How do Protestants Settle on a Denomination? (No Debating Catholics/Orthodox)

[com7fy8]

how you choose a Church that doesn't have the historical claim of Catholics & Orthodox

I am not expert enough in history to know which historical scholarship is really reliable. But I can read in the Bible how our Apostle Paul says a man needs to become qualified, so he may be just considered to "take care of the church of God" > 1 Timothy 3:1-10. And I can see if a group claiming historical connection is obeying this standard which our Apostle Paul has given us.

If you are functioning in the succession which is apostolic, your succession is not only historical but obedient to how our apostles have directed us to select qualified pastors.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

I have a question for the men. When you read of Paul, in reference to Him, do you always read he with a capital H?

 

[faroukfarouk]

Being Catholic, I'm very comforted by my denomination's historical claim, and deep entrenchment in Holy Scripture & Holy Tradition; Orthodox feel the same way.
For the purpose of this thread, I'm not looking to debate Catholicism/Orthodoxy v. Protestants; the above statement was just very brief background on how I and many others appreciate our denomination.
My question to the Protestants is, how do you settle on one denomination or church? Without any sort of authority, be it the papacy (pope) or councils of bishops to keep your church on track, how do you figure out that your particular denomination is more like what Jesus & the Apostles taught than any other? Because when you get deep enough into theology, there can only be 1 true church; if you stay protestant, how do you determine which one that is?
By the way, there's double meaning in the (No Debating Catholics/Orthodox). I don't want protestants debating Catholics/Orthodox, and I don't want Catholics/Orthodox debating protestants. For the purpose of this thread, I just want Protestants to discuss (and maybe debate) how you choose a Church that doesn't have the historical claim of Catholics & Orthodox, how you choose which of the denominations is the best.
Lord, forgive me for perpetuating us/them mentalities, and treating Your children & followers as seperate groups instead of the 1 body of Christ.

I can't speak for everyone called Protestant, but Acts 2.42 is a good guide about local church practices.

 

[com7fy8]

how you choose which of the 40,000 or so denominations is the best.

Jesus is the best, and His apostles have given us the best. There is no best which is less And God knows who are His. And He makes us able to tell the difference. His obedient and mature and exemplary people can be attending in some church which by its official practices does not obey God's standards for selecting qualified men to pastor. But a certain church might have a qualified person. And God can use such people to reach to others, using a denomination as a fishing hole to fish for men.

Paul says that he is not surprised at how there are divisions > 1 Corinthians 11:18-19 >

"For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you." (1 Corinthians 11:18-19)

So, it looks like Paul knew how the real children of God had unapproved people in the midst of them. But he knew the sheep could smell the difference and know whom God approves.

Paul says that by having factions, "those who are approved may be recognized." The wrong ones made the right ones look good, I can see he means ! ! !

So, when you see wrong ones doing control things and other ungodly stuff, do not allow the wrong ones to decide if you stay with a certain group of people, but find who God's approved leaders are by example which feeds us to become more like Jesus (Galatians 4:19) and submissive to God in His peace (Colossians 3:15) and who helps us to relate "worthy of the calling with which you were called" > Ephesians 4:1-3, Ephesians 4:31-32.

I personally understand that we need to get to know someone personally so we can feed on his or her good example. But God is not limited He is able to minister His grace through people we do not know in our practical lives on this earth.

The one up front in a church might be an immature person and one trying to rule by control. But in the back of the church there can be a mature senior who is God's approved example, who feeds the flock by feeding us his or her good example. So, we need to not let evil and hypocritical people decide how we see any group, and where we go. Also, Jesus expects us to love and have hope for wrong people; we can reach them with our good example, like how our good examples reach and minister God's own grace to us > 1 Peter 4:9-10 < like our examples, we all can minister God's own grace.

God's grace is what is the best and most accurate, to make us like the real Jesus, and His grace in us has us doing all He knows His word means to Him > Isaiah 55:11 < no matter how this world makes it seem we can't get God's word right, Isaiah 55:11 unconditionally guarantees how God's word "shall accomplish" and "prosper in" all which God pleases.

Whoever are His people will help us with this.

 

[DominicBaptiste]

Being Catholic, I'm very comforted by my denomination's historical claim, and deep entrenchment in Holy Scripture & Holy Tradition; Orthodox feel the same way.
For the purpose of this thread, I'm not looking to debate Catholicism/Orthodoxy v. Protestants; the above statement was just very brief background on how I and many others appreciate our denomination.
My question to the Protestants is, how do you settle on one denomination or church? Without any sort of authority, be it the papacy (pope) or councils of bishops to keep your church on track, how do you figure out that your particular denomination is more like what Jesus & the Apostles taught than any other? Because when you get deep enough into theology, there can only be 1 true church; if you stay protestant, how do you determine which one that is?
By the way, there's double meaning in the (No Debating Catholics/Orthodox). I don't want protestants debating Catholics/Orthodox, and I don't want Catholics/Orthodox debating protestants. For the purpose of this thread, I just want Protestants to discuss (and maybe debate) how you choose a Church that doesn't have the historical claim of Catholics & Orthodox, how you choose which of the denominations is the best.
Lord, forgive me for perpetuating us/them mentalities, and treating Your children & followers as seperate groups instead of the 1 body of Christ.

