Picking a Denomination

[vivirescorrer]

Hi, everyone. I live in a smallish town and I'm trying to find a church that is a good fit for me. Here's the disposition I'm starting with:

I grew up with a Lutheran church(Missouri Synod) and I found it to be very cold and unsupportive, and intellectually unchallenging. I find other "mainstream churches" to be similar in this regard.

Pentecostals seem to be a real mixed bag. I think some might just have very enthusiastic, emotional services, but some of their teachings make them out to be megachurch wannabes- "believe and God will bless your bank account."

Baptists appeal to my hard-nosed nature- they get right in your face- but they also seem, uh, crazy. Interpreting the Bible in an incredibly literal fashion, spending most of their time emphasizing negatives, criticizing things they don't understand...

I guess I wish that I could combine some of the confrontational nature of the Baptists, with the warmth of the Pentecostals and the sense of some of the mainstream churches- I'm thinking Catholic, specifically, I guess. But right now it seems like I can choose between cold, mindless and crazy/mean. I'm really just looking for a church that hosts a regular Bible study and has an organized commitment to charity- helping out Habitat for Humanity, whatever. I don't even like church services- I find them boring and pointless.

Oh, and I would LOVE to avoid age-gap churches. The church I grew up in had maybe 4 members under the age of 30, and 4/5 were 60 and over. Grace Lutheran Church... where WASPs go to die...

Suggestions appreciated. Thanks for reading.
-Matt

 

[banish'd]

The Catholics have a lot to offer if you like to obey the rules. Some people feel a lot safer if they follow the rules.

I now belong to a Vineyard church where we simply worship.

 

[heymikey80]

Baptists, definitely.

Got any Methodists? You know I'm serious if I'm sporting a Presbyterian icon and suggesting a Methodist church! Yeah, if you can find a conservative Methodist church with a younger set of people to talk with -- go for it. One of my primary mentors was methodist. I'm not a fan of the chandelier-swinging liberal wing, but even the conservatives listened credulously to people in my Methodist church.

I'm Presbyterian. Probably too intellectual & maybe too cold to fit your taste. Again, a young church that points to "Mars Hill" or "Tim Keller's church" would be my suggestion among Presbyterian churches. We run quite a range in worship, from amazingly-conservative antiphonal psalm-singers to "worship is entertainment" video preaching. Tough to identify.

 

[vivirescorrer]

The Methodists might not be a bad idea. They seemed even-keeled when I went to their church. In your first line were you recommending the Baptists? And the Presbyterians being "too intellectual" was an interesting dig at me... but, the Methodists might be a good one to pursue. The Presby's do seem a little too liberal for me religiously(not politically). Thank you very much for the thoughtful response. Any more ideas, anyone?

 

[Sketcher]

Baptists get a bad rap, the Baptists I got to know were very nice, level-headed, and knew how to have a good time. They were Southern Baptists, even.

 

[heymikey80]

Yes, I would still recommend Baptists. Sure you'll find individuals kinda ... odd, but they're quite a range and they do get a bad rap. They're worth trying it out. They're in earnest, and most are not that "off the wall".

I mean that Presbyterians being so intellectual have a monopoly on the term "frozen chosen". Not a dig at you, I saw your interest in intellectual depth, but big heads can often cause problems expressing the heart. Many's the time I wish my teachers would "Just come out & say it!" and not explain how they got there.

On the other hand, they think a whole lot. If you're gonna read someone for intellectual depth, I'd highly recommend Presbyterians: like say Sinclair Ferguson.

 

[seashale76]

Orthodoxy. Everything else seems quite lacking in comparison to me. Just walking in the door to Divine Liturgy that first Sunday- I knew it was everything I had been seeking. Come and see.

 

[anopenhand]

A Church here in Australia I have found that ticks all boxes to a greater degree is the Anglican Church, what you would call Episcopalian in the US. It does vary a lot as an organisation from parish to parish. For instance I attend services in the suburb next to my own as I find the priest there to be very good (kind, open minded and extremely well educated with a PhD) while the priest in my own area is very negative and fire and brimstone about everything.

