First time going to a christian church

[Mario David]

This Sunday is going to be the first time I will be going to a christian church, I'm very exited but also to be honest very nervous as well. You see I will be going alone, I don't know were to sit or even if I will be sitting, next to who?, do I have to pay or how much $?, will they expect anything of me.

I was reading a thread earlier about going to church being intimidating and I think it is. I planned going last Sunday but chickened out

 

[TuxAme]

What's the denomination of the church you're going to?

 

[JazzHands]

lol Mario, bless you!! It'll be fine.. just suck in the atmosphere - it's liberating! Remember, humility compels all Christians to be themselves.. no pretense! Let us know how it goes!

 

[Sketcher]

If it's an Eastern Orthodox church, you won't be sitting. If it's any other kind of church I know about, nobody really is going to know where they will be sitting or who they will be sitting next to. At churches I've been to, people tend to avoid the front row if they have a choice. People who are late and can't find room anywhere else tend to sit there.

As for what to pay, pay nothing on your first visit. A good church will understand.

 

[Mario David]

What's the denomination of the church you're going to?

I don't understand

 

[JazzHands]

I don't understand

He wants to know if you go to church now and if so, what kind of church! If you don't go to church, no harm no foul, in fact, you may have an advantage... a new lamb!

 

[Mario David]

He wants to know if you go to church now and if so, what kind of church! If you don't go to church, no harm no foul, in fact, you may have an advantage... a new lamb!

I don't go to church

 

[JazzHands]

I don't go to church

Well there ya go!!! You have a world of wonders waiting for you!! I envy you!

Bear in mind, there is more to 'the church' than theatre... the basis of belief is finding meaning in the abstract. We live in a world that often makes no sense... but bizarrely, the scriptures give us an insight into everything... just relax, take in the atmosphere... be open minded.. when it sinks in, there's no going back!

 

[TuxAme]

I don't go to church

I mean, what's the denomination of the church you're visiting? Is it Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Anglican, SDA, etc.? Or Catholic or Orthodox? If we know which denomination it is, we can give you more accurate information on how you should conduct yourself and how to navigate the service.

 

[Mario David]

I mean, what's the denomination of the church you're visiting? Is it Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Anglican, SDA, etc.? Or Catholic or Orthodox? If we know which denomination it is, we can give you more accurate information on how you should conduct yourself and how to navigate the service.

I don't know which to go, I read of them all and just get more confused.

 

[JazzHands]

I don't know which to go, I read of them all and just get more confused.

Mario, he's a hardcore Christian... don't worry... just attend church, be relaxed, take in the atmosphere and the music.. listen to the words of the pastor/priest and see how it relates to you... it's the start of your real education.. one that will last beyond your temporal life!

 

[Of the Kingdom]

I would consider Baptist to be a "safe" choice, but the individual church is often more important than the "brand name" on the door. Many now call themselves "community churches" to avoid having to have a brand. A place where people read the Bible and the message is taken from the Bible is important.

Whatever church you go to, remember God is working on helping you find where in His kingdom you belong. I hope you have a good experience and find a friendly, God-centered place, but even if you don't, God will have something to teach you.

I pray you will find friends to guide you on your path.

 

[JazzHands]

I would consider Baptist to be a "safe" choice, but the individual church is often more important than the "brand name" on the door. Many now call themselves "community churches" to avoid having to have a brand. A place where people read the Bible and the message is taken from the Bible is important.

Whatever church you go to, remember God is working on helping you find where in His kingdom you belong. I hope you have a good experience and find a friendly, God-centered place, but even if you don't, God will have something to teach you.

I pray you will find friends to guide you on your path.

Great answer and a truly Christian narrative! Bless you Kingdom!

 

[Kenny'sID]

Look the particular church you intend to attend up online and find their "Statement of Purpose". that should tell you a bit more about what you're getting yourself into.

You can also tell us what the Church is called and/or point us to their website if you want more info.

Hope the OP doesn't end up in a Scientology or some non Christian, or outrageous doctrine Church.

