Help me find a church

[illest]

Hi -- I've been to assembly of god churches my whole life, now I'm on my own and I'm not so sure thats what I like.

I beleive in God and in the bible, but nothing other than what is written in the bible ( I.e. -- catholosism (sp?) isn't for me )

I don't like the Assembly of god churches because there is 30 minutes of worship where the 'best' christinas are the ones who are the loudest, jump up and down and, to me, it just basically feels like a big show.

I'm a introverted person, so this isn't a comftorable situation for me -- but beside that fact; I feel that a relationship with God is a very personal thing; so it doens't need to be expressed in the way AG churches do durring 'worship' time.

I'm looking for a church like the Catholic church because I like the type of churches that most people would call boring. I like churches that are traditional, personal, pious, reverent, etc. I like the Catholic and Lutheran styles.

The Lutheran church is a big possiblitiy to me -- but I'm not too sure about their beliefs. How about the episcopal church?

Basically - I am looking for a church that is similar in style to the Catholic Chruch -- but which preaches similar things to the AG -- just what is found in the bible; no twists (like Catholics or Mormons)

Any help or advice is greatly appriciated.

 

[Lotar]

Here's a site for searching out Lutheran churches: http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/locators/nchurches/church.asp


Q. What are the main differences between the Missouri Synod and the Pentecostal churches?

A. Perhaps the main difference between The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and Pentecostal churches is that Pentecostal churches tend to emphasize the importance of personal and spiritual "experiences" (such as "baptism in the Holy Spirit" and speaking in tongues), while the LCMS emphasizes the importance and centrality of the word and promises of God in Holy Scripture, which remain true and valid regardless of our personal "feelings" or "experiences." To learn more about the LCMS view of Scripture and its most important teachings, see "An Introduction to The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod."

http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2240


Feel free to ask any questions you have about the denomination.

 

[theseed]

This test will help, but don't take it at face value.

http://www.selectsmart.com/FREE/select.php?client=christiandenom

 

[Bulldog]

delete

 

[Bulldog]

This test will help, but don't take it at face value.

http://www.selectsmart.com/FREE/select.php?client=christiandenom

I agree, you shouldn't take ot too seriously. SOme people do, and end up going from Catholics to protestants or something like that.

 

[Bulldog]

doublepost

 

[Knight]

You might try checking out a First Baptist or Presypeterian (PCA) church.

 

[ByzantineDixie]

Well, I certainly would encourage you to check out the Lutheran church. For several years I was a frustrated Lutheran because I really wanted to attend an Assemblies of God church but my husband wouldn't even consider it. I am the opposite of you in that I am extroverted and really want to be expressive both physically and verbally during worship. My sister-in-law is AG.

But as the years have rolled past God has done some amazing things for me to help mitigate that frustration. Today, I am grateful to be a Lutheran and I have not had to shed my more Charismatic tendencies. The Lutheran doctrine is a true treasure and the Holy Spirit is alive and active in our churches.

One small piece of advice...as in all denominations the corporate dynamic changes a bit from congregation to congregation. If the first Lutheran church you happen upon seems a little cold or distant...its probably more related to the ethnic heritage of the congregation and is not a reflection of their love for Christ and His people. Another Lutheran congregation may be a better fit.

(By the way...when I took the quiz Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) was my top score, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Amercia (ELCS) was my second place score and Assemblies of God was my third place score! )

God bless you in your seach...may you find a congregation that truly adores Him, is faithful to His teachings and is "out there" doing His work.

Love

Rose

 

[JMRE5150]

Here's a site for searching out Lutheran churches: http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/locators/nchurches/church.asp


Q. What are the main differences between the Missouri Synod and the Pentecostal churches?

A. Perhaps the main difference between The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and Pentecostal churches is that Pentecostal churches tend to emphasize the importance of personal and spiritual "experiences" (such as "baptism in the Holy Spirit" and speaking in tongues), while the LCMS emphasizes the importance and centrality of the word and promises of God in Holy Scripture, which remain true and valid regardless of our personal "feelings" or "experiences." To learn more about the LCMS view of Scripture and its most important teachings, see "An Introduction to The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod."

http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2240


Feel free to ask any questions you have about the denomination.

*nudges Lotar out of the way*

Hey! Howdy illest!! Great to meet you!


I have a great and wonderful church for you! Right up your alley, I'm sure!

Its the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America! The website can be found at www.elca.org and its FILLED with the same questions and answers you seek! I've been in the ELCA all my life, and I just adore the services!

We hope to see you there!

*giggles at Lotar*

 

[Knight]

Play nice, boys....

 

[LuxPerpetua]

You may want to try First Baptist churches (depending on your region--in the South they are VERY formal churches in their worship but still very friendly in their membership) or Episcopal churches. United Church of Christ is also good--I attend a UCC Congregational church at the moment. A lot really depends on what area of the country you live in.