I was raised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I don't agree with all their theology anymore. I was raised heavily in its culture. I am still caught up in it. I still eat vegetarian. I find it difficult to navigate normal culture outside the SDA church. I am trying to find a new church, but is difficult.
First, I live in New England, a liberal area. It is the most unchurched part of the USA. Next, most of the churches are very liberal. They are often sell-outs to popular culture, being permissive in order to please society.
I have been to some churches that were friendly, but I didn't like the music. They were contemporary services with words on a screen. I would rather have hymns and hymnals. I liked being able to hold a book in my hands, leaf through it and see what other hymns are in it. I also like to be able to play the hymns on a musical instrument. With a church that only uses words on a screen, I have no such privilege. And people call that being "innovative" and "cutting edge".
It does irk me that many of the churches seem to be geared to married couples with children, adolescents and young collegiate aged adults. There are so many "couples nights", "couples retreats", young adult groups (18-30), mother's groups, and the like. It is frustrating for me because I am 36 and not married and have no children. It's likely that it won't happen for me. I want to be able to fit in without having to get married and have a baby.
*I want a church that upholds the BIBLE. I don't want a church that has sold out to mainstream culture.
*I don't want a church that thinks it is OK for women to be pastors.
*I don't want a church that thinks women are only good for having babies and staying at home.
*I don't want a church that has a contemporary service.
*I don't want a church that controls people's lives too much.
*I don't want a church that forces people to give money to them.
I think that's it for now.
