Choosing a Denomination

sjdean · Sep 2, 2009

Long time since I last logged in, but I feel its worth posting again.

Boy what a shock when I did log in, I had a message from January telling me off for posting a message in a "Christian" area of the forum that was promoting religions other than Christianity or challenging the existence of God or the validity of Christianity.

How bizarre.

All I said was Im hoping to go to my local church (Church of England, which is Christian) and Im really quite unsure. I don't know where to sit, what to wear, what to say, what to do.

How bizarre. Maybe it was because having never been baptised, I can't honestly say Im a Christian, but I do share Christian values and that is the religion for me when I finally get around to it!

Which reminds me.

How do you decide what Church you should go to? I understand there are something like 1000+ different denominations just in North America alone. Im based in England, so my task might be slightly easier.

I'll tell you what's been happening with me.

Believe it or not, but Mormons gave me a faith in Jesus Christ when they met me completely at random and gave me a copy of the Book of Mormon when I was at my lowest ebb.

So I will always feel a draw to the church. But at the same time, I feel Im being pushed away.

I hear about Quakers, which sounds like an interesting faith and not necessarily one that excludes Christ. Then of course there are all the other churches, but I'll stick with Church of England for now.

But Im confused, I don't know which one to go to. Even when I do go, how do I know which one is right?

I keep looking for Gods help to try to decide. I might see the idea about receiving the Book of Mormon as a sign. A few weeks back, I saw two sets of Mormons on two separate days on two different roads at two different random times and the wheels in my head go around thinking is this a sign!

But if that's a sign, then why not the Jehovas Witnesses that come to the door, or that new Mosque they're building down the road?

Im so confused.

I want to read the Bible, and learn about Christ, attend Church, but I want to do it in the right way, I want to choose a church that I feel at least is correct. I just wish God would give me a push in the right direction.

Would God help with anything like that? What do I look out for? Should I just bite the bullet and go to as many different churches as I can and feel the spirit and see where that leads me?

How do I know if its the spirit and not just my own obsession?

There must be someone who has been through similar experiences to me.

Cya
Simon

Im posting here because Im mentioning other churches/religions, even though Im not promoting them or denying Christianity. If it deserves to go somewhere else then OK. But I haven't a clue what the rules are anymore of this site.

ebia · Sep 2, 2009

sjdean said:
Long time since I last logged in, but I feel its worth posting again.

Boy what a shock when I did log in, I had a message from January telling me off for posting a message in a "Christian" area of the forum that was promoting religions other than Christianity or challenging the existence of God or the validity of Christianity.

How bizarre.

All I said was Im hoping to go to my local church (Church of England, which is Christian) and Im really quite unsure. I don't know where to sit, what to wear, what to say, what to do.

How bizarre. Maybe it was because having never been baptised, I can't honestly say Im a Christian, but I do share Christian values and that is the religion for me when I finally get around to it!

Which reminds me.

How do you decide what Church you should go to? I understand there are something like 1000+ different denominations just in North America alone. Im based in England, so my task might be slightly easier.

I'll tell you what's been happening with me.

Believe it or not, but Mormons gave me a faith in Jesus Christ when they met me completely at random and gave me a copy of the Book of Mormon when I was at my lowest ebb.

So I will always feel a draw to the church. But at the same time, I feel Im being pushed away.

I hear about Quakers, which sounds like an interesting faith and not necessarily one that excludes Christ. Then of course there are all the other churches, but I'll stick with Church of England for now.

But Im confused, I don't know which one to go to. Even when I do go, how do I know which one is right?

I keep looking for Gods help to try to decide. I might see the idea about receiving the Book of Mormon as a sign. A few weeks back, I saw two sets of Mormons on two separate days on two different roads at two different random times and the wheels in my head go around thinking is this a sign!

But if that's a sign, then why not the Jehovas Witnesses that come to the door, or that new Mosque they're building down the road?

Im so confused.

I want to read the Bible, and learn about Christ, attend Church, but I want to do it in the right way, I want to choose a church that I feel at least is correct. I just wish God would give me a push in the right direction.

Would God help with anything like that? What do I look out for? Should I just bite the bullet and go to as many different churches as I can and feel the spirit and see where that leads me?

How do I know if its the spirit and not just my own obsession?

There must be someone who has been through similar experiences to me.

Cya
Simon

Im posting here because Im mentioning other churches/religions, even though Im not promoting them or denying Christianity. If it deserves to go somewhere else then OK. But I haven't a clue what the rules are anymore of this site.

Walking through the door can be a bit scary if you don't have someone to go with.

Hopefully the church you choose will be a friendly, welcoming community who will go out of their way to make you feel at home. Try to get there a few minutes before hand and let the welcomers on the door know you are unsure of how things work and if they are any good at their roles they will look after you. Anglican (eg the Church of England) nearly always have at least a cup of tea/coffee and buscuit after the main service - try to stay and get a chance to be introduced to a few people.

If by any chance you aren't made welcome - and some congregations are very inward looking - then look elsewhere.

