Joining a church

[lyndseyb]

Today I emailed a church about arranging to attend a service.
This may seem like a small thing but it was a really big step for me! I suffer from religous OCD, which thankfully is mostly under control now, however I've been putting off joining a church for ages now for fear of reigniting my OCD. The OCD also makes me feel like a horrible sinner who is unworthy of being around the kind of good people you find at a church.

I am thankful to god for giving me the courage to take this step. Right now I feel at peace with my decision but I fear that nearer the time (Im planning to attend next Sunday), my anxiety will kick in and make me have doubts about whether Im doing the right thing?

Another worry is whether I will fit in because I think my views are quite liberal compared to other Christians I know such as my mum, aunty etc.

Does anyone have an advice about what to do/expect when you attend church for the first time? This all completely new to me. The only time I've set foot in a church previously was for funerals.

Prayers to help me manage my anxiety over this issue wold also be appreciated too.

Thank you!

 

[ALEA40]

Congratulations on initiating this process!!! I think attending a church for the first time can be very scary. You are not alone!!! Can you bring a friend? I think it's important to think of it more like you are visiting a church and just checking it out. You don't commit to a church right off the bat. People often visit many churches before you find one that you feel comfortable in. Lots of people are new and just checking things out. I would just sit in the back and take it all in. If it's too overwhelming, you can always leave and try again another week. Pray to God that he gives you the strength and courage to go.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Sending prayers to ease your anxiety

 

[lyndseyb]

Congratulations on initiating this process!!! I think attending a church for the first time can be very scary. You are not alone!!! Can you bring a friend? I think it's important to think of it more like you are visiting a church and just checking it out. You don't commit to a church right off the bat. People often visit many churches before you find one that you feel comfortable in. Lots of people are new and just checking things out. I would just sit in the back and take it all in. If it's too overwhelming, you can always leave and try again another week. Pray to God that he gives you the strength and courage to go.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Sending prayers to ease your anxiety

Thank you.
Sadly I have no christian friends so there is no one I can go with.
However the church replied to my email saying that they can arrange for someone to meet me at the door, show me to my seat and sit with me throughout. I am so thankful for this!
They also said they can help me find a different church if this one doesn't suite me. Again, I am grateful for this but I really hope this church is the right fit. I've been so discouraged recently. I fear that if I don't fit in somewhere right away then my anxiety will want me to give up my church search all together.

Another thing I worry about is if there is songs being sung and I don't know any of the words. Is it ok to sit out if that happens?
I too feel like it's best for me to just sit and observe as this is my first time but I worry it looks rude if I don't join in.

Thank you for the prayers and encouragement.
It really means a lot to me.

 

[ihavefoundgod951]

Good for you brother, I hope it all works out well for you.

God speed

 

[ihavefoundgod951]

Thank you.
Sadly I have no christian friends so there is no one I can go with.
However the church replied to my email saying that they can arrange for someone to meet me at the door, show me to my seat and sit with me throughout. I am so thankful for this!
They also said they can help me find a different church if this one doesn't suite me. Again, I am grateful for this but I really hope this church is the right fit. I've been so discouraged recently. I fear that if I don't fit in somewhere right away then my anxiety will want me to give up my church search all together.

Another thing I worry about is if there is songs being sung and I don't know any of the words. Is it ok to sit out if that happens?
I too feel like it's best for me to just sit and observe as this is my first time but I worry it looks rude if I don't join in.

Thank you for the prayers and encouragement.
It really means a lot to me.

Hey there is no pressure to sing along to the words of the songs, just do what makes you feel comfortable. Just keep reminding yourself to relax.

Good luck

 

[graceandpeace]

Today I emailed a church about arranging to attend a service.
This may seem like a small thing but it was a really big step for me! I suffer from religous OCD, which thankfully is mostly under control now, however I've been putting off joining a church for ages now for fear of reigniting my OCD. The OCD also makes me feel like a horrible sinner who is unworthy of being around the kind of good people you find at a church.

I am thankful to god for giving me the courage to take this step. Right now I feel at peace with my decision but I fear that nearer the time (Im planning to attend next Sunday), my anxiety will kick in and make me have doubts about whether Im doing the right thing?

Another worry is whether I will fit in because I think my views are quite liberal compared to other Christians I know such as my mum, aunty etc.

Does anyone have an advice about what to do/expect when you attend church for the first time? This all completely new to me. The only time I've set foot in a church previously was for funerals.

Prayers to help me manage my anxiety over this issue wold also be appreciated too.

Thank you!

It can take time to find a church, so keep that in mind. What do you mean by "liberal?" Perhaps some church suggestions could be made.

As for the first visit, just try to relax. Most churches will have greeters or ushers who will welcome you & can guide you into finding a seat, etc if needed. It is usually acceptable to just walk in & find a seat. You may receive a bulletin with the order of the service printed out - either a general outline of what to expect or most/all of the Scripture readings, prayers, etc printed for you to follow along.

