I think I might be done

[jsimms615]

Yes, I can appreciate that, but on the other hand, congregations are made up of people . They exhibit many of the failings and struggles that any association made up of men and women have. All things being equal (if they truly are equal), I'd say you should look with some caution at those churches if you're looking for one to join; but I also know that some of the most meaningful and satisfying church experiences I've ever had were with some struggling congregation that all the big churches in town never paid any attention to.

I'm glad you have had a positive experience. That has not been mine. Mine has been that when money problems occur people start to look for someone to blame and become more inward in their focus and forget about outreach. The very thing they should not do.

 

[parsley]

Pause and ask God to lead you where He wants you. It sounds like you have tried to align yourself with God's purposes and do the right thing, and have certainly prayed. Sometimes it takes that extra punch of asking God specifically for a solution, with a different slant.

I often find that I thought I was praying sufficiently for something, but then when I asked very directly and specifically, He led me to places and situations I didn't know existed. He knows where things are, and where needs match up with resources. I'm not always sure what the difference is in the prayer, but this happens.

(Aligning with His will, being less reliant on myself, asking for others to be blessed, thanking Him for past solutions, repentant spirit... specific angles.)

This morning I was reading Jesus speaking on "Ask anything," [that the Father might be glorified through His Son], and I realized how our sonship fits with that too.

 

[Albion]

I'm glad you have had a positive experience. That has not been mine. Mine has been that when money problems occur people start to look for someone to blame and become more inward in their focus and forget about outreach. The very thing they should not do.

But by your own testimony, your experience has been concentrated on a handful of denominations ("I've been to Wesleyan, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian churches. I grew up Methodist, but then switched at 18 to Baptist."), and you have not yet examined some of the congregations of even these denominations that are available to you in your locale. Although you have had associations with Christians representing a range of denominations, part of your disappointment when it comes to finding a church home for yourself relates to concerns that are mainly local in nature and that vary from congregation to congregation within any denomination.

That noted, my suggestion was simply that you not conclude that there's nothing out there for you until you find out for sure if it's true or not.

 

[jsimms615]

But by your own testimony, your experience has been concentrated on a handful of denominations ("I've been to Wesleyan, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian churches. I grew up Methodist, but then switched at 18 to Baptist."), and you have not yet examined some of the congregations of even these denominations that are available to you in your locale. Although you have had associations with Christians representing a range of denominations, part of your disappointment when it comes to finding a church home for yourself relates to concerns that are mainly local in nature and that vary from congregation to congregation within any denomination.

That noted, my suggestion was simply that you not conclude that there's nothing out there for you until you find out for sure if it's true or not.

I have actually studied what other denominations believe. My main concern with many of these has been the beliefs that center around either infant baptism or communion. Also, some denominations have stances in social issues such as accepting homosexuality and not calling it a sin that I cannot support. Therefore, I am not willing to consider those groups

 

[Albion]

I have actually studied what other denominations believe.

I'm sure you have, but that doesn't tell you anything about what the qualities of the local pastors are. You said that was a concern--poor preaching. And it doesn't really define the demographics of the local congregations, which again is something that concerned you. And such study also doesn't always give an accurate picture or complete view of the nature of many of these denominations anyway, since there are internal tensions and trends within each.

My main concern with many of these has been the beliefs that center around either infant baptism or communion. Also, some denominations have stances in social issues such as accepting homosexuality and not calling it a sin that I cannot support. Therefore, I am not willing to consider those groups

I understand.

I simply feel--from what you've told us--that there is room for further investigation before concluding that what you want isn't available. Since I've said that before, I'll let it stand there.

 

[graceandpeace]

I have actually studied what other denominations believe. My main concern with many of these has been the beliefs that center around either infant baptism or communion. Also, some denominations have stances in social issues such as accepting homosexuality and not calling it a sin that I cannot support. Therefore, I am not willing to consider those groups

Sometimes, compromise is necessary. With the specific Episcopal Church I attend, I wish we used incense during the service. That perhaps may be smaller in magnitude than beliefs revolving around infant baptism & communion for example, but for me it's a compromise.

Considering that the goal posts keep moving with each subsequent response, I would consider compromising on something to find a church. Instead of possibly rejecting a practice or belief of a particular church, find out why they do things that way or believe that way. Perhaps the tradition extends back to Christian antiquity, or perhaps there are Scriptural considerations from newer scholarship, or some other reason.

