chosing a denomination

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Blade

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nick.s said:
I'm not sure which denomination i belong to or whether i should belong to one. I have my beliefs, and i dont rly go to church, ive just been on the odd occasion. I could use some guidance from someone on choosing a denomination.

nick
You know nick I (just me) never did like the word denomination. When people as me what denomination I am I tell them I have a relationship with Jesus Christ. GO TO CHRUCH :D Find a chruch that preachs the word. Asembles of God, Foursquare, and nondenomination are good for starters.
 
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Truly Blessed

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nick, in case you come back to this, I would like to throw my 2 cents worth in. First of all I think I could find fault with the church I go to for some of their beliefs along with every other church one way or another. The point I am trying to make is that I pray that you find a church that first teaches from the Bible and does not take it out of context. Then does what it preaches. Finally, if the fellowship is great that is a bonus.
I went to an organization where the fellowship was wonderful and I really enjoyed it. Then I found out what they believed and promptly left. Do you notice I said organization. Just because a denomination does something bibically wrong does not mean a church body agrees with what the denomination has decided. One may argue to get out of a denomination that does something bibically wrong. However, one may also argue to stay within a denomination to try to change it back to Gods law. It is also very hard for a church to leave a denomination. Usually, it is arranged as such that the denomination owns the property and so on. I arrived at a church that split from a denomation because of what the denomatin was doing and it was total confusion at first. When I arrived the name was changed and so on. I asked why the stone on top of the entrance said "xyz". I was promptly told "Do I know a stone cutter." In no way am I trying to dimish or tarnish Gods Church. I love all of Gods people regardless of denomination or church they belong too. Oh and when I said I can find fault with churchs; They can find twice as much fault with me. May you be blessed in the church you call home. I am.
 
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New_Wineskin

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nick.s said:
I'm not sure which denomination i belong to or whether i should belong to one. I have my beliefs, and i dont rly go to church, ive just been on the odd occasion. I could use some guidance from someone on choosing a denomination.

nick
No problem in not "going to church" . We are the Church . We are always there . If you do wish to meet with groups , how about taking turns instead of joining of belonging to any . In so doing , you may find several that you enjoy being with and continue to alternate between those several and not even meeting with any from time to time .

One suggestion would be concerning your "beliefs" . Figure out which ones are most important to you . This may help in making decisions on whether or not you meet with certain groups more than once or twice .
 
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Thunderchild

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Does not each methodist beleive the methodist doctrine, and each catholic beleive the catholic doctrine.
Quite frequently a member of a church will have difficulties with some of the precepts of his church. That he is a member reflects not so much his belief in the doctrines of the church, but his comfort with things "on the whole."
 
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Iosias

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nick.s said:
I'm not sure which denomination i belong to or whether i should belong to one. I have my beliefs, and i dont rly go to church, ive just been on the odd occasion. I could use some guidance from someone on choosing a denomination.

nick
Hi Nick!

What are your beliefs?

Regards,
Richard
 
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DIVAMOM

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Nick,
Go with Christ. If He leads you to a Baptist church, go. Then later, if He leads youto a non-denominational church, go. And after that if it's a Evangelical church, go. Sometime later it may be a Methodist church, and yet again, go.
One thing I've learned is that when we trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding (infer reference about Church doctrine here) then He will dicatate all of our paths and our lives will have been that much greater then.
FYI- I'm non-denom and attend a Bible-believing church. It's the largest in my city and God keeps growing us,, so something is being taught and done correctly!
 
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DanielRB

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nick.s said:
I'm not sure which denomination i belong to or whether i should belong to one. I have my beliefs, and i dont rly go to church, ive just been on the odd occasion. I could use some guidance from someone on choosing a denomination.

nick
Hi Nick,

Since you posted this about a month ago, perhaps you've already found a Church home. If not, I'd like to add my thoughts--and perhaps also help anyone else who's looking for a Church home.

