Comparing denominations

[ILTDude]

Hello, I am a newer Christian and wondering if anybody knew of a website where I could look at the differences of all the denominations.

I have only been to church a few times in my life and would like to start going, but want to pick one that most closely matches my beliefs.

Thanks,
ILTDude

 

[jay1_z]

Instead of picking a denomination, I would suggest going to a church and seeing if you like that church. IMHO denominations take the focus off of what's important. I used to go to a Pentecostal church. They taught that you're only saved if you speak in tongues but not all Pentecostal churches teach that. Just because a denomination focuses on a certain belief, it doesn't mean that all of the churches with that denomination will follow that belief. The best way to find a church that you're comfortable with is to just go out and visit. I hope you find a good covering very soon and I'll say a prayer for you.

God Bless!

 

[Tavita]

Another important point is to ask the Holy Spirit where He wants you to go. Now that you're a new christian and have become a child of the kingdom of God, and Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, seek out what He would have you do, in everything. You may feel a drawing to a particular church, if so, start there. You will know by the witness in your spirit if it's the place He wants you to be.

 

[Sketcher]

That and some churches don't really give you what you think. For instance, one Methodist church may be more conservative than the next. Same with Presbertyrian, Episcopal, Baptist - heck there are hundreds of Baptist denominations alone. Pray about some churches to go to, and find out what they believe about the Bible - is it second to anything? If so, look elsewhere. If they teach that certain gifts of the Spirit are required for salvation, look elsewhere. If they teach that salvation is by works rather than faith, look elsewhere. If it says "Scientist", "Latter Day Saints" or "Jehovah's Witnesses" stay far away.

 

[vinc]

I wholeheartedly agree with all the replies made so far. There is no special etiquette on church-finding. You need to do your bit of research by visiting some.

There are always a faithful few (to the Lord our God) in all denominations and fellowship groups. Although doctrinally they defer we can be benefitted spiritually in any Christian Church to some extent.

The Lord Himself is the Good Shepherd who leads and feeds His flock wherever they are. We need to look upto the Lord Jesus Christ for help in this regard. We are not supposed to entirely depend on the Denomination/Fellowship for our Spiritual Growth. We need to entirely depend on Lord Jesus Christ who is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Don't pick which denomination you think has God, let God do the choosing.