New to Christianity and looking for a church

Albion · #21 24th July 2009, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by Izdaari

This may be a surprise, but at least some Assemblies of God churches fit those criteria pretty well. Mine does.

The only point that doesn't quite match up is liberal social activism. We are committed to ministering to the poor and the outcast, but not in a political way; we simply don't do politics, liberal, conservative or otherwise. But we do lots of missions work and community outreach, and we have a recovery ministry and a jailhouse ministry.

It's probably a long shot, as I'm sure my AG congregation isn't quite typical, being in a very liberal big city, but it's another possibility at least.

Shame on me for not considering the Assemblies of God. While they are thought of as a leading charismatic church, this varies from congregation to congregation as you've pointed out repeatedly over the months. The one nearest my own home has long been so "uncharismatic" in expression, that most people don't think of the church that way.

One problem is that social activism is a point that the OP emphasized, and then it was repeated later. This, therefore, might pose a bigger problem for her than swallowing the practice of baptizing infants, for example, in one of the other churches mentioned. After all, she's not bringing a child for baptism, but she does want to be part of changing society. And then there's that sexual orientation issue..... The Assemblies are as conservative, wouldn't you say, as are the Free Methodists, and that was a sticking point when it came to possibly recommending some of the smaller churches of the Wesleyan tradition.

But still, it looks like whatever church is chosen, there will likely be a few compromises made.

Albion · #22 24th July 2009, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by BluePlastic

We do have an American Baptist church in town, called Calvary Baptist Church. They have a nice web site, which is a plus for me as well, because it shows that at least some people in the congregation are interested in technology and are probably relatively young -- up here in deepest darkest New England, there are a lot of churches (and other places) where everyone is 65 and older

Alas, that's true across America, not just in New England. But if you check into Calvary Baptist, please do let us know what you found out.

Izdaari · #23 24th July 2009, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by Albion

Shame on me for not considering the Assemblies of God. While they are thought of as a leading charismatic church, this varies from congregation to congregation as you've pointed out repeatedly over the months. The one nearest my own home has long been so "uncharismatic" in expression, that most people don't think of the church that way.

One problem is that social activism is a point that the OP emphasized, and then it was repeated later. This, therefore, might pose a bigger problem for her than swallowing the practice of baptizing infants, for example, in one of the other churches mentioned. After all, she's not bringing a child for baptism, but she does want to be part of changing society. And then there's that sexual orientation issue..... The Assemblies are as conservative, wouldn't you say, as are the Free Methodists, and that was a sticking point when it came to possibly recommending some of the smaller churches of the Wesleyan tradition.

But still, it looks like whatever church is chosen, there will likely be a few compromises made.

Yes, AG is conservative, but mine accepts me and has not been judgmental about it, and my sexual orientation is the same as hers. AG does consider hetero sex within marriage the only God-approved way, but doesn't treat sexual sins as more serious than other sins. And unlike some other conservative denoms, does consider women full equals in everything, including in ministry.

AG is Pentecostal too, but mine works a lot more in practice like a Calvary Chapel. We believe in and practice the charisms, but it isn't a normal part of our services, and not in a showy or disruptive way. People do get healed, but not on a stage. People speak in tongues, but usually in private prayer.

Zoness · #24 24th July 2009, 12:40 PM

Hmmm...AG like most denominations, varies by congregation...I have always had the same kinds of problems in AG churches as I have Baptist churches but to each his own. :S

Redheadedstepchild · #25 25th July 2009, 01:53 AM

Honestly I tend to think any of these denominations that tend toward free will could be OK, though you would need to compromise on the issue of infant Baptism if you go with the UMC. My thinking is that the supportive situation you are seeking could exist in any of these churches despite where they may fall with regard to being conservative or liberal. It will depend largely on the individual congregations and the types of relationships you are able to develop, which will take time and prayerful consideration.

BluePlastic · #26 25th July 2009, 03:53 AM

Thank you guys for all your posts

Just to clarify the liberal activism thing -- I was not really trying to say that I strongly want liberal political activism, as much as I want a focus on things like missionary work, feeding and clothing the poor, etc. and a lack of the whole "bomb all them ay-rabs! America, heck yeah!" thing that I unfortunately see a lot of Christians supporting in my community and area. So, it doesn't need to be actively out there campaigning for peace -- but I would like it to not support war beyond supporting the troops themselves.

Izdaari · #27 25th July 2009, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by BluePlastic

Thank you guys for all your posts

Just to clarify the liberal activism thing -- I was not really trying to say that I strongly want liberal political activism, as much as I want a focus on things like missionary work, feeding and clothing the poor, etc. and a lack of the whole "bomb all them ay-rabs! America, heck yeah!" thing that I unfortunately see a lot of Christians supporting in my community and area. So, it doesn't need to be actively out there campaigning for peace -- but I would like it to not support war beyond supporting the troops themselves.

Alrighty. Well, with that clarification, I think you'd be right at home in my particular AG congregation... bearing in mind that it isn't necessarily typical.

Albion · #28 25th July 2009, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by BluePlastic

Thank you guys for all your posts

Just to clarify the liberal activism thing -- I was not really trying to say that I strongly want liberal political activism, as much as I want a focus on things like missionary work, feeding and clothing the poor, etc. and a lack of the whole "bomb all them ay-rabs! America, heck yeah!" thing that I unfortunately see a lot of Christians supporting in my community and area. So, it doesn't need to be actively out there campaigning for peace -- but I would like it to not support war beyond supporting the troops themselves.

Let me clarify the point, since I made reference to it in one of my posts awhile ago. I don't get the sense from what you wrote that you insist upon getting out on the picket line. However, your choice of words about the political views you cannot stomach is pretty strong and judgmental, almost stereotypical. And it extends to society in general, not just to what happens in church.

My feeling was, therefore, that you would not feel at home in a congregation that was made up predominately of run of the mill Republicans and you would sooner or later be frustrated by things said during the sermon, printed in the literature, or at the coffee hour, if they turned out to be at odds with views you are strongly committed to. Better, I'd think, to find a church whose membership--and the commitment of the church/denomination itself--is in step with your own views.

IF THIS IS incorrect, and your political convictions are more a personal thing not worn on one's sleeve, and a congregation that is mixed conservative and liberal is fine with you, there are loads of congregations and churches doing wonderful work among the poor but populated by middle-class types. And these are normally the ones most into missionary work. There's virtually none being done these days by the Episcopal Church or the United Church of Christ, for example.

Anyway, hardly any, if any at all, of the denominations that have been suggested by any of us so far would be what you'd call churches frequented by folks arriving at church in old pick-up trucks with gun racks in the back window and "Support our troops" bumper stickers on display.

Redheadedstepchild · #29 25th July 2009, 10:00 AM

LOL, come to South Carolina and say that.

Albion · #30 25th July 2009, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by Redheadedstepchild

LOL, come to South Carolina and say that.

Well, I was keeping in mind that Blue Plastic lives in New England. I don't think most UMC churches in the North fit that description. As a matter of fact, most of that picture is probably illegal where she lives.