First, I think finding a Church home is an important thing. In one sense, we're already "in Church" because we're part of the universal body of Christ once we are saved. However, "family reunions" are important to our spiritual health. I think being an active part of a local body of believers helps us be more accountable. It's easy as a "lone ranger" Christian to drift away from obedience and our first Love without others to help support and encourage us. Yes, Christ is always with us, regardless if we are going to a local Church or not. But Christ put us in a family, and a family that does not communicate and visit with each other soon grows distant, cold and even forgets that it IS a family. Someone suggested visiting a variety of Churches. I would encourage you to start this way, but not stay this way. Never feel that you must exclude fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. However, by not plugging into one church in a deep way, your fellowship may stay on the "visitor" level. It takes time to develop deep relationships, not just an occasional Sunday visit.

Second, I would encourage you to continually study the Scriptures. You'll never reach a point in saying "now I know all, I will find a Church that perfectly fulfills the Scriptures." All you can do is act upon the light that God grants you at the time.

Third, consider both the faith and the practice of a Church. Don't just read their official doctrinal statements (though I encourage you to do so), but see if they actually LIVE it. But I caution you: don't seek perfection, because you won't find it. See if the Spirit of God confirms in you that these people are truly Christian in both their hearts and their minds.

Fourth, talk with the pastor or elders of the Church. Ask them your questions. Get to know the kind of leadership that you will be expected to support. If you have major disagreements with the Church leadership, you will find it difficult to serve God in the way that you want in the Church.

Fifth, be cautious of extremes in conformity and extremes in liberty. In other words, if a Church demands obedience in non-biblical ways, be wary of joining it. Similiarly, if a Church is so liberal that it essentially believes nothing and expects nothing of its members, it will not necessarily help you in your spiritual walk. A good rule of thumb is "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity." (Of course, people might disagree what the essentials and the non-essentials are; that's why Biblical study and listening to the Holy Spirit are so important.)

Sixth, bathe this decision in lots of prayer. God will guide you. Trust Him.

Seventh, once you make a decision to join a Church, really be a part of it--not just a pew warmer. Involve yourself in the way that God would like you to be involved. Volunteer to help with children, with senior ministries, helping with a soup kitchen--whatever work God calls you to. Churches aren't just a place to sit and be fed by others; we are called to feed each other.

Eighth, don't change your membership to another Church for light reasons. Floating from one Church to another in a rootless way doesn't help your own spiritual growth, nor does it help these Churches grow. Most Churches have a small core of people who make things happen, and a lot of "floaters." Try to be that core.

Ninth, don't be afraid to change Churches for an important reason. If something anti-biblical is being taught and supported by the Church leadership, talk to the Church leadership in a humble way. If they refuse to change, perhaps God is calling you out to go somewhere else.

Finally, as I said before, never forget that you're part of the larger body of Christ. Be careful that you don't confuse your local Church or the denomination of which it is part with the whole of Christendom. An exclusive, party spirit cripples Christ's body.

I hope this helps some. My family is going through a similar search right now, and we're trying to follow these principles.

In Christ,

Daniel
 
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Iosias

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DanielRB said:
Hi Nick,

Since you posted this about a month ago, perhaps you've already found a Church home. If not, I'd like to add my thoughts--and perhaps also help anyone else who's looking for a Church home.

First, I think finding a Church home is an important thing. In one sense, we're already "in Church" because we're part of the universal body of Christ once we are saved. However, "family reunions" are important to our spiritual health. I think being an active part of a local body of believers helps us be more accountable. It's easy as a "lone ranger" Christian to drift away from obedience and our first Love without others to help support and encourage us. Yes, Christ is always with us, regardless if we are going to a local Church or not. But Christ put us in a family, and a family that does not communicate and visit with each other soon grows distant, cold and even forgets that it IS a family. Someone suggested visiting a variety of Churches. I would encourage you to start this way, but not stay this way. Never feel that you must exclude fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. However, by not plugging into one church in a deep way, your fellowship may stay on the "visitor" level. It takes time to develop deep relationships, not just an occasional Sunday visit.

Second, I would encourage you to continually study the Scriptures. You'll never reach a point in saying "now I know all, I will find a Church that perfectly fulfills the Scriptures." All you can do is act upon the light that God grants you at the time.

Third, consider both the faith and the practice of a Church. Don't just read their official doctrinal statements (though I encourage you to do so), but see if they actually LIVE it. But I caution you: don't seek perfection, because you won't find it. See if the Spirit of God confirms in you that these people are truly Christian in both their hearts and their minds.