You are safe knowing the priests are well educated and are answerable to a bishop if they are way out of line. In addition the priests can marry and are indeed encouraged to do so, they are arguably better for family and real world advice than some Catholic priests. For those who enjoy ceremony the high church Angicans/Episcopalians don't differ too greatly from Catholic services. There are fairly well outlined rules but also an intellectual attitude that welcomes free thought and questioning. The Church is fairly liberal, but that is up to the priest, some support women and homosexuals as priests for instance but others do not. You are free to choose, no view will be imposed upon you.

Maybe that is worth a look if you were considering Catholic but maybe felt unsure about rigidity or the Pope. That is why I moved from the Catholic to the Anglican church on the whole, I just didn't think the arch-arch bishop (Pope) was really necessary, I tend to think a Peter figure should be available for all areas.

 

[pilgrimgal]

Churches (namely denominations) vary in doctrine and approach..but it is always good to check out there specific purpose as a local church to see what they are about and, of course, to visit their services. I won't recommend any one denomination except to say you can't put them in a box..not all Catholic churches are alike, nor are Baptists, nor are Pentecostals, etc.

I mainly consider the quality of worship (I lean towards contemporary even though I am in my 70's) and whether I sense a peace about being in a particular assembly of believers..You just know whether worship and praise is really glorifying God and edifying those who worship.. Next, the preaching of the scriptures is basic to a good church..surely biblically based. And the atmosphere provided. Are these friendly people of various ages..do they provide opportunities to fellowship with one another? Do they reach out beyond their own church people to others in the community..not just by evangelizing but also feeding the needy, caring for the elderly and sick, and all the "least of the brethren." as seen in Matthew 25.

My church, 4Square, here locally also feels called to help out in some city and community events..just out of generosity and love..no strings attached. It has been an effective witness to God's caring love to the city..We do this by participating and helping in various city events..

prayers for your guidance to find the right church family for you.

 

[salida]

Hi, everyone. I live in a smallish town and I'm trying to find a church that is a good fit for me. Here's the disposition I'm starting with:

I grew up with a Lutheran church(Missouri Synod) and I found it to be very cold and unsupportive, and intellectually unchallenging. I find other "mainstream churches" to be similar in this regard.

Pentecostals seem to be a real mixed bag. I think some might just have very enthusiastic, emotional services, but some of their teachings make them out to be megachurch wannabes- "believe and God will bless your bank account."

Baptists appeal to my hard-nosed nature- they get right in your face- but they also seem, uh, crazy. Interpreting the Bible in an incredibly literal fashion, spending most of their time emphasizing negatives, criticizing things they don't understand...

I guess I wish that I could combine some of the confrontational nature of the Baptists, with the warmth of the Pentecostals and the sense of some of the mainstream churches- I'm thinking Catholic, specifically, I guess. But right now it seems like I can choose between cold, mindless and crazy/mean. I'm really just looking for a church that hosts a regular Bible study and has an organized commitment to charity- helping out Habitat for Humanity, whatever. I don't even like church services- I find them boring and pointless.

Oh, and I would LOVE to avoid age-gap churches. The church I grew up in had maybe 4 members under the age of 30, and 4/5 were 60 and over. Grace Lutheran Church... where WASPs go to die...

Suggestions appreciated. Thanks for reading.
-Matt

Church isn't meant to be boring and pointless-but christians coming together and showing worship to God. The holy spirit in ones heart does this-human effort alone can't do this without putting on a show. You have had some colorful experiences no doubt.

http://selectsmart.com/FREE/select.p...christiandenom
(a denomination finder)
It can be difficult finding a church today in general.

 

[Aibrean]

I think your issue is more of finding a congregation that fits. We were in an LCMS church and we changed to another local LCMS church that fits us better. If you agree with the doctrine/theology just look for a different congregation.

 

[Evaler]

Interpreting the Bible in an incredibly literal fashion, spending most of their time emphasizing negatives, criticizing things they don't understand...

Please explain what you mean by "criticizing things they don't understand."

Yes I would consider myself a biblicist, I interpret the Bible literally, however this doesn't mean that I would deny the literary aspects, genre, figures of speech etc. within the text, baptists/biblicists fully recognize parable, allegory, simile, metaphor, etc. when interpreting the Bible.