Try to consider the historical Christian religion, & maybe make a short list of the three-five most important aspects needed in a church. For example, if regular Communion is important or the sacredness of Communion is important, some of the churches mentioned earlier -the RCC, the EOC, Lutheranism, & my own Episcopal Church (Anglicanism) - treat the Eucharist with respect & generally (or always) offer it frequently.

Once again, good luck.

 

[jsimms615]

Sometimes, compromise is necessary. With the specific Episcopal Church I attend, I wish we used incense during the service. That perhaps may be smaller in magnitude than beliefs revolving around infant baptism & communion for example, but for me it's a compromise.

Considering that the goal posts keep moving with each subsequent response, I would consider compromising on something to find a church. Instead of possibly rejecting a practice or belief of a particular church, find out why they do things that way or believe that way. Perhaps the tradition extends back to Christian antiquity, or perhaps there are Scriptural considerations from newer scholarship, or some other reason.

Try to consider the historical Christian religion, & maybe make a short list of the three-five most important aspects needed in a church. For example, if regular Communion is important or the sacredness of Communion is important, some of the churches mentioned earlier -the RCC, the EOC, Lutheranism, & my own Episcopal Church (Anglicanism) - treat the Eucharist with respect & generally (or always) offer it frequently.

Once again, good luck.

Can visitors take part in communion in those churches? Don't you have to be a member? I know in the Catholic faith you have to be a part of that parish

 

[graceandpeace]

Can visitors take part in communion in those churches? Don't you have to be a member? I know in the Catholic faith you have to be a part of that parish

In the RCC & EOC, you must be an official member of the church (closed communion).

In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians are welcome to receive (open communion).

In Lutheran churches, it varies. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) practices open communion, whereas the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) practices closed communion. I'm not sure about a few of the others.

 

[Boidae]

In the RCC & EOC, you must be an official member of the church (closed communion).

In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians are welcome to receive (open communion).

In Lutheran churches, it varies. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) practices open communion, whereas the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) practices closed communion. I'm not sure about a few of the others.

I know that in the Lutheran church that we attend, it is open communion as well. Ours is part of the NALC (North American Lutheran Church).

Neither my wife, MIL or I are Lutheran, but we are able to go up for communion.

 

[Galilee63]

Hi JSimms,

Albion is correct in what He has said in the two paras below.

Every Church within every Denomination do vary greatly and until you pop along to each of those in your area, you wont know which Church is just 'right' for you in Jesus/God's Holy Will after you have prayed to Jesus for His Loving Holy Wisdom Guidance and Enlightenment.

"Although you have had associations with Christians representing a range of denominations, part of your disappointment when it comes to finding a church home for yourself relates to concerns that are mainly local in nature and that vary from congregation to congregation within any denomination.

That noted, my suggestion was simply that you not conclude that there's nothing out there for you until you find out for sure if it's true or not".

 

[Galilee63]

One does not need to be part of a particular Parish to receive Holy Communion within the Catholic Church JSimms.

I do not belong to any certain Parish and indeed attend many different Parishes within the Catholic Church locally and interstate travelling.

Loving to receive Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit within His Holy Eucharist - His Flesh and Blood Pre-Blessed by Jesus of Whom is Present within His Holy Tabernacle.

Our main priorities are ensuring that repentance of sins from our hearts are done regularly to Jesus and receiving Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit's Blessed Holy Sacraments of Love in any of His Universal Churches; this is vital for each and every one of us, never knowing the hour we may die and never knowing when Jesus may appear on Earth soon.

If you choose to become a Catholic just contact the Presbytery first and make an appointment to see the priest, informing him of the urgency to receive Jesus' Blessed Holy Eucharist/Host Holy Communion. The process varies from Parish to Parish. Baptism already done is a great start JS.

As a suggestion if you pray the following to Jesus and The Blessed Virgin Mary for Jesus' Loving Holy Wisdom and Guidance flowing through your heart while consecrating your Heart soul mind and body to Jesus' Sacred Heart and The Blessed Virgin Mary's Holy Immaculate Heart using only your Christian name(s):

The Sign of The Cross
Three Our Father's
Three Hail Mary's
Three Glory Be's - ie Glory Be to The Father, and To The Son, and to The Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen - while focussing on Jesus Holy Image and His Holy Cross.

