Another "which denomination" thread...

[kc8vji]

Let me start out with an apology- I know this question is asked often, and I have searched and read many of the other posts, but I feel my situation is unique enough to warrant asking for myself.

So a little about me: I grew up only going to church occasionally - rarely may be a better term. When I did attend, it was my grandparents rural Baptist Church. I don't really have any fond memories of that church and never really enjoyed going. I have also had a fair share of dealings with people who have (or had) turned me away from religion, for one reason or another, completely. I have not ever really been involved in religion or given it much thought. Until very recently.

So here's where I stand: I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, I am pretty sure (based on what I know and understand) I believe in salvation through Jesus, and I have just recently started reading the Bible.

The next step for me I believe is to look for a church - not one to join right away but just somewhere to start. My problem is I don't know where to start. I have had such bad experiences with people who go to Baptist Churches in my area (Huntington, West Virginia) and I have been put off by the way some of the people in those churches act and treat others. So I have quite a bit of reservation toward attending a Baptist Church. So I would like some help in picking a denomination that "fits me" and yet is true to the Bible and God.

Here is my major criteria (as I see it currently):

Politically I am liberal so I would like a church that doesn't condemn me for that. I would like a church that stays away from politics period. I don't want to belong to a church that blatenlty leans right (or left) nor one that is constantly in the news protesting laws.

I believe that abortion, homosexuality, and gay marriage should be legal, but not condoned by my church. As a matter of law I support those issues, but I believe God considers them a sin. So while I don't want to belong to a church who goes out and protests gay marriage, I also don't want my church to perform gay marriage. This causes most of my confusion on picking a church. On one hand Baptist actively try to stop the legality of gay marriage, which I believe is wrong, while on the other hand Presbyterians (PC-USA) condone gay marriage in church which I also believe is wrong.

So is there a brand of Christianity that fits my socially liberal views without ignoring or perverting the word of God? I know every congregation is unique, but I need somewhere to start.

Thanks for any help!

 

[crossnote]

My single most important criteria for choosing a Church is "Do they actually teach and believe that the bible is the fully inspired, true and trustworthy Word of God"?
Everything else flows from this. Too many churches that deny this get off from God's path in so many ways, whether it be a burden for the lost or compromising with the ways of the world.
I don't know of one Church which is socially liberal (e.g. for SSM) that also holds to God's Word as fully given by God, the two seem to go hand in hand.

 

[Greg J.]

I think it depends mostly on the senior pastor how much they try to deal with politics. Many decline to do so at all, although they may bring up Bible verses on the subject (without insinuating what conclusions you "should" draw from them).

It looks to me like you have given enough of the right information for someone to suggest a denomination that you may like. I can't, but will mention a few things I think are important:

Church doctrine is the only thing that can stand strong in the face of cultural changes. Individuals generally are put under too much pressure to resist all cultural effects (even among conservatives). I recommend that you find a church you are comfortable attending, but I will also say that a church that professes what you already believe may not be what is best for you. Try to make it the case that you are growing toward Jesus of the Bible rather than any church doctrine.

I agree with @crossnote's first sentence. I would also suggest that you try to suspend your personal evaluation of what is right and wrong to more clearly learn what God's definition of right and wrong is. It is our Creator God's right to define morality for us, and indeed that is one of the purposes of the Bible in the first place (so that we might know it).

I also suggest you join a church where the senior pastor's theology is overseen by a higher (earthly) authority. This is automatically the case if you attend a denominational church instead of an independent Bible church. It protects you from some kinds of pastoral errors and other (sometimes severe) problems.

There are some simple things you can evaluate in addition to what you wrote. For example, do you know how much you want to have a feeling that church is a place of reverence to God? What kind of feeling is that for you? Perhaps you would like a liturgical church with (slow) pre-20th century music, or perhaps a church that has no liturgy and worships with (uptempo) contemporary-styled music.

Attending a church is not just about how it seems to fit you; it is also about how it will help you, whether it will meet your needs, and also how you will be able to participate in what they need done or need help with.

