Attending A Church For The First Time.

[Bohémien]

Well ... Tomorrow I'll be attending a church, with some luck. I think I'm planning on converting, if I get good vibes once I'm actually physically in the presence of Christians (rather than just chatting to them online). I'm very nervous. It will be an Assemblies of God church - is there any etiquette to be observed there? Any dress code, expectations, et cetera?

Likewise, given that I have so many ultimately noobish questions, would it be seen as moving too fast if I were to convert? Is there any requirement for how long somebody has to consider it? Will I be scorned and mocked for converting quickly, so to speak?

 

[Supreme]

OK, OK:

Good luck on attending church first of all! I hope you enjoy it and feel Jesus there. You needn't be nervous- although you probably will be. It's human nature to fear the unknown. I'm not a member of the Assemblies of God, but from my knowledge, it's Pentecostal. You can wear pretty much wear what you want, but don't be too extreme, ie don't wear a burqa or a bikini. The etiquette... I'm sure there'll be plenty of people coming up to you and intorducing themselves to you. Just introduce yourself back, tell them a little about you and smile. You would not be expected to contribute to the offering, and you don't have to participate in worship songs. Do be attentive and engaged in what the pastor says.

You won't be scorned for converting too fast. Faith is a journey we all take, and it's different for everyone. My conversion came about within a year, but I wish it had taken a day! Take it at your own pace, for in the end, it's your life and your decision.

 

[Supreme]

And be sure to update us on how it went!

 

[oi_antz]

Best wishes, agree 100% with Supreme, let us know how it goes!

 

[zaksmummy]

Dont become a convert, become a disciple.

A disciple is a person who seeks God with all their heart, all their soul, and all they have. It is a person who gives everything, not just a person who attends church, I hope you get the difference.

And God bless you tomorrow in your quest to find him xx

 

[aiki]

Well ... Tomorrow I'll be attending a church, with some luck. I think I'm planning on converting, if I get good vibes once I'm actually physically in the presence of Christians (rather than just chatting to them online).

I think "vibes" probably aren't a good basis upon which to decide to "convert." Becoming a Christian is about entering into fellowship with God. He comes to us as God, which means He rules supreme in one's life; He becomes the boss of you. Are you ready to surrender to Him? Are you willing to submit your will to His? This is what true conversion involves. Most people I know don't initially view this prospect with "good vibes."

Christians, I'm sad to say, don't always reflect Christ very well. Get them together in church and they can sometimes be quite miserable. They are all of them "in process" toward being more like Christ. Actually, you'll likely find many non-Christians in churches today and those who think they are saved but really aren't. Consequently, your experience at church may be a mixed bag. There may be the odd smiling face, or none at all. There may be hands extended in welcome or a sea of backs facing you. But this is all rather beside the point because being a Christian isn't about whether or not you are received well at church. Following Christ is the heart of Christianity.

I'm very nervous. It will be an Assemblies of God church - is there any etiquette to be observed there? Any dress code, expectations, et cetera?

I've no idea what an Assemblies of God church is like. Hopefully, they will extend themselves to you with grace and love. I wouldn't dress in a skin-tight tube dress or anything like that. Cussing and crude humor won't go over well, either (not that you'd do these things). I think you should simply "do as the Romans do" when you're in the church - unless they are all sour and cold, in which case, you might want to try another church.

Likewise, given that I have so many ultimately noobish questions, would it be seen as moving too fast if I were to convert?

I would make very sure you know what conversion actually entails before you convert. Converting isn't some formal, contractual thing, or some arcane ritual you perform; it is simply embracing for yourself the truth that you are a sinner in desperate need of a Saviour; that God loved you enough to supply a remedy for your sin; that through Christ you enter into personal fellowship with a holy, Sovereign God.

Is there any requirement for how long somebody has to consider it? Will I be scorned and mocked for converting quickly, so to speak?

No, there is no particular schedule on which one must convert. It is a matter solely between you and God.

The danger in converting too quickly isn't the mockery of others, but that you will not understand what conversion truly is. You cannot live and be what you do not fully understand. There are many in the church today who think they are born again, but are still "dead in their trespasses and sins." Don't be one of those.

Selah.

 

[razeontherock]

Glad to see you taking this step! Let me add a few things I haven't seen in your responses so far. First, please don't think that what you see take place tomorrow really defines what this Church is. If after many months or a year you discover that this first Service really did "define" what they're all about, you're in a place that died. Any worship service is very much a "you get out of it what you put into it" type of thing. You might see people getting very moved, emotionally and physically, or it might be so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Don't expect to be able to make much out of that in one visit.

