Going It Alone

[elizabetta_bella]

Hi Everyone,

I'm at a crossroads (pun intended) in my faith and am looking for a new church. I was/am a Catholic, mostly because it's all I've ever known and I feel the Lord calling me elsewhere...even if He's not too specific with the address. Right now, I'm relying on prayer and reading the scriptures as much as possible to keep me going...but it's not enough.

I'm currently thinking checking out a local Assembly of God church and some Non Denominational churches. I'm drawn to them because they seem "alive" in their faith (at least from what I've seen on the website ). But I've been too afraid to actually attend.

Why?

Because I don't like going to church ALONE! I guess after years of attending Mass with family and friends, I've got some anxiety about being alone in the pew. It will be out of my comfort zone to say the least.

How did you other new Christians on this board deal with having to check out a church alone?

 

[edwardtuty]

You have to select a church where they are giving importance for praising Jesus.
If you are feeling alone then particiate some church activities or speak to Jesus always, defintely you will get reply soon.

 

[LilLamb219]

Have you considered a Lutheran church? Most have liturgical services similar to ones you are comfortable with already and they are very Christ-oriented churches

 

[sbbqb7n16]

Flashy doesn't always = "alive"

but Boring doesn't either


"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:16-20

 

[Peripatetic]

Have you considered a Lutheran church? Most have liturgical services similar to ones you are comfortable with already and they are very Christ-oriented churches

I'm sure you didn't mean it, but that post could be interpreted that the Catholic Church is not "Christ-oriented". Many people still don't realize that the Catholics share a similar creed, read the Bible four times at every Mass, and are currently on record as supporting Justification by grace through faith (not by works). As far as being "alive", I grew up in among the Charismatic Catholic movement, and it's hard to get more lively than that (speaking in tongues, raising the roof singing, prayer retreats, and loudly vocalizing praise in ways that are not unlike the Assembly of God churches).

That said, there are aspects that don't sit exactly right with me too, and I've considered changing over the years. My wife was raised Baptist (and non-denom), and we prayed about it a lot when we tried to decide how to raise our kids. Ultimately, we felt the push to stay Catholic, and... it's amazing how the Lord works. Our son has Autism, and to make a long story short... the Catholic Mass is perfectly suited to the mind of someone with Autism. He has found God, and worships in a way that brings joy to my heart. It's so cute to watch him follow every word in the "Order of Mass", totally by his own choice. He could not relate at all to a primarily sermon-based service (much like he can't understand abstract classes in school like Social Studies).

As for me, I get plenty of Evangelical/Protestant sermons via podcast throughout the week on my way to and from work and at home. Our family weaves elements of both into our lives (hence the Christan tag by my name).

I applaud your courage to seek the right Church and fellowship for you. I'll say a prayer that you find what you are looking for.

 

[LilLamb219]

Nope, did not mean to say anything against the RC church at all! I only stated that the Lutheran church is Christ-oriented because we are It's not a statement against other churches so I'm surprised anyone could take it that way.

 

[Peripatetic]

Understood, and I agree that the Lutheran church would be a good choice for a Catholic that may need a change. Here's hoping that all Christian churches are still Christ-oriented!

 

[LilLamb219]

The reason I prefer stating Christ-oriented is because I see too many churches that have become "me-oriented" and really, that's nothing but self-help that doesn't work!

 

[Peripatetic]

I see too many churches that have become "me-oriented"

Interesting that you chose the words "me-oriented"... I was going to post that exact phrase in my last reply, so we're on the same wavelength after all! Society has become me-oriented and it's creeping into our churches, as you said. When I was growing up, my parents warned me that "secular humanism" was one of the most dangerous trends. At the time, I was too young to fully understand what that meant, but they were right. Many Christians are sliding in that direction without even knowing it. In one of my recent podcasts, I mentioned that Pride is the barrier that prevents many of us from even knowing that we have to surrender to Christ.

 

[student ad x]

How did you other new Christians on this board deal with having to check out a church alone?

