I don’t know how to choose a church and fear I’m doing it wrong

BlessedVegan · Oct 15, 2018

A little backstory..I went from atheist to believer 13 years ago. I started going to a small Baptist church in my area..not because I knew anything about Baptist beliefs..but it worked out to go to that church the first time and everyone was kind and I loved it. I went for awhile but moved so was never baptized (I was not baptized as a child). I meant to find a church when I moved and but never found one that had the same feeling as my initial church. Then I started school and never followed through. I still believe but have never consistently gone to services since then. I really feel the need to find a church to call my own and be baptized. Another issue..in my career that is difficult to leave (in that I can’t do anything else with my education), I’ve pretty much hated it for the last 10 years. I moved into a different position a couple months ago where I work every Sat and Sun, 7am-7pm. I love it so much, I work with a good team, and feel like a good fit there. It’s the first time in 10 years I feel right about what I’m doing. B/c of this, the only place that I can find services is a messianic Jewish synagogue. I have nothing against it, I know little about it accept that they recognize Jesus as the Messiah. I’m very tempted to go check it out. As a child my parents and I briefly attended a synagogue, so I have fond memories of it, so I know that’s why it’s attractive to me. I’m sorry this is so long..but my fear is this..am I choosing this church for all the wrong reasons? I cannot see going back to working during the week. I know it’s selfish but it was horrible for so long, I see this new position as a gift from God. Also I’m not knowledgeable enough to look at the core beliefs of messianic Jews and know if I think they’re sound. I really wouldn’t know that about most denominations. To me it’s about finding a church that I feel connected to. But maybe that’s totally the wrong way to go about to?

Bumble Bee · Oct 15, 2018

First step: check the doctrine. Most websites have a statement of faith. You can look at that and the scriptures they come from, and see if they line up with what you read in the Bible, even if you don’t have a broad education.

You do want one that is a good fit for you, too. Your church becomes your family, so you want to be comfortable enough to be vulnerable and honest about your heart.

Don’t be afraid to question the pastor, either. If there is a sermon and he says something that doesn’t seem to line up with what you read in the Bible, ask about it.

A_Thinker · Oct 15, 2018

BlessedVegan said:
A little backstory..I went from atheist to believer 13 years ago. I started going to a small Baptist church in my area..not because I knew anything about Baptist beliefs..but it worked out to go to that church the first time and everyone was kind and I loved it. I went for awhile but moved so was never baptized (I was not baptized as a child). I meant to find a church when I moved and but never found one that had the same feeling as my initial church. Then I started school and never followed through. I still believe but have never consistently gone to services since then. I really feel the need to find a church to call my own and be baptized. Another issue..in my career that is difficult to leave (in that I can’t do anything else with my education), I’ve pretty much hated it for the last 10 years. I moved into a different position a couple months ago where I work every Sat and Sun, 7am-7pm. I love it so much, I work with a good team, and feel like a good fit there. It’s the first time in 10 years I feel right about what I’m doing. B/c of this, the only place that I can find services is a messianic Jewish synagogue. I have nothing against it, I know little about it accept that they recognize Jesus as the Messiah. I’m very tempted to go check it out. As a child my parents and I briefly attended a synagogue, so I have fond memories of it, so I know that’s why it’s attractive to me. I’m sorry this is so long..but my fear is this..am I choosing this church for all the wrong reasons? I cannot see going back to working during the week. I know it’s selfish but it was horrible for so long, I see this new position as a gift from God. Also I’m not knowledgeable enough to look at the core beliefs of messianic Jews and know if I think they’re sound. I really wouldn’t know that about most denominations. To me it’s about finding a church that I feel connected to. But maybe that’s totally the wrong way to go about to?

I think that messianic Jews are quite sound christians. And
i think that it's important to find a church that you feel connected to ...

PloverWing · Oct 15, 2018

I'm so glad you've found a job that you enjoy. I'm also glad you've found a place of worship that fits your unusual work schedule. Go ahead and visit the messianic synagogue; perhaps it will be a good home for you. Blessings to you in your journey.

Hazelelponi · Oct 15, 2018

My husband works on Sunday's, he has to be at work before service ends so he can't go to church services..

It's life. Sometimes your job interferes and this is why there are Sunday Evening services, as well as Wednesday.

You can always attempt to attend these other times, or other days, or just catch the service recorded and posted on Facebook (or wherever your church posts the recording) and see if there is some fellowship opportunities on your days off..