 

[SkyWriting]

This Sunday is going to be the first time I will be going to a christian church, I'm very exited but also to be honest very nervous as well. You see I will be going alone, I don't know were to sit or even if I will be sitting, next to who?, do I have to pay or how much $?, will they expect anything of me.

I was reading a thread earlier about going to church being intimidating and I think it is. I planned going last Sunday but chickened out

Its a little less intimidating to sit toward the rear and watch when people stand or sit.
The handout usually indicates standing with a star or something.
Any voluntary donation can be put in your own envelope at home so
that you can be relaxed that no one is judging the amount.

 

[Albion]

Here is suggestion, Mario David--

Check out the affiliations of the churches you are considering. The Yellow Pages or a Church Listing in the newspaper can do that for you. Because you have all of them to choose from, you might make your first visit be to one of those that is less ceremonial than others. That could be the Baptists or a Non-denominational church. The reference sources mentioned above will indicate which is which.

Those that are Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Pentecostal, or Methodist will have more intricate worship services with ceremonies that are likely to confuse a first-timer. If you instead choose one of the churches I mentioned above, you would basically sit through most of the service, sing songs from a book, recite some prayers, and hear a sermon.

Any church might cause you to be nervous, but that happens to every first timer. Usually there is a dish passed into which the people put some money or envelopes with money. Put a dollar in the plate. That isn't sufficient for members, but for a visitor, it is just a gesture and will make you look more like you know what is going on than doing nothing. There is no admission fee or anything like that.

Put a dollar in the plate. And if you simply sit through the service and do not join in with the singing, for example, not many of the people there will give it much thought. Some people may welcome you as you arrive or after the service ends, but you need just thank them and say you are a first-time visitor and recent believer in Jesus. You are best off not asking them too many questions, if any, on your initial visit.

As for the seating, head in to the seating area as soon as you arrive and aim for the rear seats since this will allow you to see in front of you what the people do during the service; and they will not be watching you in return.

You will get past the first-time visitor jitters, but I am not suggesting which church you should ultimately join. That will take more study and visits around. What I am saying here is mainly about getting that first trip under your belt.

 

[Mario David]

After reading all the posts I decided I wont be going this Sunday as I don't seem prepare and just not ready. Hopefully I will be ready soon as I really just want to find the right church for me.

Thanks everyone for your words

 

[whereloveandmercymeet]

Try not to worry too much about being prepared or knowing what to do. People are usually very accepting of new people and visitors at churches not necessarily following exactly what they’re doing. Most churches don’t usually expect any offering money from new people or visitors so dont sorry about that. If you feel you’d like to then obviously do so, but don’t feel you have to at all.

If you’re a more quiet, shy kind of person sit near the back so you can see what’s going on and follow it easier and you won’t feel like people are paying too much attention to you. If you’re quite good with talking to new people then when you arrive there’s usually one or two people around to greet people, if you say to them you’re new and a bit nervous that you won’t know what’s going on they will happily give you pointers or even introduce to someone who’ll sit with you and help you ‘navigate’ the service.

There’s no harm in going to different churches to try them, so don’t get too worried about making sure you pick the right one before you’ve been there.

And I promise that after the first time you’ll be much much less nervous.

 

[Sketcher]

After reading all the posts I decided I wont be going this Sunday as I don't seem prepare and just not ready. Hopefully I will be ready soon as I really just want to find the right church for me.

Thanks everyone for your words

What would "ready" look like to you?

 

[UnprofitableServant]

This Sunday is going to be the first time I will be going to a christian church, I'm very exited but also to be honest very nervous as well. You see I will be going alone, I don't know were to sit or even if I will be sitting, next to who?, do I have to pay or how much $?, will they expect anything of me.

I was reading a thread earlier about going to church being intimidating and I think it is. I planned going last Sunday but chickened out

I think the way you are feeling may be rooted in worrying so much.

My advice would be to let go a bit and not be to concerned about what others think of you. Remember you are there to go worship God, so if you keep your eye focused on Jesus and not on others, then you can walk on water like Jesus.

Peace and love,
James