Honestly, I think you need to focus less on looking for a church that makes you feel good and look for one that actually teaches biblical truths.

No, this does not mean the only churches that are true are the ones that make you feel horrible all the time, while this is needed in the congregation sometimes, there should be less focus on man and more focus on glorifying God, that is what the ultimate goal for man is after all. Also, no, not all baptist churches are full of people bored out of their mind... just most of them sadly.

Also, church services are definitely not pointless... unless you make them out to be that.

Hebrews 10:24-25
24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

If you meant something else, I apologize, but it wasn't directly clear. I am not arguing about the type of Bible study that should be used, as that would be stupid and pointless (as long as God comes first and right doctrine is being taught) however if you (and I'm guessing you're not, but I want to be careful) are saying that assembling in the church is pointless, and that you just want that one bible reading half-hour a week to make you feel better/get some humanitarian projects up, then that would be off.

Sorry I rambled, it's 2:46 AM over here, though my ideas may not be clear in their structure, I still hold that they are right in doctrine.

 

[christianNarmy89]

Living in a small town can make it difficult to find the church where you are comfortable, especially if you have a small selection.
Is there an Episcopalian one out there? That might be a good one.. it's considered "Catholic Lite" by some people. That is the type of church that I attended before I started praying about becoming Catholic.

Also, a non-denominational church would be good.. but again, not sure if you would find that in a small town.

 

[Aibrean]

Also, a non-denominational church would be good.. but again, not sure if you would find that in a small town.

Yea...if you want to go to a church that doesn't know what they believe other than "Jesus" and "God" and the "Bible".

 

[heron]

Since you don't like to sit still and hear someone else's opinion without being able to rebuff, I would suggest you teach Sunday School somewhere. Lesson plans are structured ahead of time, so you wouldn't need to know the entire Bible in advance. But you would be learning and discussing, interacting while other people are sitting in pews.

Or a wiser start, join a home Bible study first -- a place where mixed people talk about what they've read. Then find out where those people go to church.

 

[UnimaginablyHappy]

I agree with Aibrean. Sometimes it's not the denomination but the congregation that feels wrong and sometimes is wrong.

 

[donb1959]

How about haveing no denomination, dominations are all just name.

 

[Aibrean]

dominations are all just name.

Absolutely not!

 

[chilehed]

Seems to me that since Christ established one Church and promised that it would exist forever and always teach true doctrine, then you'd want to join that one even if the people in your local assembly aren't your type.
So find out which Church has existed since the time of the Apostles, and join it. If you think it's teaching false doctrine then remember that Christ promised that it wouldn't, and spend a moment looking in the mirror remembering how hard it is to know when we're deceiving ourselves.

 

[Chris81]

Baptists, definitely.

Got any Methodists? You know I'm serious if I'm sporting a Presbyterian icon and suggesting a Methodist church! Yeah, if you can find a conservative Methodist church with a younger set of people to talk with -- go for it. One of my primary mentors was methodist. I'm not a fan of the chandelier-swinging liberal wing, but even the conservatives listened credulously to people in my Methodist church.

I'm Presbyterian. Probably too intellectual & maybe too cold to fit your taste. Again, a young church that points to "Mars Hill" or "Tim Keller's church" would be my suggestion among Presbyterian churches. We run quite a range in worship, from amazingly-conservative antiphonal psalm-singers to "worship is entertainment" video preaching. Tough to identify.

Wow, thank you sir. (Note to self remember to praise the Presbyterian Church at some point when I am on this forum...)

Hi vivirescorrer:

Yes, I have found the Methodist Church to be filled with loving people who joyfully serve and worship Christ. The United Methodist Church is very diverse community of both conservatives and liberals however I would tend to say our doctrinal stances are fairly moderate. The church I attend is fairly conservative and thus promotes a very high view of scripture. Methodist tend to focus more on action rather than doctrinal belief and therefore Bible studies tend to emphasis how a Christian should live their lives as a reflection of Christ and other biblical teachings. Beyond that Methodist are very active in the community and do a tremendous amount of volunteer work. If you are looking for a Church that teaches a practical understanding of Christianity that is active in the community, I would very much recommend the United Methodist Church.