 

[ALEA40]

However the church replied to my email saying that they can arrange for someone to meet me at the door, show me to my seat and sit with me throughout. I am so thankful for this!
They also said they can help me find a different church if this one doesn't suite me.

How wonderful!!! That is so good to hear. I also went to a church by myself for the first time about a year ago. It was really scary, but I had waited sooo long to find a church, I just couldn't wait any longer. I bawled during the music portion of the service. Thank goodness the lights were dark!!! I never cry, but I was so overwhelmed by the music and being surrounded by people with so much faith. It was so beautiful!!!

Another thing I worry about is if there is songs being sung and I don't know any of the words. Is it ok to sit out if that happens? I too feel like it's best for me to just sit and observe as this is my first time but I worry it looks rude if I don't join in.

Our church has the lyrics on screens. Many traditional churches have hymn books in the pews. You can also just stand there and listen. It takes lots of time and repetition to learn the songs. Don't feel the least bit embarrassed. Nobody can tell if you're singing or not. You may even want to jot down the main verse of the song and look it up for later online if you really like the song. And if you just want to bow your head, listen and pray, that is fine to The key is to find a place where you are comfortable worshiping God with other fellow Christians.

Blessings!!!

 

[lyndseyb]

How wonderful!!! That is so good to hear. I also went to a church by myself for the first time about a year ago. It was really scary, but I had waited sooo long to find a church, I just couldn't wait any longer. I bawled during the music portion of the service. Thank goodness the lights were dark!!! I never cry, but I was so overwhelmed by the music and being surrounded by people with so much faith. It was so beautiful!!!



Our church has the lyrics on screens. Many traditional churches have hymn books in the pews. You can also just stand there and listen. It takes lots of time and repetition to learn the songs. Don't feel the least bit embarrassed. Nobody can tell if you're singing or not. You may even want to jot down the main verse of the song and look it up for later online if you really like the song. And if you just want to bow your head, listen and pray, that is fine to The key is to find a place where you are comfortable worshiping God with other fellow Christians.

Blessings!!!

I'm glad you found the strength to go to church alone and that it worked out well for you.
I hope my experience works out just as well. I watched a church service streamed live online last night just to get a feel of what they are about and I burst out crying watching that. So I'm glad crying seems to be a normal reaction but I do hope I can keep my emotions in check when I attend the actual service or I might feel a bit embarrassed!
You have reassured me greatly. Thank you.

graceandpeace,
Thank you for your reply and encouragement also.
I'd rather not discuss my liberal views on here because I realise they can be offensive/unwelcome outside the liberal forum. Also, my faith is new and there are still some issues in the bible that I need time to reconcile with my contemporary beliefs.
There is one issue in particular that I wrestle with a lot that I believe is not allowed to be discussed or defended on here. I think you can guess which issue I am talking about...

I just want a church that is welcoming and loving to all.

 

[lyndseyb]

Hey there is no pressure to sing along to the words of the songs, just do what makes you feel comfortable. Just keep reminding yourself to relax.

Good luck

Thank you for helping to reassure me.

 

[graceandpeace]

Ok.

I won't ask you to further discuss the matter, but if you're interested I attend the Episcopal Church & as their motto goes, "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You!"

Good luck.

 

[lyndseyb]

Thank you graceandpeace.
I don't mind you asking at all.
I just don't want to start arguments, debates etc by posting liberal views outside of the liberal forum, especially since my faith is so new and I'm not entirely sure what to believe yet.
I have mental health issues and would hate to be judged on that. So right now I feel I'd be more comfortable in a church that isn't jugemental an welcomes all.

I will definitely check out that link. Thank you for your help.

 

[ALEA40]

I watched a church service streamed live online last night just to get a feel of what they are about and I burst out crying watching that. So I'm glad crying seems to be a normal reaction but I do hope I can keep my emotions in check when I attend the actual service or I might feel a bit embarrassed!

That's awesome!!! You know you are on the right track when you burst out crying over a sermon In the weeks leading up to my conversion to Christianity I was crying left and right (and again, I'm not someone who really ever cries). It was like a seed was planted long ago in my childhood (when I attended church) and it suddenly exploded with growth once I found a church (29 years later). Even in the subsequent weeks after starting to attend church, I would try to prevent myself from crying in church but I could hear myself wailing inside (if that makes any sense). I had so much pain and sadness to release.

I'm so excited for you and I can't wait to hear how it goes! Please keep me posted

Blessings,
Kristy in NC, USA

P.S. My husband and I are also of a more "liberal" background so I can relate to your concerns. I have found that nobody at my church talks about controversial topics. Our church is more focused on encouraging your next step in your relationship with God.

 

[ihavefoundgod951]

I was in a similar situation to you about a year ago, im recovering from a stress induced nervous breakdown, I did and still do struggle to be around people I don't know and also been in crowded places.

my first visit to church was very uncomfortable for me, but I went back, each time I went I would feel alittle more comfortable each week, a year on I still feel uncomfortable but it's bearable and it's worth it to be there worshipping God.

Good luck brother and God bless