Hey elizabetta,

I trusted in the Lord alone that He would guide me along the way, and keep me company. When I checked out different churches, I focused on whether the church was glorifying God and was doctrinally sound. I kept reading and studying Scripture while searching and eventually, the Lord put me right where I was supposed to be.

 

[heymikey80]

A church is a fellowship. You're right to be concerned. But don't convert that concern into discomfort on your part. Churches should engage you. I've seen competent large churches do so, and competent small churches do so.

You can also find sound churches where you can be fed, and yet for odd reasons some don't offer fellowship that grows your spirit on the encouragement of your brothers.

Find a church that balances both: you've detected an issue with fellowship, that's great, but there are also churches that swing to the equal and opposite error: fellowship with little soundness. Find both in balance, and you'll be in much better communion.

 

[elizabetta_bella]

Thanks everyone for the great food for thought.

Obviously, I'm not just looking for good fellowship or diluted doctrine...it's going to be a process that might take some trial and error along with great amounts of prayer.The Lord has called me deepen my faith at this time and no matter what denomination I find myself in...I pray He's going to lead me where he sees fit.

 

[SharonL]

God knows the hunger in your heart and will guide you.

You might like to look in the Charasmatic Catholic forum - they have more of the "alive" as you call it - it is the Holy Spirit guiding us and your walk with Jesus becomes more of a personal relationship.
Charismatic Catholic Renewal - Christian Forums

Whatever church you are looking for just know that Jesus is our friend and always by your side - you are never alone. Your Spirit Filled walk exceeds all religion and is just a personal relationship with Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit.

 

[heron]

I like AOG. You started the thread to talk about getting your foot in the door, so I hope we get some more input on that.
I remember one church that was very Charismatic, where I stalled for a whole year before going in! I didn't know what they would expect, or whether they had different rules than other churches. It sounds silly, but really .... you just don't know how they will respond. So one day they had a picnic in the community, and I went. I asked one person about things to do there, and they suggested sending my kids to VBS.

It was these side activities that helped me get my foot in the door. See if they have Bible studies mid-week, or concerts, or something less formal that can give you a feel for the church.

 

[JCFantasy23]

I typically try out churches alone also. It's a little awkward at first but it becomes much easier since generally churches are extremely welcome and friendly. Have you tried a new one yet?

 

[savedbygracebre]

Totally relate. I was a non-practicing Catholic before I became saved. Then a couple of good Baptist brothers who led me go the Lord told me to plant my face in the New Testament and to read and re-read as God taught me. It didn't take long for me to see that there were some things with the Catholic faith that really bothered me(my own personal conviction and do not wish to offend). I also felt God leading me elsewhere, only problem is that my wife and her whole family were of the Catholic faith. Through many fights and struggles for over two years I finally stepped into a baptist church for my first service-by myself! My wife nor my two Kids go-only me(I've spoke of the on the unequally Yoked section so I will nt go into detail here). Is it hard going by myself-very much so. In fact I don't sometimes go for that reason BUT when I do make it God always shows me it is where He intends me to be. They preach the Bible front to back, as well as having several group and family functions. It can be hard, but it is what is best for your spiritual growth if God wills it.

 

[throughchristimchanged]

Hi Everyone,

I'm at a crossroads (pun intended) in my faith and am looking for a new church. I was/am a Catholic, mostly because it's all I've ever known and I feel the Lord calling me elsewhere...even if He's not too specific with the address. Right now, I'm relying on prayer and reading the scriptures as much as possible to keep me going...but it's not enough.

I'm currently thinking checking out a local Assembly of God church and some Non Denominational churches. I'm drawn to them because they seem "alive" in their faith (at least from what I've seen on the website ). But I've been too afraid to actually attend.

Why?

Because I don't like going to church ALONE! I guess after years of attending Mass with family and friends, I've got some anxiety about being alone in the pew. It will be out of my comfort zone to say the least.

How did you other new Christians on this board deal with having to check out a church alone?

you will eventually have to go it alone if you want to be one with GOD, truly get to know him

 

[graceandpeace]

Nevermind.

Folks, please stop bringing threads from years ago back to life.