I would suggest sticking to mainstream denominations - Church of England, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist etc since you aren't in a position at the moment to understand what makes the JWs, Mormons, etc 'distinctive' (to put it politely).

If you are really nervous you could always figure out which is your local Church of England church and give the Vicar/Rector a call, and meet up with him or her before hand. They will be delighted to do that - the CofE being an established church you are already part of his or her "cure of souls" simply by living in the parish.

Van · Sep 2, 2009

Hi Sjdean, choosing a church is quite difficult if you do not have a set of core beliefs.
Before I had studied the Bible and decided what I thought it said, I could pretty much attend any church and find myself in general agreement with their view. Now, when I listen to what is being taught, sometimes I think to myself "that is not quite right" but generally I agree with the beliefs of my church.

I agree completely with what ebia said in post #2. A church that is warm and inviting, that either from the pulpit or in small groups teaches from the bible, and offers opportunities to get involved with other members in the ministries of the church, be they care giving or evangelism. Christianity is more than just learning and learning more about what the Bible actually says, it is about service to Christ, sacrificing yourself for the benefit of others.

Final thought, the center of church is Christ, and not programs. Do they worship Christ or give him lip-service? May God bless

drich0150 · Sep 2, 2009

Just one thought. Look for a Jesus Christ centered Church that you feel comfortable enough to be active in.

bluelime2 · Sep 3, 2009

sjdean said:
I want to read the Bible, and learn about Christ, attend Church, but I want to do it in the right way, I want to choose a church that I feel at least is correct. I just wish God would give me a push in the right direction.

Would God help with anything like that? What do I look out for? Should I just bite the bullet and go to as many different churches as I can and feel the spirit and see where that leads me?

How do I know if its the spirit and not just my own obsession?

There must be someone who has been through similar experiences to me.

Cya
Simon

Im posting here because Im mentioning other churches/religions, even though Im not promoting them or denying Christianity. If it deserves to go somewhere else then OK. But I haven't a clue what the rules are anymore of this site.

Yes he definatly will help you in this area. Just ask him. A simple prayer like 'please God direct me to the right church for me and protect me from the wrong ones, please let me not be able to settle in false religion I ask in Jesus name.'
Then step out and trust.

Your relationship with God needs to be personal and built between you and God as you grow, but some churchs, especially those generally regarded as 'christian cults' like JW's and the Mormons won't let you do that (which is actually one of the main reasons they're referred to in that way). You're only allowed to believe what they believe or you're disfellowshipped and 'the faith' is interpreted for you. That isn't christianity.

Pray and trust God and you'll be fine. He does answer those prayers. I'll pray for you as well. (And try not to take the modding on this forum too personally, don't worry, it's left me pretty gobsmacked myself at times and caused me to walk away in disgust at least once in the past.)

Hope that helps.

(PS I've been a christian all my life and grew up in a church that had the above attributes so was considered quite 'culty'. The biggest lesson that I've learned from all my years in churchs and different denominations is that we either follow God or man. Sitting in church and just believing whatever that particular denomination believes is following man. Following God however is a two-way thing and what christianity is actually all about. Ask God for that for your life and he'll give it to you if you're willing to go on the journey - (and it's the most amazing one a human being can ever experience ) There's a place for church leadership and church groups, but that's never between us and God. It's only ever in addition and in support of. We do the journey as a group, but other sheep are not the shepherd, they're still sheep like us - leading us is ultimatly only the preogative of the shepherd, Jesus Christ himself.

sjdean · Sep 3, 2009

Thanks everyone for your responses. Especially yours, Bluelime.

I guess the hardest part, I have a hard time hearing God, Im not necessarily after a sign but something personal that means something to me, something I can't dismiss as coincidence or common place.

So I can ask God, but Im worried about how Im going to recognise the answer and whether I interpret it in the right way.

Im worried that I might go to some other church instead through obsession.

That's the thing with the Mormons, as much as Im drawn to them through really signifiicant things that have happened, the more Im repelled, especially the way you shouldn't ask questions because that shows you don't have faith etc. Im concerned that the only reason Im drawn to them is because Im just being obsessive. The two sets of mormons I've seen over two days could just be because Im looking everywhere for them.

So I want to do it properly.

How can I listen to God's reply, how can I understand it properly, and more importantly, how do I trust that the answer IS from God?

To Van...

Definitely with nothing to go on just yet, I will be looking for a church where I feel comfortable. If I don't feel the spirit, I guess it's not for me. But it's so hard, because so many people go to so many religions and they must feel the spirit otherwise they wouldn't go. Only way I can think it works is that there must be different paths to God as everyone needs different things.

Initially my aim is to learn more about the Bible, what it means, learn about Jesus and progress from there. Figure I need to learn before I start doing, but I do hope to start doing. If that makes sense.