 

[kc8vji]

I don't know of one Church which is socially liberal (e.g. for SSM) that also holds to God's Word as fully given by God, the two seem to go hand in hand.

That's why I don't want a liberal church, I'd just like to find a church that is liberal friendly if that makes sense. I know one doesn't go to church for the people there, but at the same time it would be hard for me to fellowship with people who outspokenly hate liberals/democrats. I live in an area where that's prevalent and almost everyone I know that goes to a Baptist Church around here uses the word "libtard" frequently and constantly insults those who don't agree with them politically. I'd like a church that doesn't create or feed that type of thought.

 

[kc8vji]

There are some simple things you can evaluate in addition to what you wrote. For example, do you know how much you want to have a feeling that church is a place of reverence to God?

I feel like I want a church that focuses on God and teaches true to the Bible, not just the feel good stuff. I have been listening to podcasts and streaming videos of Dr. Charles Stanley and I like the way he preaches and would like a church service like his I believe.

Perhaps you would like a liturgical church with (slow) pre-20th century music, or perhaps a church that has no liturgy and worships with (uptempo) contemporary-styled music.

I want church to lift me up, but I don't need to feel like I'm at a rock show haha.

 

[Greg J.]

I'm going to take a guess that you would be well served by visiting several different types of churches. You seem like you will know the right church when you find it. I think Vineyard churches might be like what you're talking about. So might Lutheran or Assemblies of God, but they're all quite different. One thing to do (perhaps obvious) is to examine what kinds of opportunities there are for small group Bible study at each church.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Remember the widow with 2 coins - her whole life savings to live on.

Who approved of her and why, (and all over the world wherever Y'SHUA is followed the ekklesia know her testimony)

even though where she went the leaders (apparently) sought to crucify Y'SHUA MESSIAH ?

 

[Albion]

Let me start out with an apology- I know this question is asked often, and I have searched and read many of the other posts, but I feel my situation is unique enough to warrant asking for myself.

So a little about me: I grew up only going to church occasionally - rarely may be a better term. When I did attend, it was my grandparents rural Baptist Church. I don't really have any fond memories of that church and never really enjoyed going. I have also had a fair share of dealings with people who have (or had) turned me away from religion, for one reason or another, completely. I have not ever really been involved in religion or given it much thought. Until very recently.

So here's where I stand: I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, I am pretty sure (based on what I know and understand) I believe in salvation through Jesus, and I have just recently started reading the Bible.

The next step for me I believe is to look for a church - not one to join right away but just somewhere to start. My problem is I don't know where to start. I have had such bad experiences with people who go to Baptist Churches in my area (Huntington, West Virginia) and I have been put off by the way some of the people in those churches act and treat others. So I have quite a bit of reservation toward attending a Baptist Church. So I would like some help in picking a denomination that "fits me" and yet is true to the Bible and God.

Here is my major criteria (as I see it currently):

Politically I am liberal so I would like a church that doesn't condemn me for that. I would like a church that stays away from politics period. I don't want to belong to a church that blatenlty leans right (or left) nor one that is constantly in the news protesting laws.

I believe that abortion, homosexuality, and gay marriage should be legal, but not condoned by my church. As a matter of law I support those issues, but I believe God considers them a sin. So while I don't want to belong to a church who goes out and protests gay marriage, I also don't want my church to perform gay marriage. This causes most of my confusion on picking a church. On one hand Baptist actively try to stop the legality of gay marriage, which I believe is wrong, while on the other hand Presbyterians (PC-USA) condone gay marriage in church which I also believe is wrong.

So is there a brand of Christianity that fits my socially liberal views without ignoring or perverting the word of God? I know every congregation is unique, but I need somewhere to start.

Thanks for any help!

It's very interesting that you should describe your quandary this way, because I have often wondered about the same thing. You'd think that a liberal church would allow a diversity of beliefs on at least non-essentials...but it doesn't seem to work out that way. I cannot think of a single denomination of any size that would cause me to say, right off, "Well, sure. Try the XXXX church!"