(perhaps your church hosts a meals on wheels where you can fellowship while in service to others).

chevyontheriver · Oct 15, 2018

BlessedVegan said:
A little backstory..I went from atheist to believer 13 years ago. I started going to a small Baptist church in my area..not because I knew anything about Baptist beliefs..but it worked out to go to that church the first time and everyone was kind and I loved it. I went for awhile but moved so was never baptized (I was not baptized as a child). I meant to find a church when I moved and but never found one that had the same feeling as my initial church. Then I started school and never followed through. I still believe but have never consistently gone to services since then. I really feel the need to find a church to call my own and be baptized. Another issue..in my career that is difficult to leave (in that I can’t do anything else with my education), I’ve pretty much hated it for the last 10 years. I moved into a different position a couple months ago where I work every Sat and Sun, 7am-7pm. I love it so much, I work with a good team, and feel like a good fit there. It’s the first time in 10 years I feel right about what I’m doing. B/c of this, the only place that I can find services is a messianic Jewish synagogue. I have nothing against it, I know little about it accept that they recognize Jesus as the Messiah. I’m very tempted to go check it out. As a child my parents and I briefly attended a synagogue, so I have fond memories of it, so I know that’s why it’s attractive to me. I’m sorry this is so long..but my fear is this..am I choosing this church for all the wrong reasons? I cannot see going back to working during the week. I know it’s selfish but it was horrible for so long, I see this new position as a gift from God. Also I’m not knowledgeable enough to look at the core beliefs of messianic Jews and know if I think they’re sound. I really wouldn’t know that about most denominations. To me it’s about finding a church that I feel connected to. But maybe that’s totally the wrong way to go about to?

Somebody has to work weekends. If that somebody is you, then you can make an adaptation. Iffffff this job is a gift from God then I guess you should keep it. Sunday morning worship may be the norm, but there are other options.

Sounds like you have found a working option that would happen Friday night. The other option aside from the Messianic Jewish group would be a Catholic church. They have Mass usually every day of the week. Not as big a deal as Sunday morning, but it works for a lot of people who go every day, as well as those who are working on Sunday. And I know that they even have, in some places, late evening Sunday Mass, which might fit after work. That sounds like it would be a long day though after 12 hours of work.

As to whether the Messianic Jews are proper for you, you would have to investigate more on your own. I don't know how diverse they may be as a category.

If you want more information about being Catholic, consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You could also just drop in for a visit some weekday. It might be right for you.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

My basic thoughts about choosing a church are that it is a following of the will of God in obedience more than picking what suits your fancy. Expect to be led to it rather than just picking a place based on your own tastes.

BlessedVegan · Oct 15, 2018

I have not found a single church in my area that had a Sunday evening service that starts after 7. The latest I see is 6:30, and since I technically be kept until 7:30 if we’re busy, I can’t make it to those. Do you feel they teach the Bible incorrectly? Can you tel me how? I’m trying to learn.

Hazelelponi said:
My husband works on Sunday's, he has to be at work before service ends so he can't go to church services..

It's life. Sometimes your job interferes and this is why there are Sunday Evening services, as well as Wednesday.

You can always attempt to attend these other times, or other days, or just catch the service recorded and posted on Facebook (or wherever your church posts the recording) and see if there is some fellowship opportunities on your days off..

(perhaps your church hosts a meals on wheels where you can fellowship while in service to others).

I would do that before I would attend church with people who teach the Bible incorrectly.... but that is me.. Depends on your theology I guess overall.

BlessedVegan · Oct 15, 2018

Oh I didn’t realize the weekday masses were the same as the Sunday mass..I guess I thought they weren’t as official or whatever. I will look into that too, I have nothing against the Catholic Church. I can certainly check it out. Unfortunately the Catholic Churches close enough to where I work, do not have evening services. The latest are 1pm.

chevyontheriver said:
Somebody has to work weekends. If that somebody is you, then you can make an adaptation. Iffffff this job is a gift from God then I guess you should keep it. Sunday morning worship may be the norm, but there are other options.

Sounds like you have found a working option that would happen Friday night. The other option aside from the Messianic Jewish group would be a Catholic church. They have Mass usually every day of the week. Not as big a deal as Sunday morning, but it works for a lot of people who go every day, as well as those who are working on Sunday. And I know that they even have, in some places, late evening Sunday Mass, which might fit after work. That sounds like it would be a long day though after 12 hours of work.

As to whether the Messianic Jews are proper for you, you would have to investigate more on your own. I don't know how diverse they may be as a category.

If you want more information about being Catholic, consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You could also just drop in for a visit some weekday. It might be right for you.

Catechism of the Catholic Church

My basic thoughts about choosing a church are that it is a following of the will of God in obedience more than picking what suits your fancy. Expect to be led to it rather than just picking a place based on your own tastes.

chevyontheriver · Oct 15, 2018

BlessedVegan said:
I have not found a single church in my area that had a Sunday evening service that starts after 7. The latest I see is 6:30, and since I technically be kept until 7:30 if we’re busy, I can’t make it to those. Do you feel they teach the Bible incorrectly? Can you tel me how? I’m trying to learn.

Not every city or town will have such a thing but this is one my son went to sometimes while in college. Nine PM even. A bit crazy, but it had a logic to it. Lots of college students would go home for the weekend and come back Sunday evening. This gave them one last chance, and lots of people actually took the opportunity.

Events – Saint John Vianney – University of St. Thomas – Minnesota

Hazelelponi · Oct 15, 2018

Nvm..

