How do figure out where I belong?

[EhveesMom]

Good Morning!

It's been awhile since I've been actively pursuing my relationship with God. I mean, I've always been a prayer, I say prayers each day but as far as church goes...

I'm just not sure where I fit in.

I tried going to a new church that just opened up near my house recently and while my husband seems to like it, (It's very modern with TV screens everywhere and even a mini "starbucks" inside) and it is quite nice in that regard, they wouldn't let me into the main area with my child because they were "video taping" and they don't allow children under 12 in the service area.

That has completely put a bad taste in my mouth. I think that totally defeats the purpose of a "fellowship" a "church." Sure children may cry or act out from time to time but I think most mothers know when to step outside if their children are becoming a disruption.

My child was only 2 months old at the time. I'm quite sure she would have slept through the whole thing anyways!


So that being said, I just haven't gone out and tried to find another church yet.

I grew up Baptist but I'm pretty sure that isn't me anymore.

Any suggestions?

 

[visionary]

Depends on if you want to grow in faith, or fellowship with like minded. Every church has its gems. I would keep an open mind and explore what each congregation has to offer, and see if any speak to your heart and spirit.

 

[glendale]

Good Morning!

It's been awhile since I've been actively pursuing my relationship with God. I mean, I've always been a prayer, I say prayers each day but as far as church goes...

I'm just not sure where I fit in.

I tried going to a new church that just opened up near my house recently and while my husband seems to like it, (It's very modern with TV screens everywhere and even a mini "starbucks" inside) and it is quite nice in that regard, they wouldn't let me into the main area with my child because they were "video taping" and they don't allow children under 12 in the service area.

That has completely put a bad taste in my mouth. I think that totally defeats the purpose of a "fellowship" a "church." Sure children may cry or act out from time to time but I think most mothers know when to step outside if their children are becoming a disruption.

My child was only 2 months old at the time. I'm quite sure she would have slept through the whole thing anyways!


So that being said, I just haven't gone out and tried to find another church yet.

I grew up Baptist but I'm pretty sure that isn't me anymore.

Any suggestions?

My suggestion would be to find another church. That one doesn't sound welcoming at all. Children should be welcomed and if your child is not welcomed then you aren't either. They are more interested in the videotaping than in teach the Word of God.

 

[AlexBP]

There's no reason to be ashamed about "church shopping", i.e. visiting a different church each Sunday until you find one that feels like a good match for you. Just be honest about the fact that that's what you're doing. Most churches have one person or a group of people who are responsible for greeting new members.

 

[visionary]

There's no reason to be ashamed about "church shopping", i.e. visiting a different church each Sunday until you find one that feels like a good match for you. Just be honest about the fact that that's what you're doing. Most churches have one person or a group of people who are responsible for greeting new members.

and check out the sabbath keeping groups too.. they have much to offer..

 

[sbbqb7n16]

Seriously? They probably have an entire nursey section for young children. Especially if they tape for TV.

I would think most churches have a nursery for young children, cause crying babies are pretty distracting.

 

[JCFantasy23]

Church shopping can be a confusing experience, but the key is to look to it as a fun one. Know that with every church you visit, every denomination you study, that you will learn and it will be a time-consuming but rewarding effort in your life. Think of the new people to meet, the new experiences to be had, etc. First I would suggest to know what your beliefs are and which churches you would like to begin at. Also, Finding a new church is a forum on CF Forums that has many responses when you are trying to figure out where to start. Let me know if you any any other questions, either on here or privately.

 

[Peripatetic]

Church shopping can be a confusing experience, but the key is to look to it as a fun one. Know that with every church you visit, every denomination you study, that you will learn and it will be a time-consuming but rewarding effort in your life. Think of the new people to meet, the new experiences to be had, etc. First I would suggest to know what your beliefs are and which churches you would like to begin at. Also, Finding a new church is a forum on CF Forums that has many responses when you are trying to figure out where to start. Let me know if you any any other questions, either on here or privately.

Very good advice! And don't feel that you have to be "faithful" to only one church, and get all of your spiritual growth there. There are lots of sermons and bible study sessions available online. I find that it's a great way to hear teachers and preachers from different denominations.

 

[heron]

I agree that children should be allowed in the service. You just don't know if your child is being treated kindly. Especially on your first visit. People already established there already know the situation, but might not understand that you don't just leave your child with anyone. You are the parent.

It sounds like reaching people through television has become more important to them than reaching the people who are sitting in the building. My opinion. Bigger is not always better.

It might be a good place to catch concerts and special services though.

There's no reason to be ashamed about "church shopping", i.e. visiting a different church each Sunday until you find one that feels like a good match for you. Just be honest about the fact that that's what you're doing. Most churches have one person or a group of people who are responsible for greeting new members.

They probably have an entire nursey section for young children. Especially if they tape for TV.

I would think most churches have a nursery for young children, cause crying babies are pretty distracting.

Most churches have nurseries and Sunday schools. Don't be afraid to use them -- no one feels offended if a visitor uses this service. Even tiny gatherings with fifty people will usually have something for kids.

 

[heron]

I see you're listed as nondenom. That probably means you like the contemporary services, and maybe Charismatic, but not necessarily flashy? Lol, sorry to make such guesses. If so, you might like Assembly of God churches. They have a denominational structure, and a nice mix of with contemporary with traditional. Well, Baptist churches do too, but there's a different premise.

A lot of churches use a contemporary format now. I would ask around back home, and see what friends have heard. Do the church-hop visiting, and get to know what people are doing in your area. It's a nice way to view the climate of the region, and to get a glimpse of what's possible in a church.