In fact, it may be that (based on what you've written here) that you'd do better in a moderately conservative church than one of the famously liberal ones. That's because many of the former type are interested mainly in the moral side of the matter and are not interested in political activism. You'd have to choose carefully, since many aren't quite of this sort and would find supporting, let's say, gay marriage in law while considering it to be morally unacceptable...inconsistent.

However, I don't think they're all that way. If you could be a little more specific about your doctrinal beliefs (if you're that far along in your faith) and preference in worship styles, I might be able to add some more thoughts. Based on what you've written so far, I'm inclined to suggest a middle of the road, not particularly ceremonial church that doesn't get much into politics. The conservative Lutherans are good at not getting into politics but they are quite ceremonial and sacramental. Stanley is a Baptist, so maybe one of the less fundamentalistic Baptist church bodies (affiliated with the American Baptists Churches, for example, rather than the Southern Baptist Convention). Or one of the smaller but sound Protestant bodies like the Free Methodists.

 

[farout]

Let me start out with an apology- I know this question is asked often, and I have searched and read many of the other posts, but I feel my situation is unique enough to warrant asking for myself.

So a little about me: I grew up only going to church occasionally - rarely may be a better term. When I did attend, it was my grandparents rural Baptist Church. I don't really have any fond memories of that church and never really enjoyed going. I have also had a fair share of dealings with people who have (or had) turned me away from religion, for one reason or another, completely. I have not ever really been involved in religion or given it much thought. Until very recently.

So here's where I stand: I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, I am pretty sure (based on what I know and understand) I believe in salvation through Jesus, and I have just recently started reading the Bible.

The next step for me I believe is to look for a church - not one to join right away but just somewhere to start. My problem is I don't know where to start. I have had such bad experiences with people who go to Baptist Churches in my area (Huntington, West Virginia) and I have been put off by the way some of the people in those churches act and treat others. So I have quite a bit of reservation toward attending a Baptist Church. So I would like some help in picking a denomination that "fits me" and yet is true to the Bible and God.

Here is my major criteria (as I see it currently):

Politically I am liberal so I would like a church that doesn't condemn me for that. I would like a church that stays away from politics period. I don't want to belong to a church that blatenlty leans right (or left) nor one that is constantly in the news protesting laws.

I believe that abortion, homosexuality, and gay marriage should be legal, but not condoned by my church. As a matter of law I support those issues, but I believe God considers them a sin. So while I don't want to belong to a church who goes out and protests gay marriage, I also don't want my church to perform gay marriage. This causes most of my confusion on picking a church. On one hand Baptist actively try to stop the legality of gay marriage, which I believe is wrong, while on the other hand Presbyterians (PC-USA) condone gay marriage in church which I also believe is wrong.

So is there a brand of Christianity that fits my socially liberal views without ignoring or perverting the word of God? I know every congregation is unique, but I need somewhere to start.

Thanks for any help!

'
I would try a Southern Baptist church. Not all Baptist are the same.

 

[aiki]

Politically I am liberal so I would like a church that doesn't condemn me for that. I would like a church that stays away from politics period. I don't want to belong to a church that blatenlty leans right (or left) nor one that is constantly in the news protesting laws.

I believe that abortion, homosexuality, and gay marriage should be legal, but not condoned by my church. As a matter of law I support those issues, but I believe God considers them a sin. So while I don't want to belong to a church who goes out and protests gay marriage, I also don't want my church to perform gay marriage. This causes most of my confusion on picking a church. On one hand Baptist actively try to stop the legality of gay marriage, which I believe is wrong, while on the other hand Presbyterians (PC-USA) condone gay marriage in church which I also believe is wrong.
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So is there a brand of Christianity that fits my socially liberal views without ignoring or perverting the word of God? I know every congregation is unique, but I need somewhere to start.

Thanks for any help!