Cheers
Simon

Supreme · Sep 3, 2009

You don't have to choose a denomination. Obviously, I'd recommend Anglicanism, as you're used to it, and it's a form of Protestantism. But whatever path you choose, hopefully God will be with you.

salida · Sep 3, 2009

You may want to visit ▷Christian Denomination Selector SelectSmart.com free Religion personality test, selector quiz, matching, choose, compare.

Mormons and JW's believe in a very different Jesus than biblical christianity.

sjdean · Sep 3, 2009

I love that selector. Never comes out as Church of England.

Previously it did used to come out at Mormonism.

Now it's showing Evangelical Lutheran Church.

I just pounced upstairs to get my phone and who should be calling, my local church. What a coincidence. I asked for him to give me a call of course, but it's just the timing of events!

Maybe that's a sign?

Please don't think Im taking the mick. Im so confused about what to do, that it's had me wondering if just maybe....

Bryanfromiowa · Sep 3, 2009

I only skimmed the above responses so i apologize if i'm repeating. I'm writing this assuming you have already accepted jesus as your lord and savior. Start with the basics find a church that shares your view of the gospel. If you don't know what that is read the book of john and try out a few mainline christian churches. After that i truly believe that finding a church where you enjoy and have something in common with the people is very important. .

How do I know if its the spirit and not just my own obsession?

i believe that urging you feel to learn about jesus is the holy spirit moving in your life. Don't over think it embrace jesus try out a church or two even and most of all pray that the lord will lead you to where you need to be and help you to grow in your faith .

zaksmummy · Sep 9, 2009

Why dont you try an Alpha course, this is designed for people interested in understanding christianity better, but are not christians. It isnt like church - no singing or praying, and you are encouraged to ask questions. That way you can get to understand what and why we believe and get to know some people in the church as well first before deciding on a denomination. If you google Alpha course and go to their website it will give you contacts in you local area.

Digit · Sep 9, 2009

sjdean said:
Long time since I last logged in, but I feel its worth posting again.

Boy what a shock when I did log in, I had a message from January telling me off for posting a message in a "Christian" area of the forum that was promoting religions other than Christianity or challenging the existence of God or the validity of Christianity.

How bizarre.

All I said was Im hoping to go to my local church (Church of England, which is Christian) and Im really quite unsure. I don't know where to sit, what to wear, what to say, what to do.

How bizarre. Maybe it was because having never been baptised, I can't honestly say Im a Christian, but I do share Christian values and that is the religion for me when I finally get around to it!

Which reminds me.

How do you decide what Church you should go to? I understand there are something like 1000+ different denominations just in North America alone. Im based in England, so my task might be slightly easier.

I'll tell you what's been happening with me.

Believe it or not, but Mormons gave me a faith in Jesus Christ when they met me completely at random and gave me a copy of the Book of Mormon when I was at my lowest ebb.

So I will always feel a draw to the church. But at the same time, I feel Im being pushed away.

I hear about Quakers, which sounds like an interesting faith and not necessarily one that excludes Christ. Then of course there are all the other churches, but I'll stick with Church of England for now.

But Im confused, I don't know which one to go to. Even when I do go, how do I know which one is right?

I keep looking for Gods help to try to decide. I might see the idea about receiving the Book of Mormon as a sign. A few weeks back, I saw two sets of Mormons on two separate days on two different roads at two different random times and the wheels in my head go around thinking is this a sign!

But if that's a sign, then why not the Jehovas Witnesses that come to the door, or that new Mosque they're building down the road?

Im so confused.

I want to read the Bible, and learn about Christ, attend Church, but I want to do it in the right way, I want to choose a church that I feel at least is correct. I just wish God would give me a push in the right direction.

Would God help with anything like that? What do I look out for? Should I just bite the bullet and go to as many different churches as I can and feel the spirit and see where that leads me?

How do I know if its the spirit and not just my own obsession?

There must be someone who has been through similar experiences to me.

Cya
Simon

Im posting here because Im mentioning other churches/religions, even though Im not promoting them or denying Christianity. If it deserves to go somewhere else then OK. But I haven't a clue what the rules are anymore of this site.

Heya

First up, I would suggest finding a partner in crime, someone to go with. As it can be somewhat daunting at first, and some churches have a 'Who is new?' thing where they ask you to put up your hand, or in some cases stand up and introduce yourself. I really don't like that myself, but it depends on the church really. The church I go to or used to anyhow, was a Church of Christ
this one here in fact. The reason I really liked it, is because it was really Biblical based. From there I got a good grounding and felt like I had the required tools/info to go and define some of the lower-details for myself a bit more.

If you can find a similar church I would recommend it. Not all churches are good, and you may find some you won't like, but it's just a matter of being a bit discerning. Ideally I would suggest finding a church that has something to say on everything pretty much - you want one that talks about history, sociology, psychology and especially sexuality - if they flinch away from that last one I would suggest looking elsewhere. You are going to want a church that you can turn to when things aren't perfect, and if they do a sort of, "Er, well, read and pray." approach and that's all the advice you get, you will go through some hard times.

That's my take on it anyhow.

Choosing a Denomination

sjdean

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salida

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