Fourth, talk with the pastor or elders of the Church. Ask them your questions. Get to know the kind of leadership that you will be expected to support. If you have major disagreements with the Church leadership, you will find it difficult to serve God in the way that you want in the Church.

Fifth, be cautious of extremes in conformity and extremes in liberty. In other words, if a Church demands obedience in non-biblical ways, be wary of joining it. Similiarly, if a Church is so liberal that it essentially believes nothing and expects nothing of its members, it will not necessarily help you in your spiritual walk. A good rule of thumb is "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity." (Of course, people might disagree what the essentials and the non-essentials are; that's why Biblical study and listening to the Holy Spirit are so important.)

Sixth, bathe this decision in lots of prayer. God will guide you. Trust Him.

Seventh, once you make a decision to join a Church, really be a part of it--not just a pew warmer. Involve yourself in the way that God would like you to be involved. Volunteer to help with children, with senior ministries, helping with a soup kitchen--whatever work God calls you to. Churches aren't just a place to sit and be fed by others; we are called to feed each other.

Eighth, don't change your membership to another Church for light reasons. Floating from one Church to another in a rootless way doesn't help your own spiritual growth, nor does it help these Churches grow. Most Churches have a small core of people who make things happen, and a lot of "floaters." Try to be that core.

Ninth, don't be afraid to change Churches for an important reason. If something anti-biblical is being taught and supported by the Church leadership, talk to the Church leadership in a humble way. If they refuse to change, perhaps God is calling you out to go somewhere else.

Finally, as I said before, never forget that you're part of the larger body of Christ. Be careful that you don't confuse your local Church or the denomination of which it is part with the whole of Christendom. An exclusive, party spirit cripples Christ's body.

I hope this helps some. My family is going through a similar search right now, and we're trying to follow these principles.

In Christ,

Daniel
Good post!
 
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good4u

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Nick the OP,

Your very young and if you have a relationship to Christ, you need a relationship with His body, the church -- up close and personal. As a lot of others have said, it is not so much the denomination but that particular church teaches essential Christian doctrine correctly. It is vital at your age to study and know it through and through. It will keep you from heretical error and there is plenty on this MB and if you don't know the difference you will be caught in a quagmire.

Seek a good Bible-teaching only church, those that practice the church sacrements on a regular basis and have a loving, not legalistic fellowship. You will then become a consistent church goer and look forward to Sunday.
 
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Celticflower

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Granny2young said:
As to the other posts, I am speaking for myself here and may insight anger, but how can you say not all beleive that way? Is not the church one body. Does not each methodist beleive the methodist doctrine, and each catholic beleive the catholic doctrine. QUOTE]


Not every Methodist believes Every bit of the "Methodist doctrine". But they stay with the Methodist church because it is there they find the teachings and the style of teaching that nurtures their soul. Often the main difference that makes a person choose one denomination over another is this difference in style--not the message itself, but the way it is presented. It is only after becoming involved for a while that they start to find fault with doctine or traditions. That does not mean the denomination or congregation is doing anything wrong, it means the person in question has a personal problem with the way the church does something. It just isn't their style, they do not feel comfortable or they begin to feel spiritually starved.
I had a minister discribe denominations this way-- they are just different pews in the same church. If you don't like the view--move.

Celtie
 
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Bon

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Not every Methodist believes Every bit of the "Methodist doctrine". But they stay with the Methodist church because it is there they find the teachings and the style of teaching that nurtures their soul. Often the main difference that makes a person choose one denomination over another is this difference in style--not the message itself, but the way it is presented. It is only after becoming involved for a while that they start to find fault with doctine or traditions. That does not mean the denomination or congregation is doing anything wrong, it means the person in question has a personal problem with the way the church does something. It just isn't their style, they do not feel comfortable or they begin to feel spiritually starved.
I had a minister discribe denominations this way-- they are just different pews in the same church. If you don't like the view--move.