Next, if tomorrow brings something less than perfect, please don't make the mistake of thinking that has any real bearing on Jesus Himself, nor Christianity. Ultimately, it's a relationship between you and Jesus Himself, and a very personal thing. Becoming part of a Church, or even just going to one, is supposed to help us with that.

The best bet to try and determine if any Church is a "good" place for you to be, is to know G-d's Word, both written spoken to you personally, so well that you know you're exactly where he wants you to be, at that moment. I would never dare to say that can't happen by tomorrow because it certainly can, but I think this puts the proper perspective on it, that it's not so much about this particular Church itself, but the responsibility is on our dependence on G-d.

Since you don't seem to have confidence that you really know the Bible well enough to determine if you're exposed to teaching that is good or not, (the most important thing) I will point out there have been times when I've been in a particular worship building mid-week, when it had been empty for some time, when I could literally FEEL the Love of G-d surrounding me upon entering the building! So I won't diss your "vibes" thing. The last time I had that experience, it was an Assembly of God Church. (And setting an app't to meet the Pastor mid-week is a good chance to not only "scope things out," but grow)

I urge you to go, with a "whole heart" (or as much as you can muster) expecting to meet G-d, and longing for that. Ultimately, prayer serves the primary purpose of bringing us into that condition. In any Church, there will be people who meet G-d there, (and elsewhere) and those who do not. Building on what another poster said, becoming a Disciple includes doing all this daily! Converting can also be seen as a daily thing or even moment by moment, or as a first step. Either way, our only valid indicator is G-d's own Presence, as He makes Himself known to us, individually. Here's a GREAT Scripture to help you realize what I'm saying:

James 4:8 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."

While the context of that is hard preaching, this much, all by itself, is still a PROMISE! [And if the phrase "Saints pray" EVER had any meaning, it would be NOW.]

 

[seashale76]

I was raised in the Assemblies of God. They'll likely be very nice to you. Dress code is business casual. However, I highly encourage you to experience different types of churches, as well. Orthodoxy, for example, is vastly different from Pentecostalism. We have liturgy, etc. I encourage you to come and see.

 

[Bohémien]

Thanks for all the advice! I'm leaving to go there in a half hour; I'll come back and update on how it went afterwards (maybe even with a new faith indicator next to my avatar! ).

 

[Bohémien]

Well!

I don't know what was going on with the Assemblies of God church; I'm thinking I might have gotten the wrong address off the website, since the place listed on their website was ... well, locked and deserted! I didn't end up going there, but I did go somewhere else!

I drove around town (it's only a small town, but there are 5+ churches!) to find a church that started later, and I found the Roman Catholic church which started at 10.30, so I waited for a little while and went in there. I was really anxious because I felt as though Catholic mass is so steeped in doctrine that it might be easy to fumble.

I sat up the back and the church was packed to the rafters within ten minutes. It was very interesting. I doubt I need to describe the service in detail but needless to say, it was fascinating and confusing all at once. I mostly sat there quietly, kneeled when everyone else kneeled and stood when everyone else stood. I never knew I was so unfit... *rubs knees*

Oh, and I'll be changing my faith icon soon, methinks. I took the time that they were doing eucharist to have a little chat with the man upstairs, and I've decided that I want to become a Christian - probably Catholic, ideally, because I loved how traditional and ... well, orchestrated and organised it was. That'll take a bit more thought itself, though. O_O

Anyway, I have a couple of questions about some things that I saw there. (surprise, surprise - me having questions!)

When walking in, I noticed that probably 90% of people stooped in front of what I assume was the altar. Some crossed themselves, some didn't. Probably 70% of the people did this again on the way out. What were they doing, and why were they doing it?

During Eucharist, I noticed one man walk up and instead of taking it, he was touched in the forehead. What happened, and what was the significance?

At one stage, the Father encouraged everybody to shake hands and mumblemumble (well, I didn't hear what he said - sounded like mumblemumble to me!). I had about six people shake my hand and say "Peace be upon you." What is this? What was I meant to say in response?! I sort of just went ".... O_____O .... .... .... .... errr... thank you?"

All in all, a great experience and I'm very glad to have gone. I can't wait to go back next week!

 

[jacks]

I don't know much about the Catholic church, but congratulations on having the courage to go to church by yourself. I'm sure others here will answer all you questions. It sounds like you had a positive experience, God Bless you!