It's pretty typical of one born and raised in a consumer culture to worry about the "brand" of church you join and to want it to fit your list of preferences. For many people these days finding a church is more or less on par with buying a new t.v. I don't think you're going to find a God-honoring, Christ-centered church with this approach. Look, forget the denomination stuff. Instead, why not make your priorities in a church those things God makes clear in the Bible are His priorities? Do you have any idea what those might be? You're not really looking for a denomination so much as you are looking for God Himself, right? I mean Christianity is at its core all about Jesus, not church affiliation. So, look for a church that makes your relationship with God its priority. All this other stuff you've layered onto your search for a church is likely just going to keep you from the sort of church that'll help you deepen in your walk with God.

Selah.

 

[kc8vji]

@aiki I don't feel like I'm shopping for a church like I would a TV. I'm doing as you suggest, looking for a church that can help me build a relationship with God. My search is for a church that teaches true to God and the Bible while not overly concerning its self with what goes on in government or society. I just don't like the idea of being associated with a group who actively protests or lobbies laws. I don't think a church needs to do that, it should focus on God.

 

[Albion]

Of course you can't just go to the yellow pages and look under"Churches that want you to have a relationship with God."

We have denominations for a reason--because the churches differ on a number of ideas and ways of doing things that matter to you. I certainly would not say to join any local congregation strictly on account of what denomination it belongs to, but this is a good way to sort out the churches that are out there for your consideration. You've already begun by eliminating (I assume) the most conservative of the Baptists and the PC(USA), although for totally different reasons. A little more study and you'll pare your list nicely.

 

[aiki]

I don't feel like I'm shopping for a church like I would a TV. I'm doing as you suggest, looking for a church that can help me build a relationship with God. My search is for a church that teaches true to God and the Bible while not overly concerning its self with what goes on in government or society. I just don't like the idea of being associated with a group who actively protests or lobbies laws. I don't think a church needs to do that, it should focus on God.

I'm not keen on politicizing Christianity. But some system of morals and ethics is going to shape the culture, so why shouldn't Christians make an effort to influence that system as much as they can? Scripture is pretty clear that this is not accomplished mainly through political means but through the dissemination of the Gospel and the making of genuine disciples of Christ. When a culture is filled with Christ followers, it very naturally reflects their morals and ethics.

In any case, I'm glad to know your shopping list for a church takes a back seat to the main thing churches should be about: Christ and him glorified. Any church that exalts and follows after Jesus is a church you should seriously consider - even if it doesn't match your preferences precisely.

I would urge you to avoid like the plague any church that in any way diminishes or distorts Christ's teachings, his atonement, his deity, his holiness and his authority. Of course, you will only be able to recognize when a church is doing this when you have a thorough knowledge of the biblical Jesus yourself (as opposed to the popular liberal one presented, on, say, Discovery Channel, History, or A&E).

Philippians 1:21
21 For to me to live is Christ...

1 Corinthians 2:1-2
1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Selah.

 

[crossnote]

That's why I don't want a liberal church, I'd just like to find a church that is liberal friendly if that makes sense. I know one doesn't go to church for the people there, but at the same time it would be hard for me to fellowship with people who outspokenly hate liberals/democrats. I live in an area where that's prevalent and almost everyone I know that goes to a Baptist Church around here uses the word "libtard" frequently and constantly insults those who don't agree with them politically. I'd like a church that doesn't create or feed that type of thought.

I feel like I want a church that focuses on God and teaches true to the Bible, not just the feel good stuff. I have been listening to podcasts and streaming videos of Dr. Charles Stanley and I like the way he preaches and would like a church service like his I believe.

I want church to lift me up, but I don't need to feel like I'm at a rock show haha.

@aiki I don't feel like I'm shopping for a church like I would a TV. I'm doing as you suggest, looking for a church that can help me build a relationship with God. My search is for a church that teaches true to God and the Bible while not overly concerning its self with what goes on in government or society. I just don't like the idea of being associated with a group who actively protests or lobbies laws. I don't think a church needs to do that, it should focus on God.

Of all the Churches I have been affiliated with (and there were many of different stripes) it sounds as if the Calvary Chapels would be a good fit.