Could use some advice/encouragement

[TheSeeker2014]

Im non denomination. I really struggle when it comes to denominations and divisions in the church. It really grieves me because Christians will cease fellowship with one another over theology or title. I feel like the only reason why i am in this category is because i cannot seem to pick what denomination to go in... nor am I convinced I have too. But is this really a category a person can stay in permanently?
what about those scriptures that seem to depict how a church is suppose to operate? (bishops and what not).
i know most denominationalists have a lean toward baptists. i dont.

 

[“Paisios”]

I have found this quote from CS Lewis in Mere Christianity to be helpful regarding denominations. (I don’t know if you will, but I did)...

"I hope no reader will suppose that "mere" Christianity is here put forward as an alternative to the creeds of the existing communions — as if a man could adopt it in preference to Congregationalism or Greek Orthodoxy or anything else.

It is more like a hall out of which doors open into several rooms. If I can bring anyone into that hall, I have done what I attempted. But it is in the rooms, not the hall, that there are fires and chairs and meals. The hall is a place to wait in, a place from which to try the various doors, not a place to live in. For that purpose the worst of the rooms (whichever that may be) is, I think preferable. It is true that some people may find they have to wait in the hall for a considerable time, while others feel certain almost at once which door they must knock at. I do not know why there is this difference, but I am sure God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait. When you do get into the room you will find that the long wait has done some kind of good which you would not have had otherwise. But you must regard it as waiting, not as camping. You must keep on praying for light: and, of course, even in the hall, you must begin trying to obey the rules which are common to the whole house. And above all you must be asking which door is the true one; not which pleases you best by its paint and paneling.

In plain language, the question should never be: "Do I like that kind of service?" but "Are these doctrines true: Is holiness here? Does my conscience move me towards this? Is my reluctance to knock at this door due to my pride, or my mere taste, or my personal dislike of this particular door-keeper?"

When you have reached your own room, be kind to those who have chosen different doors and to those who are still in the hall. If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them. This is one of the rules common to the whole house."

 

[seventysevens]

Im non denomination. I really struggle when it comes to denominations and divisions in the church. It really grieves me because Christians will cease fellowship with one another over theology or title. I feel like the only reason why i am in this category is because i cannot seem to pick what denomination to go in... nor am I convinced I have too. But is this really a category a person can stay in permanently?
what about those scriptures that seem to depict how a church is suppose to operate? (bishops and what not).
i know most denominationalists have a lean toward baptists. i dont.

Denominations are just simply people who follow a certain perspective that started with person who chose to view things differently than those they worshiped with
There is NO such thing as a denomination in Heaven or in the presence of Jesus , denominations are the man made thing - people from all denominations will be with Jesus if they have given them self to Jesus and follow HIM ONLY
Years ago I studied and attended them all as I questioned this just as you are . I will attend any denomination church I believe the Holy spirit is in but I will not focus any attention or waste time on any denominational teaching . I am blood bought by the savoir who shed His blood for me -
Non denomination is just fine -

 

[mkgal1]

But is this really a category a person can stay in permanently?

I don't see why not.

what about those scriptures that seem to depict how a church is suppose to operate? (bishops and what not).

Are you noticing something in your church that goes against that? If so....then maybe that's a reason to look for a different church.

When you have reached your own room, be kind to those who have chosen different doors and to those who are still in the hall. If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them. This is one of the rules common to the whole house."

I love this!

 

[ToBeLoved]

Im non denomination. I really struggle when it comes to denominations and divisions in the church. It really grieves me because Christians will cease fellowship with one another over theology or title. I feel like the only reason why i am in this category is because i cannot seem to pick what denomination to go in... nor am I convinced I have too. But is this really a category a person can stay in permanently?
what about those scriptures that seem to depict how a church is suppose to operate? (bishops and what not).
i know most denominationalists have a lean toward baptists. i dont.

You need to do some research as to denominations and their beliefs.

Then you can make a decision based upon some facts. You need to do the work on this one.

 

[PloverWing]

i know most denominationalists have a lean toward baptists.

There are denominations that are like Baptists, but there are other denominations that are different from Baptists. As others have noted here, you might find it worthwhile to investigate what some of the various denominations believe, so that you can make an informed choice.

The denominations tend to arise because Christians ask questions about their faith -- questions like "Should we baptize babies?" "Is it better for our weekly worship services to be centered around communion, or around preaching, or around silence?" "Since we're sinful, are we truly capable of choosing to follow Jesus?" "Is it acceptable for Christians to fight in wars?" -- and then they come up with different answers. It can be helpful to learn how Methodist Christians, Lutheran Christians, etc., have answered these questions in the past, so you don't have to come up with all the answers completely on your own. Hence, the usefulness of churches that have a long denominational history.

I agree with you, though, that it's sad when Christians decide that we can't worship together any more because of theological differences.

 

[dysert]

But is this really a category a person can stay in permanently?

Yes it is. My wife and I have unfortunately left a few churches over the years for various reasons. We left a denominational church because of bad things going on with the upper-level staff. We left a different denomination church because of things going on with their over-arching belief system (parts of it were unbiblical). So we joined a non-denom church several years ago just so that we wouldn't have to leave again because of something stupid the denomination decided (even though the local church was fine). We are going to stay non-denom for the foreseeable future as a result.

 

[1watchman]

Im non denomination. I really struggle when it comes to denominations and divisions in the church. It really grieves me because Christians will cease fellowship with one another over theology or title. I feel like the only reason why i am in this category is because i cannot seem to pick what denomination to go in... nor am I convinced I have too. But is this really a category a person can stay in permanently?
what about those scriptures that seem to depict how a church is suppose to operate? (bishops and what not).
i know most denominationalists have a lean toward baptists. i dont.

This is a reasonable thing to ponder, friend. The Bible does not give us any sects, but Bible Only. To get a good understanding of that in practical function, I recommend one to visit the sound site at www.biblecounsel.net. One can ask questions there, and it seeks to show what God intends for His testimony in the world. There are hundreds of such scriptural assemblies in such a fellowship together worldwide ---a good thing to pray about; and there might be such a gathering near to you.

 

[Mayflower1]

I have moved a few times and never visited just one denomination looking for a home church. I was raised in a Baptist family, but was fascinated by other denominations when I got older, because I listened to their beliefs, and compared it to the Word of God... Bible believing is what I desire...because I am at church to learn about God and I want to see Christ in the people attending. My current church is a non-denominational, and I am very comfortable here. I have been going for 6 years and teach the kids.

Denominations have slightly differing beliefs. I try not to get caught up in the gray areas I am unsure about. The things I am steadfast on are those beliefs in the Nicene Creed and a few minor things important to me, like style of worship music, order of service (like some congregations repeat a lot of things together or echo what they say), and involvement (putting lessons and scripture in action)...I'd say to make sure wherever you go to listen carefully and compare it to the Word of God. Know what you believe, and pray God guides you to the right denomination/church, and He will bring you to the right one...I think denominations are temporary for Earth. What is permanent is our relationship with Christ, so our aim should be getting closer to Him.