Finding a church question?

[NewInChrist]

As I'm looking for a church I am asking myself what of their doctrine I believe. As I am fairly new at really looking at what I believe and new at studing the bible I am growing everyday in this area so am finding it difficult to make a real chose at this point on a home church. Which leads to my question/questions.
1.) How do you decide on a home church when you are still learning?

2.) If you find a church you like but there is one doctrine they believe different then what you have come to believe should you not consider this church because of this?

Any opinions on these questions or anything else you feel like adding to help my out with my search would be very much appreciated.

P.S. I've been lurking here for a few months and have been learning alot from you all.

 

[Salvatore Gonzales]

1.) How do you decide on a home church when you are still learning?

2.) If you find a church you like but there is one doctrine they believe different then what you have come to believe should you not consider this church because of this?

It's ok to look around. Don't feel bad if you try out a
dozen or more. See if people are there to learn or
to be entertained.

I can tell you no Church will be a perfect fit. Likewise,
everyone in the Church will have beliefs that are different
from everyone else. If there's a major difference in a
doctrine, don't hesitate to ask questions.

However, this is a difficult area since some Churches
have very different views on abortion and homsexuality.
The Christian Church is currently schisming again
worldwide over these two issues.

Whether or not you find a Church, it's also good
to be a part of a small group ministry. This group
will be your Christian Brothers.

 

[seebs]

There's a lot of variety. I go to Religious Society of Friends meeting, personally. I don't think it's necessarily wrong for you to go to a church you don't entirely agree with; you may learn a lot, and change your mind. Don't be afraid to wander around looking for a place you feel welcome.

 

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings New In Christ,

Have you developed any Christian relationships? Have you studied the scriptures together? There is a verse which essentially says: "How blessed it is when two can walk together in agreement." I agree with another poster - no church is "perfect", Paul addresses it this way:

1 Corinthians 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

The word "heresies" means something DIFFERENT, perhaps as Paul says in another place: "another Gospel".

So we do have to take care where we choose to fellowship. It is the eldership which is responsible for watching over your soul and for that they will be held accountable. But not all church leaders recognize this.

So I would start with close Christian friends with whom you are familiar and with whom you are comfortable. But even before you do this, PRAY diligently, even fast (to show your sincerity and dedication to this) and ask God to lead you to a fellowship HE WANTS for you. When He sees your humble heart and great desire for fellowship, He WILL answer.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

 

[NewInChrist]

So far everyone has suggested fellowship with other Christians which would be wonderful except I really don't know any at this point. Was hoping to meet Christian friends through going to Church but so far have just been visiting different churches. I live in a town with numerous churches!! Do you have any suggestions on meeting other Christians besides looking for them in church?

 

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings NewInChrist,

I too have run into the same problem as you. In my many years of walking with the Lord, I have ONE (1) brother with whom I have a very close kinship. I have developed other friendships along the way, but they come and go. I have been loved and rebuked my dearest brother in the Lord, but we are kindred spirits. We see Christ as our ALL IN ALL. When we get together, our focus is not on one another, but on the Lord. We do not talk sports, work or fishing, but what the Lord is doing in our lives and what we are learning at His feet.

So as I suggested, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, and the Lord WILL ANSWER YOU. You DO have a friend that is closer than a brother. His Name is Jesus.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

 

[klewlis]

As you learn more about doctrine and stuff, you will be able to evaluate churches on that basis. But in the meantime:

- look for a church where the people are friendly and not gossipy and backbiting. That may seem like a small thing, but it tells a surprising amount about the general health of the church. If they are gossipy and negative towards each other, it belies deeper problems.
- look for a church where you are expected to open your bible frequently. There is nothing worse than a preacher who never asks you to look at the bible while he is preaching. Sermons should be biblically based and he should be encouraging you to read it for yourself.
- everyone has different comfort levels with worship styles. You may not feel right in a charismatic church where everyone is dancing and speaking in tongues. In that case, go for a more traditional, conservative church.
- look for a church where Communion is central.
- get hooked up with a small group or bible study as soon as possible.
- beware the church that thinks it's the only one! one of the first signs of a bad church is that it considers itself the best, the one "true" church of God, the only one doing God's will. A healthy, Christian church should have a good relationship with the other community churches, even across denominations. Of course we draw the line at pseudo-christian cults and the like, since they teach false doctrines. But you *should* be able to go to anything from Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox to Baptist, Pentecostal, etc, and they should not be down-talking each other.

