How long is too long for church-hopping?

I've been on a journey for a long time. That's ok. The sheer diversity of doctrines, beliefs, theologies, and denominations is difficult.

I'm afraid it really depends on what is meant by "church-hopping."

Usually, it seems, the term is applied to rather gadfly flitting between churches for no significant reason, whereas a determined search for a church that meets the beliefs of a "seeker" is another matter.

Thanks. Then I'm choosing the third option on the poll. I would have questions if the switching and visiting went on for decades and involved dozens of churches, but one or two years (the other choices) doesn't seem long at all.

ChicanaRose said:

Please vote in the poll and feel free to elaborate.

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I said two years. That’s about the time it took me to dive into a lot of the church ministries and groups.

Advice? Find a church which by word and action (ministries) that is Gospel focused, missionary focused and church planting focused. All three are Gospel focused.

If you want PM me and I can give suggestions in your area.

ChicanaRose said:

Please vote in the poll and feel free to elaborate.

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Until God directs you to settle down ...

ChicanaRose said:

Please vote in the poll and feel free to elaborate.

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Keep "shopping" till the Lord shows you His church.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matt 5:6)

Until the Lord directs me to join, I’ve decided against it.

Assuming that the seeker does their homework to find out the history of the church before visiting, one month for each church should be enough.
That would include (of course) picking up a bulletin/newsletter,
attending all 4/5 of the Saturday/Sunday services, and weekday services if offered,
attending a women's social meeting, a bible study if offered, and a pot luck or after service coffee hour.

In other words, do everything you would normally do as though you expected this church to be "the one".

and don't forget to put something in the offering plate when it is passed as well.

I don't know that we can quantify this. As with most things, motivation is key. If you are avoiding dealing with your own problems that keep you from taking root, that's something that needs to be dealt with. But even when you are sincere it still can be very hard to find the right Body, and to put pressure on yourself in such a case, to try to fit in where you don't really fit in, would be unwise. The right way to do it is to conduct your search in faith and good conscience, with an open mind, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and give confirmations.

I voted: as long as needed. Such a hard question. For myself, I feel so compelled to be a part of the body somewhere, if I couldn't find one that seems to fit I would just choose one. At the end of the day, it's not so much about me as much as what I can contribute to the body. What I don't want to do is not serve in some capacity. "To each is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7 ESV). If I am unable to attend and serve in a local community, I would want to find some way for God to use whatever God has equipped me with for the common good.

Take as long as you want and call Guinness.......they may be looking for a world record!

ChicanaRose said:

Do you guys think the process is faster for a single person, as couples could have disagreements about which church to join; or perhaps the church has an excellent women's ministry but nothing for men?

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If they are drawn to different denominations it can be. I knew someone who compromised on Catholicism that eventually asked for change. She started attending a nondenominational church with her husband’s blessing that had the resources and community they lacked. The children liked it and began to visit too.

Her experience reinforced my unwillingness to cross those lines for the reasons mentioned and more. It can be a source of contention for both.

ChicanaRose said:

Do you guys think the process is faster for a single person, as couples could have disagreements about which church to join; or perhaps the church has an excellent women's ministry but nothing for men?

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I think it can be in some cases. But in other cases, having a partner as you go through the process can add vital encouragement to stay the course without giving up. And sometimes knowing that a church is the right one comes gradually, so you have to keep going despite initial doubts.

ChicanaRose said:

Do you guys think the process is faster for a single person, as couples could have disagreements about which church to join; or perhaps the church has an excellent women's ministry but nothing for men?

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actually with a couple visiting the churches, it might be faster.
The couple could choose as many as 6-9 churches to visit, each one visiting a different church and sharing notes on how things went on the visit.

For example, the husband could go to Church A, the wife to Church B, and also catch any meetings during the first week.

During the second week, they exchange churches and first impressions with each other. Then they decide together if either Church rates a second visit by both of them together. If both of them like a church, it gets a second visit (the semi-finals!)

And lastly, does any church on their list have a ministry/ fellowship/ bible study/ choir/ children's ministry that they enjoy or want to be a part of?
If so, that church gets to be on the "Finals" list! And then they both pray for a week or two (however long it takes) about their decision, and see what God has to say.

This is also the time to see if there are any other churches that they want to include in their search.
It's a starting point, and we all have to start somewhere.

ChicanaRose said:

Please vote in the poll and feel free to elaborate.

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I suggest no more than a year, because (usually with conservative churches) you are not participating or contributing your all to the ministry of that body. Sure, to many people church is nothing more than a meeting or a hangout spot to sing songs and hear a pep talk, instead of a family that encourages each other, holds each other accountable, and helps out the needs of others. You can't give yourself to multiple churches, you must stick to one that is home to you.

Gracia Singh said:

I've been on a journey for a long time. That's ok. The sheer diversity of doctrines, beliefs, theologies, and denominations is difficult.

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If you're looking for a church that 100% perfect in doctrine, you will be looking all your life. The truth is every church under heaven is mixed with some error and diversity, and any church that says they are otherwise is one that you should run away from. In my church, we agree on the essential things that stands out from other churches, but each member (and each elder) has their own diversity of beliefs in less important areas that does not break the true unity among brothers.

I always ask controversial questions to the elders of each church I have joined in the past to get a good understanding of where they stand in contrast to me. It gives me comfort and encouragement for some reason, like the fact that it shows no one is perfect and is still learning for themselves, and its a reason to discuss Scripture!

The important thing is to find a church that teaches a system of belief that compellingly comprise the whole testimony of the Bible. Even if some of the teachings challenge our long-held beliefs. Too much emphasis is placed on "belonging" and ready-made "unity." God is interested in molding our characters and learning to get along with a church full of recuperating sinners is part of His plan.