Celtie

We are told to seek God in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.

with thanks from Bon
 
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happyinhisgrace

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nick.s said:
I'm not sure which denomination i belong to or whether i should belong to one. I have my beliefs, and i dont rly go to church, ive just been on the odd occasion. I could use some guidance from someone on choosing a denomination.

nick
Nick, first and foremost, you should belong to Jesus, not a church.

Now, with that being said, I do think it is very important to find a good, biblically sound church to attend for worship, fellowship and learning. In my opinion, it does not matter what church you attend, as long as they stick to the teachings of the Bible and believe in the one, true, triune God. Most churches these days have web-sites with a "statement of beliefs" on them where you can go online and read what they believe as a church. You could also call them from their numbers in the phone book and ask them questions about their beliefs. Churches I would avoid like the plague are churches that do not embrase the basic fundamentals of Christian beleifs. Some examples of these would be churches that claim that only they have the "complete truth" or that they have a prophet that speaks for God and that "prophet" adds to and changes the teachings of the Bible with his own teachings. I would also avoid churches that teach that you have to do certain "rituals" to find favor with God or to be able to "tap into" the powers of God. In other words, avoid the cults! A few of these would be Mormonism, the JW's, the moonies, oneness penticostal, etc. (notice I said ONENESS pentecostal, not all pentecostal churches are oneness)

I pray that God is putting you right where he wants you, even as I type this. It can be frusterating to find a church home but once you end up where God wants you, it is a tremendous blessing.:)
 
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Celticflower

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Monica02 said:
Nick S,

The fullness of the Deposit of Faith can only be found in the Catholic Church. The Orthodox Church is in schism and most of the seperated sects do not have valid orders or all seven of the sacraments. I highly encourage you to look into Catholicism.
Monica-

While it is nice to hear that you have found the Catholic Church to be the perfect church FOR YOU, there are many who will take offense at the idea of the Catholic Church being the only place to find the fullness of faith. The Catholic Church has its problems too, remember???

Celtie
 
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Monica02

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What is wrong with being offensive? The Truth is the Truth. Seperated sects do not have valid orders and most do not have all the sacraments that God instructed his Church to offer. The Orthodox Churches do not recognise the Pope as anything but another bishop or perhaps a patriarch??? The Church does not exist to accomodate YOU and YOUR beliefs and YOUR comfort level. It exists to proclaim the Word, evangelise and offer the sacraments. I will say again, the fullness of the Deposit of Faith can only be found within the Catholic Church. The Holy Scriptures, the Teaching Authority and the Holy Spirit.
 
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Celticflower

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Monica02 said:
What is wrong with being offensive? The Truth is the Truth. Seperated sects do not have valid orders and most do not have all the sacraments that God instructed his Church to offer. The Orthodox Churches do not recognise the Pope as anything but another bishop or perhaps a patriarch??? The Church does not exist to accomodate YOU and YOUR beliefs and YOUR comfort level. It exists to proclaim the Word, evangelise and offer the sacraments. I will say again, the fullness of the Deposit of Faith can only be found within the Catholic Church. The Holy Scriptures, the Teaching Authority and the Holy Spirit.

Fine Monica, if you want to offend your Christian brothers and sisters with your "mine is the only right way" attitude. I've run into it before, and I'm dealing with it now in the church I presently attend. It is an attitude that crosses ALL church lines-Catholic, protesant, denominational and non. Personally I'm tired of it.
I never said I expected the church to accomodate me or my comfort level--I'd rather a church challenge me to bigger and better things for God and mankind. And dwelling on petty differences is not the way to do it, so this is my last post to you in this conversation.

Celtie
 
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Iosias

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Monica02 said:
What is wrong with being offensive? The Truth is the Truth. Seperated sects do not have valid orders and most do not have all the sacraments that God instructed his Church to offer. The Orthodox Churches do not recognise the Pope as anything but another bishop or perhaps a patriarch??? The Church does not exist to accomodate YOU and YOUR beliefs and YOUR comfort level. It exists to proclaim the Word, evangelise and offer the sacraments. I will say again, the fullness of the Deposit of Faith can only be found within the Catholic Church. The Holy Scriptures, the Teaching Authority and the Holy Spirit.
May be you had better read Harry Ironsides Lectures on the Revelation pp. 287-95
 
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