 

[oi_antz]

I think fellowship can be a social club or very serious, depends what sort of people make up the body and the behaviours they accept, we are never able to see 100% eye-to-eye unless we are reading the Word of God, and when socialising we reduce activity to discussion of opinion which is very interesting sometimes. I notice that when you carry the Love of Christ in, it resonates or convicts, and if we're not all prepared to be honest in what we think is fair then someone is going to be offended.. I dunno whether it should put you off church shopping though!

 

[seashale76]

Is it wrong of me to hope that one day every contemporary style worship service in existence experiences power outages every single time they attempt to plug in all of their many electronic devices?

The Church is a hospital for sinners where we can go to receive the fountain of immortality- the Body and Blood of Christ- and live a life in Christ. It is that which gives us community. Children are part of the Christ's Holy Church too- which is why in Orthodoxy we have no problem with baptizing and communing little ones.

 

[EhveesMom]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and thoughts.

To answer the one question that was posed, yes, the church does have a fine nursery area. Reminds me of Disney Land or something. I just don't agree with anyone telling me that I can't take my child with me where I want her to go. I mean, sure if I want to use those fine children services, that's great! But If I want her to accompany me into the main service hall, then so be it.

Especially since she was only 2 months old at the time. I don't know many mothers at all that would leave a 8week old with strangers. In a church or not.

And as I said, I have the common courtesy to remove myself and my child if she became fussy. Seems simple to me.

I mean Jesus said "Let the children come unto me." Right? Seems counter productive if he would have said. "Mothers keep your children at the back of the crowd, their cries are a huge distraction."

 

[DoctorJosh]

Good Morning!

It's been awhile since I've been actively pursuing my relationship with God. I mean, I've always been a prayer, I say prayers each day but as far as church goes...
I'm just not sure where I fit in.

I tried going to a new church that just opened up near my house recently and while my husband seems to like it, (It's very modern with TV screens everywhere and even a mini "starbucks" inside) and it is quite nice in that regard, they wouldn't let me into the main area with my child because they were "video taping" and they don't allow children under 12 in the service area.

That has completely put a bad taste in my mouth. I think that totally defeats the purpose of a "fellowship" a "church." Sure children may cry or act out from time to time but I think most mothers know when to step outside if their children are becoming a disruption.

My child was only 2 months old at the time. I'm quite sure she would have slept through the whole thing anyways!

So that being said, I just haven't gone out and tried to find another church yet.
I grew up Baptist but I'm pretty sure that isn't me anymore.
Any suggestions?

First, it sounds like you are more of a kick back and listen type person, not a holy roller type. There is also that respect you ask for in return as well as respecting the Church, but in any case all Churches are different, some are just too much to handle for some.
So, you may want to go around during the daytime in your free time and check out some non-denominational Churches and you surely want to call the Pastor of each and have a talk to find out what exactly the Pastor believes as he will teach what he believes directly to the congregation. It you find he is into prophecy you may want to avoid that church as it can only confuse or mislead you and others you take with you to that Church. However, the choice is solely up to you and your husband. Ask also if they have a day care or a center for children. This helps you focus on the sermon and not being interrupted by your child when they throw fits in Church.

Now, the term Church means a congregation of people, it is not a building. Although the term has loosely been used to describe a building, it means the gathering of people. If you find you cannot find a Church in your area, you can always start a group Prayer meeting and start a Church (not saying go out and get a license since it is only a Prayer meeting), but I have been to many places where there was no official building to have Church services held and had to be at different peoples homes. (My experiences in the outback of Alaska).
Now, as for your relationship with God. Being around other Christians does help, but if you once feel you looked down upon or get discouraged by what others say to you in any Church you will find you may end up not wanting to go to Church at all. Don't let that stop you from knowing God. The Bible is the only key to knowing God, it won't happen through other people being around you, other than that they share the word with you in those cases. Read the Bible, what does help is sticking to the books Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and then read Revelations. To read the Old testament, which I do suggest and it is important is something that also helps understand what happened before that God had to send His only Son to help bring people back to God.

The main thing about the New Testament is that it shows you that what God will do for you. That Jesus even gave His life for you (and everyone else) that you may be saved if you just believe in the Lord Jesus and God the Creator.

You can still accept Jesus and be a Christian without going to Church, since there are many places (even China) that Christians have no building to go to worship Jesus and they do it privately or in groups secretly. If you find you just do not fit into any Churches in your area, do not give up God, but just keep focused on the Bible. Once you open your heart fully to Jesus, the rest will come more easily. You will never worry about your relationship again. Just live your life for the Lord Jesus. God Bless.

 

[throughchristimchanged]

Good Morning!

It's been awhile since I've been actively pursuing my relationship with God. I mean, I've always been a prayer, I say prayers each day but as far as church goes...

I'm just not sure where I fit in.

I tried going to a new church that just opened up near my house recently and while my husband seems to like it, (It's very modern with TV screens everywhere and even a mini "starbucks" inside) and it is quite nice in that regard, they wouldn't let me into the main area with my child because they were "video taping" and they don't allow children under 12 in the service area.

That has completely put a bad taste in my mouth. I think that totally defeats the purpose of a "fellowship" a "church." Sure children may cry or act out from time to time but I think most mothers know when to step outside if their children are becoming a disruption.

My child was only 2 months old at the time. I'm quite sure she would have slept through the whole thing anyways!


So that being said, I just haven't gone out and tried to find another church yet.

I grew up Baptist but I'm pretty sure that isn't me anymore.

Any suggestions?

there is a purpose for this on all sides, how are things going as of now.?.

 

[graceandpeace]

Nevermind, old thread - needs to be closed!