Basil the Great · Oct 15, 2018

Quite a few churches have services on Wed evening, especially Evangelical Protestant ones, if that helps fit your schedule. As stated before, most Catholic churches have Mass every day of the week, probably fairly early in the morning or sometimes at the noon hour in the larger cities.

chevyontheriver · Oct 15, 2018

BlessedVegan said:
Oh I didn’t realize the weekday masses were the same as the Sunday mass..I guess I thought they weren’t as official or whatever. I will look into that too, I have nothing against the Catholic Church. I can certainly check it out. Unfortunately the Catholic Churches close enough to where I work, do not have evening services. The latest are 1pm.

Weekdays aren't exactly the same. The expectation is that folks do attend the Sunday one, or the anticipated one Saturday evening (same readings). But for someone who works it is a decent accommodation. The music may not be as good, or might even be non-existent on a weekday, but then it is considerably shorter too.

You might also consider, as a supplement, the Liturgy of the Hours. You can pray them anywhere, any time. Don't even have to be Catholic to do those.

DW1980 · Oct 16, 2018

BlessedVegan said:
A little backstory..I went from atheist to believer 13 years ago. I started going to a small Baptist church in my area..not because I knew anything about Baptist beliefs..but it worked out to go to that church the first time and everyone was kind and I loved it. I went for awhile but moved so was never baptized (I was not baptized as a child). I meant to find a church when I moved and but never found one that had the same feeling as my initial church. Then I started school and never followed through. I still believe but have never consistently gone to services since then. I really feel the need to find a church to call my own and be baptized. Another issue..in my career that is difficult to leave (in that I can’t do anything else with my education), I’ve pretty much hated it for the last 10 years. I moved into a different position a couple months ago where I work every Sat and Sun, 7am-7pm. I love it so much, I work with a good team, and feel like a good fit there. It’s the first time in 10 years I feel right about what I’m doing. B/c of this, the only place that I can find services is a messianic Jewish synagogue. I have nothing against it, I know little about it accept that they recognize Jesus as the Messiah. I’m very tempted to go check it out. As a child my parents and I briefly attended a synagogue, so I have fond memories of it, so I know that’s why it’s attractive to me. I’m sorry this is so long..but my fear is this..am I choosing this church for all the wrong reasons? I cannot see going back to working during the week. I know it’s selfish but it was horrible for so long, I see this new position as a gift from God. Also I’m not knowledgeable enough to look at the core beliefs of messianic Jews and know if I think they’re sound. I really wouldn’t know that about most denominations. To me it’s about finding a church that I feel connected to. But maybe that’s totally the wrong way to go about to?

I think you're on the right track

If the Church (or messianic synagogue!) fits your understanding of the Bible then that is the first "box" ticked.

The next thing then is for it to be a Church where you feel connected. Church is after all your spiritual community, the place we turn to in times of need, and the place we make ourselves accountable. So yes, you do need to feel connected to it.

Maybe you could see if there is a Church you like, but can't attend on a Sunday, do they have mid-week Bible study and prayer groups? I'm sure they'd understand some people have to work weekends.

Albion · Oct 16, 2018

Blessed Vegan,

I see that other posters have spoken to the problem of having to work on weekends. There are some options as have been mentioned, but I really also think that you need to find a church that teaches and practices correctly and effectively, not just settle for the most convenient congregation.

This would take some research on your part, but most of it could be done by reading, with only a few visits around. I would encourage you to consider it.

PanDeVida · Mar 19, 2019

BlessedVegan said:
A little backstory..I went from atheist to believer 13 years ago. I started going to a small Baptist church in my area..not because I knew anything about Baptist beliefs..but it worked out to go to that church the first time and everyone was kind and I loved it. I went for awhile but moved so was never baptized (I was not baptized as a child). I meant to find a church when I moved and but never found one that had the same feeling as my initial church. Then I started school and never followed through. I still believe but have never consistently gone to services since then. I really feel the need to find a church to call my own and be baptized. Another issue..in my career that is difficult to leave (in that I can’t do anything else with my education), I’ve pretty much hated it for the last 10 years. I moved into a different position a couple months ago where I work every Sat and Sun, 7am-7pm. I love it so much, I work with a good team, and feel like a good fit there. It’s the first time in 10 years I feel right about what I’m doing. B/c of this, the only place that I can find services is a messianic Jewish synagogue. I have nothing against it, I know little about it accept that they recognize Jesus as the Messiah. I’m very tempted to go check it out. As a child my parents and I briefly attended a synagogue, so I have fond memories of it, so I know that’s why it’s attractive to me. I’m sorry this is so long..but my fear is this..am I choosing this church for all the wrong reasons? I cannot see going back to working during the week. I know it’s selfish but it was horrible for so long, I see this new position as a gift from God. Also I’m not knowledgeable enough to look at the core beliefs of messianic Jews and know if I think they’re sound. I really wouldn’t know that about most denominations. To me it’s about finding a church that I feel connected to. But maybe that’s totally the wrong way to go about to?

Vegan,

Do your research.

It's not rocket science, find the Church that compiled the Old and New Testament that we call the bible, the bible the inspired word of God that all Christians have then you have found the first church founded on Rock, then you will have no worries regarding that Church, and that Church you should be a part of.

Pan De Vida

I don’t know how to choose a church and fear I’m doing it wrong

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