How to walk into a church for the first time?

[Messianic_Friend]

Title says it all!

 

[DavidFirth]

Go with a member, preferably, or at the behest of one.

Just go, get there early and and questions.

 

[Messianic_Friend]

Go with a member, preferably, or at the behest of one.

Just go, get there early and and questions.

Unfortunately, I don't have anyone to come with me. What do you do at church, what is it like?

 

[“Paisios”]

Title says it all!

I recently attended an Orthodox Church service for the first time (back in October). I knew no one there, and really didn’t know what to expect. I asked questions of some of the Orthodox folks here, and their answers were helpful. You might look into the denomination specific forum of the church you want to attend and ask some of the people here if there is anything specific to that denomination you should know before going to church.

I walked in timidly and sat at the back, and pretty much tried to “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. I had e-mailed the priest before going, as well, and met him after the service, which was a bit helpful. If the church you want to go to has a website and email contact, you might try the same (you could always phone first, too, but I have found phone calls can be intimidating - I don’t like the phone).

Hope that is of some help.

 

[DavidFirth]

Unfortunately, I don't have anyone to come with me. What do you do at church, what is it like?

You worship God. Exactly how you go about it differs from church to church. You can call the church and ask specific questions.

 

[Brian Mcnamee]

Unfortunately, I don't have anyone to come with me. What do you do at church, what is it like?

Hi I go on the road and like to go to church when I am out of town too. I will look up the various churches and you can look on the websites and see their statement of faith which often is very correct but to really know what they are you need to listen to a teaching or two. Joel Osteen''s doctrinal statement is great but he never teaches repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

A tactic many churches have taken on is giving you more attention than you deserve and often they will have you stand up if you are a 1st time visitor and over zealous greeters will give you the double handed handshake and perhaps you will get a lot of attention. The service should be to glorify Jesus but many cults have found the technique called love bombing a new person. So when you are new they swarm you and welcome you as you are a potential new member and tither. So now some churches have followed this lead and it can be uncomfortable. I tend to know more about the church through looking them up and then I will know what to expect.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Unfortunately, I don't have anyone to come with me. What do you do at church, what is it like?

Church can be any number of things depending on who the ministry is reaching out to, the best thing to do, is go and sit down, and watch.

 

[SkyWriting]

Title says it all!

My wife and attended over dozen different churches. The order of service is in the bulletin handed out at the door and be prepared to stand then sit, unexpectedly, with everyone else.

 

[tampasteve]

A tactic many churches have taken on is giving you more attention than you deserve and often they will have you stand up if you are a 1st time visitor and over zealous greeters will give you the double handed handshake and perhaps you will get a lot of attention. The service should be to glorify Jesus but many cults have found the technique called love bombing a new person. So when you are new they swarm you and welcome you as you are a potential new member and tither. So now some churches have followed this lead and it can be uncomfortable.

This would literally drive me away to never return. I do not mind being recognized as new and said "hello, you are new, welcome to our church, let me know if you have any questions", but that is about it. If they stood me up or are over zealous on entry that would make me want to leave immediately, probably before the service started.

 

[GreekOrthodox]

If you are unfamiliar with a church, I recommend contacting their office first and letting them know that you will be attending. Most churches have someone who is willing to meet you at the start of the service and explain the service. Some churches might have rules about visitors that you might not be aware of such as taking communion in a church that has a "members-only" policy (also known as closed communion, where you need to be a member of that church body to take communion). This also goes with services outside of Christianity. If you were to visit a Jewish service and are male, they might ask you to wear a kippah.

 

[DW1980]

Hi

If you are worried about going on your own, I'd echo the advice given and contact the Church up front. As others have said they may be able to meet you before the service.

In most cases though I would say it's fine to just turn up and follow along. After the service you'd usually get a chance to chat to people. Big Churches often have a welcome desk, or greeters so you could start with them. Smaller Churches, I would suggest starting with the pastor and he or she should be happy to chat for a few minutes and introduce you to a couple of people.

 

[LoveofTruth]

Title says it all!

the title

"
How to walk into a church for the first time?"

This title caught my eye.

In truth no believer has ever gone to church or walked into a church at all. The church is the body of assembled believers in Christ. The early church met in homes. We read things like greet the church which is in thy house, etc.

Gods Order in the body of Christ

 

[Messianic_Friend]

Thank you everyone. The church I plan to go to is non-denominational, and it says on their website that they welcome non-believers/exploring as well.
I am really scared to go because I have never been to a place of worship before, and being Jewish-exploring Jesus I am afraid not to have anything in common with anyone or saying something stupid.

 

[“Paisios”]

Thank you everyone. The church I plan to go to is non-denominational, and it says on their website that they welcome non-believers/exploring as well.
I am really scared to go because I have never been to a place of worship before, and being Jewish-exploring Jesus I am afraid not to have anything in common with anyone or saying something stupid.

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than open my mouth and remove all doubt”...what I often say to myself.

No need to stand out. Be respectful, as a guest in God’s house, but don’t be intimidated...God is loving and welcoming.

 

[LoveofTruth]

Thank you everyone. The church I plan to go to is non-denominational, and it says on their website that they welcome non-believers/exploring as well.
I am really scared to go because I have never been to a place of worship before, and being Jewish-exploring Jesus I am afraid not to have anything in common with anyone or saying something stupid.

Find a good home meeting we’re all can share

 

[DavidFirth]

Thank you everyone. The church I plan to go to is non-denominational, and it says on their website that they welcome non-believers/exploring as well.
I am really scared to go because I have never been to a place of worship before, and being Jewish-exploring Jesus I am afraid not to have anything in common with anyone or saying something stupid.

Jesus is the only thing the church members all have in common. And everyone there also has the fact that there was a time when they didnt believe in Jesus in common, too.

I admire your willingness to explore. I pray you will enjoy the experience.

 

[Sketcher]

If it were my church you were coming to, I would say:

- Get there a few minutes early if you can.
- Don't be intimidated by its size or the sheer number of people.
- Be ready to shake at least a few hands.
- We're not as formal with how we dress as a lot of other churches, "business casual" is a good rule of thumb for how you will see most people at my church. Other churches may have most men in full suits, still other churches are likely in-between.
- Please don't bring coffee into the sanctuary. There is nothing in there that can accommodate a coffee cup (yes, I have seen this).

 

[A_Thinker]

Title says it all!

I've done this ... a few times ...

A church service is like a meeting that is open to the public.

You walk in ... find a seat, and try to catch up to what's going on.

A good church will recognize that you are a visitor (if it is not too large), but nevertheless should provide information at every service ... about what's going on, ... and how to become a part of the happenings.

At a good church, there should be some effort to make you feel welcome, and so, you should meet a few new people. If you stay long enough (or are invited to do so), you may meet the church leader.

I would advise that you take part in the proceedings, as you feel comfortable.

Finally, remember that churches have differences. If one doesn't suit your fancy, try another. You will eventually find someplace that is right for you.

 

[A_Thinker]

- Please don't bring coffee into the sanctuary. There is nothing in there that can accommodate a coffee cup (yes, I have seen this).

This being the coffee-shop generation, ... we should propbably do something to accomodate this ...

 

[A_Thinker]

I am really scared to go because I have never been to a place of worship before, and being Jewish-exploring Jesus I am afraid not to have anything in common with anyone or saying something stupid.

People are people, ... even in church.

The RIGHT CHURCH for you will be able to accomodate YOU ... so, BE YOURSELF ...