Finally ready...

[Leapling]

I first got to know God a couple years ago after a lifetime of atheism. The thing is, I never quite went all the way with it. What I mean by that is that I never found a church and I never got baptized. I've sorta been existing in this fuzzy in-between state of mind in which I'm just sitting on that fence, looking over to where I want to be but afraid to actually take the plunge.
I did take that plunge when i was saved, though... but backed off. Not due to any lack of faith, just due to the lack of a church community to grow spiritually with. I've been a spiritual loner since then, reading the bible a lot, listening to church sermons online, and every Sunday feeling like I've missed another opportunity to find my home.

Well, I'm over sitting on the fence. I'm determined to find the right church. It's difficult because there are so many around and I tend to be quite indecisive and timid. There is one a few blocks away that is very small... the last church I went to had thousands of people at every service... this one has around 50 at each service. I'm thinking it might be easier to find that sense of community with such a small church.
I'm nervous, though... I've been trying to gather the courage to go to one of their services for a couple months.

I'm more confident that this Sunday will be different because up until recently I wasn't so sure I could call myself a Christian. In another area on these forums I was reassured that I can consider myself a Christian without doubt... though there are still people in the "baptism is necessary for salvation" camp who would say I'm not. Well, I'm not listening to them, I'm listening to my heart and my heart loves Jesus

Oh I hope I hope I hope I make it this Sunday. If I do, I hope I hope I hope I feel at home there. If I do, I hope I hope I hope I can be baptized soon (I've been wanting that for a looooooong time).

 

[Goodbook]

You sound a little like me a few months ago. I was like that as well, went to a big church, was intimidated..spent lots time reading the Bible. Does your big church have 'life groups' or 'home groups'? Ask if you can join one of these.

As for your own baptism.. Go for it! I pray that you find fellowship, remember Jesus said where two or three are gathered in my name there I am in the midst.

 

[heymikey80]

Welcome, and yeah, it's faith not baptism that makes you a Christian.

Families can be a little ingrown or have their own personalities. If the personality of this church doesn't fit at all, then look around a bit more. If there's good & bad, well, that'd be pretty much like a family wouldn't it! So I'd say, don't look for perfection; look for a good family to grow in.

I'm one of those guys who says baptism is important -- but not absolutely necessary. I think it reflects what the Apostles said without going to big extremes.

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

Hey that's great man! You will not be disappointed when you go and if you are then don't go back and just try a new one until the Lord shows you where He wants you to be. But you can know without a doubt that He does want you in a church.

 

[Leapling]

Yeah... if this weekend doesn't go over well I'm not going to give up.
The big church does have life groups, so I suppose I can go back there and find out more about them if this weekend doesn't work out. I think it will go well at the small church, though... I've listened to the past 6 months worth of their podcasts and I like the pastor a lot. I can relate to his history better than I can with most other pastors.
I'm not sure if they have much more going on than the Sunday services, so maybe I should also join a life group from a big church. The big church, and a couple similarly massive ones in the area, all have tons of extra stuff going on... it's pretty overwhelming, actually... but I think I'm gonna be wanting something more than just a Sunday service.

 

[Saved_n_kept]

God bless you, brother in your desire to join with His family. I know that if you pray He will guide you to the church where He wants you to worship and serve Him.

If I might make a suggestion, I would advise you to check what each church believes (their Statement of Faith) before making a final decision.

Every blessing in Christ,

Brian.

 

[Leapling]

If I might make a suggestion, I would advise you to check what each church believes (their Statement of Faith) before making a final decision.

Good idea. I forgot about that. Thanks for the suggestion!