Then talk to Jesus asking Jesus to guide you to His Church in His Holy Will then wait......for Jesus and The Blessed Virgin Mary to answer your heartfelt prayer to Him.

See how you go and I wish you in my heart all the best,

Love and kindest wishes your Sister in Jesus Christ our Saviour

 

[dannheim]

All things being equal, Church is not about you. It is about the solemn worship of God with you as a participant in that unified worship. That being said I would recommend that you find a Church that does not cater to the worshiper's feel good needs but preaches the Word. Search 9 Marks for a Church. Good luck in your search!

 

[jsimms615]

One does not need to be part of a particular Parish to receive Holy Communion within the Catholic Church JSimms.

I do not belong to any certain Parish and indeed attend many different Parishes within the Catholic Church locally and interstate travelling.

Loving to receive Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit within His Holy Eucharist - His Flesh and Blood Pre-Blessed by Jesus of Whom is Present within His Holy Tabernacle.

Our main priorities are ensuring that repentance of sins from our hearts are done regularly to Jesus and receiving Jesus/God/The Holy Spirit's Blessed Holy Sacraments of Love in any of His Universal Churches; this is vital for each and every one of us, never knowing the hour we may die and never knowing when Jesus may appear on Earth soon.

If you choose to become a Catholic just contact the Presbytery first and make an appointment to see the priest, informing him of the urgency to receive Jesus' Blessed Holy Eucharist/Host Holy Communion. The process varies from Parish to Parish. Baptism already done is a great start JS.

As a suggestion if you pray the following to Jesus and The Blessed Virgin Mary for Jesus' Loving Holy Wisdom and Guidance flowing through your heart while consecrating your Heart soul mind and body to Jesus' Sacred Heart and The Blessed Virgin Mary's Holy Immaculate Heart using only your Christian name(s):

The Sign of The Cross
Three Our Father's
Three Hail Mary's
Three Glory Be's - ie Glory Be to The Father, and To The Son, and to The Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen - while focussing on Jesus Holy Image and His Holy Cross.

Then talk to Jesus asking Jesus to guide you to His Church in His Holy Will then wait......for Jesus and The Blessed Virgin Mary to answer your heartfelt prayer to Him.

See how you go and I wish you in my heart all the best,

Love and kindest wishes your Sister in Jesus Christ our Saviour

I appreciate your enthusiasm for your church, but I already said in this thread that I wasn't interested in joining the Catholic church.

 

[jsimms615]

All things being equal, Church is not about you. It is about the solemn worship of God with you as a participant in that unified worship. That being said I would recommend that you find a Church that does not cater to the worshiper's feel good needs but preaches the Word. Search 9 Marks for a Church. Good luck in your search!

Yes, I am aware that it is not about me. That is why I have mentioned that I don't feel God's presence in the services I have attended. I feel just as tired as when I walked in to the service without being encouraged at all.

 

[Albion]

Yes, I am aware that it is not about me. That is why I have mentioned that I don't feel God's presence in the services I have attended. I feel just as tired as when I walked in to the service without being encouraged at all.

It's been said already, but this only strengthens the point several of us have been trying to make, i.e. every denomination has services and preachers that make an impression while they all also have local pastors and congregations that fail at it.

The only way to find the right church for yourself, given the above as the problem, is to examine every one that's available to you (omitting, we understand, the denominations that fail one of the other tests you mentioned earlier). We think we understand that you've allowed a series of letdowns lead you to conclude that "they all must be like that."

I would not say this if I had not had the experience, in my own life, of finding that gem in the apparently least likely place just at the time I'd concluded that all the churches in town must be duds. And then there's that other point several of us have made. No church or congregation is perfect, but if you find the one that is right on what really matters to you, you won't be sacrificing all that could be good and valuable to you only because of some shortcoming that, although irksome, is much less important. That would be an unfortunate trade-off .

 

[ToBeBlessed]

I would say that you may have to drive farther out. I promised myself a while back that I would travel for church at least as far as I travel to one way to work each day.

Also, if you have teenagers, I would sacrifice other things to find a good youth ministry. It's important to keep them in church.