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