My family are Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Non-Denominational. Usually what happens is they go to a church as long as they like it and get along on with the people, and they might leave for any reason. One time several years ago, the old man in my aunt's husband's family changed from one Baptist Church to another because of some fallout, and the whole family under him left as a group with him. He was the granddaddy. I think the concentration is more on the family and less on the priesthood. In a sense, the old man is the priest, so his people will go to whatever church he goes to.

 

[URA]

So, what I'm seeing so far (hopefully I can write this better than the original post):
It really doesn't matter what denomination we belong to; denominations, by their very nature, are susceptible to problems, anyway. What matters is that we follow Jesus the best that we can, read the Bible, and try to be a good person.
Does that sound about right?

 

[com7fy8]

I reject the idea of "one true church" if "one true church" means a man-made denomination which is united by man-made creeds, confessions, and traditions. IOW, a visible institution.

In my cultural upbringing, we are being groomed to assume that a pastor has to be the man in the pulpit where people meet for worship, in a building.

But I think I have seen how the one up front can be educated and able to speak but is not a mature example; he or she can be more of an administrator and controller, and not have time to pastor the people, except ones who are favorites; the one up front can filter who mentors him or her, often ones the pastor's own younger age. Even so > there can be mature people in the congregation, who do the real pastoring which has lasting effect.

A number of people go after a person who is young and smart talking and exciting. They do not want to spend time with senior mature Christians. They want excitement. But a gentle and humble person is not boring, to God >

"rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:4)

 

[Tree of Life]

So, what I'm seeing so far (hopefully I can write this better than the original post):
It really doesn't matter what denomination we belong to; denominations, by their very nature, are susceptible to problems, anyway. What matters is that we follow Jesus the best that we can, read the Bible, and try to be a good person.
Does that sound about right?

This is certainly not what I'm saying.

 

[com7fy8]

It really doesn't matter what denomination we belong to; denominations, by their very nature, are susceptible to problems, anyway.

With God, each child of God can trust God to guide him or her to where God wants that person. God does personally guide each person.

So, my opinion is that I should not start with trying to figure out if a denomination is right, but simply submit to how God guides me. And keep testing about if I am getting my signals right, with God. Because I am not perfect, myself; and so I can fool my own self.

What matters is that we follow Jesus the best that we can, read the Bible, and try to be a good person.
Does that sound about right?

Actively seek our Father for real correction > Hebrews 12:4-11. Assume He knows we still need more of His correction. Know He will succeed; and so we do not have to put up with our own failure and excuse ourselves

Do not worship excuses, then > Philippians 2:13-16.

And do this in sharing with others who are doing this. But keep having hope for anyone who is otherwise, or seems to be. Keep praying with caring for any and all others, with hope for all which is possible with God > love "hopes all things" (in 1 Corinthians 13:7).

With God, you will keep finding more and more of how really to be a good person.

 

[Brian Mcnamee]

Being Catholic, I'm very comforted by my denomination's historical claim, and deep entrenchment in Holy Scripture & Holy Tradition; Orthodox feel the same way.
For the purpose of this thread, I'm not looking to debate Catholicism/Orthodoxy v. Protestants; the above statement was just very brief background on how I and many others appreciate our denomination.
My question to the Protestants is, how do you settle on one denomination or church? Without any sort of authority, be it the papacy (pope) or councils of bishops to keep your church on track, how do you figure out that your particular denomination is more like what Jesus & the Apostles taught than any other? Because when you get deep enough into theology, there can only be 1 true church; if you stay protestant, how do you determine which one that is?
By the way, there's double meaning in the (No Debating Catholics/Orthodox). I don't want protestants debating Catholics/Orthodox, and I don't want Catholics/Orthodox debating protestants. For the purpose of this thread, I just want Protestants to discuss (and maybe debate) how you choose a Church that doesn't have the historical claim of Catholics & Orthodox, how you choose which of the denominations is the best.
Lord, forgive me for perpetuating us/them mentalities, and treating Your children & followers as seperate groups instead of the 1 body of Christ.

Hi I agree that their can be only one true church and that is the sum of all people who have their name written in the Lamb's book of life anyone not on that list will appear before the great white throne judgment and be cast into the lake of fire. So the gospel is a universal gospel and many from a wide array of churches have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ.
Rev ch 2 and 3 give reviews of the 7 churches in Asia in the 1st century. At this point 5 of 7 received strong correction and it proves that even this early there were many various doctrines and practices among the churches at that time rather than a unified church under a single authority. The method of interpreting the scriptures will have a lot to do with what church I would join. The Bible itself declares itself a reliable history. Genesis, Exodus and all really happened as it says it happened. The future prophecies will happen just as the prophets have written. The scriptures have the authority over man and not the other way around. I can go to any church that interprets scripture the same way and find much agreement over most of the passages.