 

[Bohémien]

Oh, yes, well ... I did omit the fact that I sat in my car for five minutes hyperventilating. >__>

 

[seashale76]

I'm not Catholic, I'm Orthodox (we're highly liturgical)- so I can easily guess what was going on. People cross themselves when passing the altar out of respect to the body and blood of Christ. Also, the man who didn't commune was simply blessed. You could have gone up and crossed your arms and the priest would have blessed you too, had you wanted. During the mass- people are encouraged to make peace with each other before communing. Typically, the response to someone saying, "Peace be upon you," would be, "And also with you."

I'm so glad to hear that you had a good experience! I definitely encourage you to go back and go to inquirer's classes to learn more about the faith. May God continue to guide you to Himself!

Here are some prayer resources for you:
P r a y e r
Let us
Abbreviated Prayerbook

 

[Bohémien]

Thank you for explaining that to me, seashale! Very helpful - and thank you for the resources, I've bookmarked them. How would I catch the Father to ask about these 'inquirer's classes'? He seemed to appear magically out of nowhere for mass, and then disappear within seconds of it finishing!

 

[seashale76]

Thank you for explaining that to me, seashale! Very helpful - and thank you for the resources, I've bookmarked them. How would I catch the Father to ask about these 'inquirer's classes'? He seemed to appear magically out of nowhere for mass, and then disappear within seconds of it finishing!

Ah- well- my priest posts his e-mail and cell number in the bulletin along with the parish office number. I'd look up the church in the phone directory or check if they have a website or something.

It took me two months before I worked up the courage to go speak to my priest (it's a very large parish and I'm shy)- though I'd met plenty of other people by that point and had decided I wanted to convert.

Good luck!

 

[Bohémien]

Well... faith indicator changed!

 

[razeontherock]

Congratulations! And remember, all Churches teach Christ so which denomination isn't all that important. All the details that get discussed here look very different from the outside than what they really are, which is very minor compared to what's really important. The important thing is to grow, which is actually up to Him! All Christians teach that our part in this is primarily prayer and Bible reading, so that where we go to Church and the time we spend there should be minor by comparison.

I do think that whoever said to visit various local Churches made a good point, and I know if there was an EO anywhere near me I'd at least visit. They have some very appealing aspects ..

 

[Bohémien]

Thank you for the advice.

 

[joey_downunder]

Congratulations! That is wonderful news. Now for the important part of learning what Christians believe: immediately add to your favourites list BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages. The only version I personally don't recommend is "The Message" because it rewords things excessively.

The Gospel of Mark is probably the simplest Gospel to read first. I always liked Gospel of John best. I would go to the bible discussion areas whenever you come across something you're not sure of.

And remember as one of my favourite christian radio presenter repeatedly says: 3 rules of Biblical analysis - context, context and context.

A great deal of misunderstandings would be cleared up if people make sure they understand who the book was originally addressed to, the time period, whether the verses are poetry or historical events etc.

 

[silence_dogood]

Well ... Tomorrow I'll be attending a church, with some luck. I think I'm planning on converting, if I get good vibes once I'm actually physically in the presence of Christians (rather than just chatting to them online). I'm very nervous. It will be an Assemblies of God church - is there any etiquette to be observed there? Any dress code, expectations, et cetera?

Likewise, given that I have so many ultimately noobish questions, would it be seen as moving too fast if I were to convert? Is there any requirement for how long somebody has to consider it? Will I be scorned and mocked for converting quickly, so to speak?

Just going by what you’ve describe here, if I were the pastor of that church, I would sit you down and explain to you that conversion isn’t about liking a church or getting a good feeling when you visit.

If that’s the only reason you’d convert, then please do both yourself and Christianity a favor and go join the Elks Lodge or some other place. Christianity isn’t some club you join because it seems like a good idea, nor is a church a social gathering that you join because you like the people.

You also need to understand that in order to join a church, you need to sit down with the pastor and elders and give your salvation testimony and show that you understand the Gospel and what it means to be a member of a church. Just judging by your post, it doesn't look like you do.

I’m not trying to be mean or to hurt your feelings, but it’s better to tell you the truth now than to see you become just one of another of countless false converts who get a slap in the face on Judgment Day when they thought they were saved, but Jesus says “Depart from Me, for I never knew you”.

Now, if you want to visit a church because you want to learn about Christianity or see what a Christian church service is like, then that’s fine and I’m sure that any church would welcome you as a visitor. Just be respectful and remember that you’re a guest there. You don’t have to dress up, but a jacket and tie would be appropriate.