google and there are more results.



202 South Hambden Street
Chardon
(440) 285-8791
Pilgrim Christian Church
chardonpcc.org/


515 North Street
Chardon
(440) 285-4581
Chardon United Methodist Church
ChardonUMC


11519 Wilson Mills Road
Chardon
(440) 285-4641
ST LUKE EPISCOPAL CHURCH | chardon, OH 44024
ST LUKE EPISCOPAL CHURCH | chardon, OH 44024


12199 County Road 3
Chardon
(440) 635-0823
New Testament Baptist Church
New Testament Baptist Church of Claridon


103 Center Street
Chardon
(440) 286-6461
Chardon Assembly of God
Chardon Assembly of God


363 Wilson Mills Road
Chardon
(440) 285-3757
Chardon Baptist Church
Chardon Baptist Church


401 South Hambden Street
Chardon
(440) 285-3535
Chardon Christian Fellowship
Chardon Christian Fellowship


10621 Auburn Road
Chardon
(440) 285-5402
Celebration Lutheran Church
celebration-lutheran.org/


12686 Bass Lake Road
Chardon
(440) 286-1266
Peace Lutheran Church and Pre School
Peace Lutheran Church LCMS – Chardon, Ohio

You may want to ask www.equip.org your questions as they offer the service of linking people up with healthy well balanced local Churches. Use their customer contact form on their website.

Out of the list of names, the only one that i might have a reservation about is the Episcopal one because it is simular to Roman Catholicism in ways which is apostate . But, if that Episcopal Church is biblically centered then disregard my statement. Regards.

 

[hedrick]

ELCA are liberal Lutherans I would think. They have made some "questionable" decisions.

LCMS are conservative Lutherans. They hold to scripture. Like I said, I would probably recommend them. It's important to attend a church which is biblical.

It's all a matter of perspective. I think conservative churches mix Scripture with tradition, and that the ELCA and other mainline churches are closer to the original intent. I'm not trying to get into an argument over inerrancy. My concern is that if the OP doesn't know the issues, he may think the ELCA and other mainline denominations just don't care about Scripture, when in fact we care a lot. We think conservatives are imposing an agenda of their own. (I'm a member of the PCUSA, but on these issues we are very similar to the ELCA.)

 

[Soverinth]

Just for precautionary measures, if this Church doesn't work out what one looks like a good next choice?