If you look at the history of Israel and Judah they had the same law and over time drifted from it and were judged by it even to total destruction and eviction from the promised land. Look at America we have the same constitution yet today's interpretations and rulings contradict the specifics of the Federalist papers and the intents of the founders. I would maintain that over time tradition largely leads away from the original intent. This is where debate over specific doctrines would come up and suffice it to say I am not in agreement with the doctrines handed down over time. I hope we have the essentials of the gospel in common and are part of a large body of believers who love the LORD.

 

[DominicBaptiste]

So, what I'm seeing so far (hopefully I can write this better than the original post):
It really doesn't matter what denomination we belong to; denominations, by their very nature, are susceptible to problems, anyway. What matters is that we follow Jesus the best that we can, read the Bible, and try to be a good person.
Does that sound about right?

Most people in my family want you to get married, have children, work your ass off, and not turn into a drug addict harlot. And believe in Jesus and go to heaven. Good luck.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

oops I didn't mean to put a winner on the above post. it was for the one before that Anyway sorry for my intrusion.

 

[S.O.J.I.A.]

the same way you settled on yours(sort of..).

 

[Doug Melven]

So, what I'm seeing so far (hopefully I can write this better than the original post):
It really doesn't matter what denomination we belong to; denominations, by their very nature, are susceptible to problems, anyway. What matters is that we follow Jesus the best that we can, read the Bible, and try to be a good person.
Does that sound about right?

To me, this statement in bold is close.
You need to be in a church where you can be spiritually fed.
Whether that is a Catholic or Protestant church is up for debate.
I have known godly people from various denominations, Catholic and Protestant.
I didn't agree with everything they taught, but we could agree on Jesus, and that is the only thing that really matters.

 

[timewerx]

First we were Catholic, then became Pentecostal.

Now, I don't belong to any denomination.

 

[TheDancingBaptist]

As a military brat who moved regularly, I have attended Independent Baptist, Nazarene, Assemblies of God, Southern Baptist, and non denom churches. I now work in a Grace Brethren Church. My grandfather was a Free Methodist preacher and my other grandpa was a lay elder in a River Brethren (and now a Baptist) church.

All that is to say that I do not believe that denominations are important. No denomination or local church has everything correct; not everything we want to know is answered in the Bible. Therefore, I value things such as adhering to the commands of Scriptures, a literal interpretation of the Bible, expository preaching, and fellowship with other believers. If I agree with a church's core values, the people are hospitable, and I can get behind their mission, I am happy to attend.

 

[aiki]

My question to the Protestants is, how do you settle on one denomination or church? Without any sort of authority, be it the papacy (pope) or councils of bishops to keep your church on track, how do you figure out that your particular denomination is more like what Jesus & the Apostles taught than any other? Because when you get deep enough into theology, there can only be 1 true church; if you stay protestant, how do you determine which one that is?

How did I settle on the denomination I'm in? By examining its fidelity to Scripture, its adherence to classic Christian doctrine, and its concern for, and effectiveness in, evangelism and discipleship. The church and denomination I'm in gets an A-plus on every point.

I don't believe in the authority of the papacy or of councils of men, but in the authority of the word of God and the guidance and illumination of the Holy Spirit. I don't believe in apostolic succession and the false authority derived thereby. There have been no apostles since the death of those apostles identified in Scripture. I know how well my denomination adheres to what Jesus and the apostles taught by analyzing how well my denomination and church reflects their teachings and example in its doctrine and practices. This does not require a Pope or the hierarchies of bishops, cardinals, priests and what-not that characterize the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox denominations.

The Bible does not identify the RC church or the EO church as "the one true church." The One True Church is made up of all genuinely born-again disciples of Christ in whatever denomination they may reside.

 

[Daniel Martinovich]

Because when you get deep enough into theology, there can only be 1 true church;

Your mistake is assuming that is a reference to an institution rather than the entire body of true believers. Jesus on multiple occasion forbade his own apostles from forming an institution. When they were arguing about who would be the greatest they were arguing about who was going to be the leader of an institution. Can an institution be of God? Yes but its not God's best. It's beneath a very high standard of a body of believers who's tie's, work and foundation to one another is based in good will rather than "leadership." Leadership that by the way can be of God or of the devil.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

"How did I choose?"
My only choice Needed for life: "Follow Jesus".
As Jesus says "My sheep hear My Voice and follow Me".

 

[Kit Sigmon]

We regularly attend the closest church that holds to the essentials
of the faith; However, I don't adhere to man's idea of
church membership but I comply with the biblical mandates.