 

[marc]

As you learn more about doctrine and stuff, you will be able to evaluate churches on that basis. But in the meantime:

- look for a church where the people are friendly and not gossipy and backbiting. That may seem like a small thing, but it tells a surprising amount about the general health of the church. If they are gossipy and negative towards each other, it belies deeper problems.
- look for a church where you are expected to open your bible frequently. There is nothing worse than a preacher who never asks you to look at the bible while he is preaching. Sermons should be biblically based and he should be encouraging you to read it for yourself.
- everyone has different comfort levels with worship styles. You may not feel right in a charismatic church where everyone is dancing and speaking in tongues. In that case, go for a more traditional, conservative church.
- look for a church where Communion is central.
- get hooked up with a small group or bible study as soon as possible.
- beware the church that thinks it's the only one! one of the first signs of a bad church is that it considers itself the best, the one "true" church of God, the only one doing God's will. A healthy, Christian church should have a good relationship with the other community churches, even across denominations. Of course we draw the line at pseudo-christian cults and the like, since they teach false doctrines. But you *should* be able to go to anything from Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox to Baptist, Pentecostal, etc, and they should not be down-talking each other.

i could add 2 cents, but this really was just about what I would have said, with the same emphasis's. Thanks klewis!

 

[NewInChrist]

Greetings NewInChrist,

I too have run into the same problem as you. In my many years of walking with the Lord, I have ONE (1) brother with whom I have a very close kinship. I have developed other friendships along the way, but they come and go. I have been loved and rebuked my dearest brother in the Lord, but we are kindred spirits. We see Christ as our ALL IN ALL. When we get together, our focus is not on one another, but on the Lord. We do not talk sports, work or fishing, but what the Lord is doing in our lives and what we are learning at His feet.

So as I suggested, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, and the Lord WILL ANSWER YOU. You DO have a friend that is closer than a brother. His Name is Jesus.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

Thanks so much for your reply. I thought I had found a friend like that but unfortunately it was not as I felt it was. I thought this relationship was sent from God in answer to my prayers and maybe it was but was meant to be a brief relationship. I will keep on praying. I know I do have Jesus as my very best friend but I still long for a human relationship that we can share what it sounds like you and your friend share.
Thanks again,
NewInChrist

 

[NewInChrist]

As you learn more about doctrine and stuff, you will be able to evaluate churches on that basis. But in the meantime:

- look for a church where the people are friendly and not gossipy and backbiting. That may seem like a small thing, but it tells a surprising amount about the general health of the church. If they are gossipy and negative towards each other, it belies deeper problems.
- look for a church where you are expected to open your bible frequently. There is nothing worse than a preacher who never asks you to look at the bible while he is preaching. Sermons should be biblically based and he should be encouraging you to read it for yourself.
- everyone has different comfort levels with worship styles. You may not feel right in a charismatic church where everyone is dancing and speaking in tongues. In that case, go for a more traditional, conservative church.
- look for a church where Communion is central.
- get hooked up with a small group or bible study as soon as possible.
- beware the church that thinks it's the only one! one of the first signs of a bad church is that it considers itself the best, the one "true" church of God, the only one doing God's will. A healthy, Christian church should have a good relationship with the other community churches, even across denominations. Of course we draw the line at pseudo-christian cults and the like, since they teach false doctrines. But you *should* be able to go to anything from Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox to Baptist, Pentecostal, etc, and they should not be down-talking each other.

Thanks, I really appreciate the advice!! You pointed out a couple of things I had not thought of. Actually I think I am looking for a middle of the road type of church as I'm not sure how comfortable I would be in a charismatic church but too conservative is not what I think I'm looking for either. I just keep praying for God to direct me in my search as I visit different churchs. In the end I want to be were God wants me to serve Him.