Conservatives in UCC churches

[Slave of God]

Hello. The closest church to my home within walking distance is a UCC church, and so the thought of attending has crossed my mind. However, I am socially very conservative, and I have very solid beliefs about certain things, like Jesus, the Bible, sin, salvation, etc. I understand that the UCC is generally a very liberal church. I work with a former UCC pastor who has told me so. However, I also see the religious hypocrisy that pervades so many more conservative denominations and churches. My question, therefore, is: Can I go to a UCC church and expect to hear solid preaching of Bible truth, or will it be nothing but pop psychology and feel-good music? In other words, does the UCC allow its pastors to preach about controversial subjects, like abortion and homosexuality (to me, these are not controversial at all), or are the pastors censored so as not to offend anyone and lose church members? I do not want to go to a church full of uptight hypocrites who look down on all the sinners around them, but I also do not want to go to a church where anything goes and people can sin all they want and still be assured, in the name of tolerance, that they have a place in heaven. Thank you.

 

[rayodeluz]

It’s erroneous to associate the idea that a “liberal” church gives license to sin or gives the OK that “anything goes.” Really it just means that instead of the legalism to which many conservative churches follow, a liberal church, such as UCC, follows Jesus’ teaching and what’s actually in the Bible. Of course we shouldn’t sin, but we do. Just read Romans 7. If Paul wasn’t able to stop being a sinner, why should we think we can? We’re all going to be sinners as long as we live in this flesh.

The UCC acknowledges that everyone is a sinner, but welcomes all regardless of sin, just like Jesus did. It preaches salvation through faith in Jesus, and not by works or legalism. That’s scriptural. It points the way to the truth of the Christianity, but allows people Chrsitian freedom to work out their own salvation (as Paul said in Philippians and Romans 14) through their personal relationship through Jesus Christ. The UCC realizes the Christian walk can be very tough, so it doesn’t add to the burden by piling on a bunch of rules and regulations like the ones Jesus freed us from once we put our faith in Him. It realizes true Christianity is true faith in Jesus and following His two greatest commands: love God with all heart and soul, and your neighbor as yourself (Jesus said ALL the law hangs on these, and Paul confirms it by saying all the law is fulfilled by love).

I’m pretty theologically conservative (not fundamentalist) when it comes to Christianity, and that’s why I find the UCC works so great for me. For me it really sticks to the messageof love that Jesus preached. I don’t agree 100% with all the official UCC positions, but it’s the best church for me. Check out first www.ucc.org to learn a bit about the church. I would then encourage you to attend a couple of services at the church near you so you can see for yourself. If you don’t like it you don’t have to go back. God bless and welcome to CF!

 

[BusterBrown]

.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

They're all over the spectrum, and there's no real way to know what you'll find - until you go find out.

The UCC in New Bremen, OH that I used to be a member (And actually preached at a time or two) of was a pretty SOLID Bible based Church, very OPEN to the Word, and the Spirit was there saving folks, and healing 'em, and the whole package.

The UCC in Marion, that we went to OH was also an excellent bible based church that taught the truth in full.

But AT the same time in other places, they were having nude dance as a "Form of worship".

In those days (70s) the UCC had the Second Largest (Right behind the Red Cross) stores, and distribution network for emergency relief supplies in the country. They do emphasize "horizontal" ministries, generally.

No telling WHAT you'll find in your neighborhood - but it might be A-O.K.

 

[camethodactor]

There's a saying we have in the UCC and it goes, "If you have seen one UCC church you have only seen one UCC church". Each church is autonomous per our congregationalist polity and each church gets to determine its theological direction, worship style and other issues without intervention from Cleveland (UCC headquarters). Worship styles range from High church Anglican to Bapticostal and anything in between. I speak as a liberal Christian with a Universalist theology and I respect those of my sisters and brothers in Christ who hold views more theologically conservative than me as long as they do not impose it me or think that their brand of Christian faith is the one acceptable one. In my church our worship style is blended contemporary and we are open and affirming and theologically diverse. Seek and ye shall find the church that best fits you and your journey of faith.