Hi Jh, church is a place for worshiping God, for learning and growing and praying, and for being a part of the body of Christ, to the benefit of others, and at times, to be the recipient of the care and blessing of others when you are the one in need .. cf
1 Corinthians 12. It's also a place to step out of the world and remember who you are and Who you serve, and how very much He loves you!
I'd go ahead and pick a local church and try it out if I was you (have you been part of a particular church or denomination, and if so, are you looking to return to it?). Also, try to look for not only what you can get out of it, but what you can give to it. Perhaps the Lord intends for you to be a fire that warms one of these lukewarm churches up a bit
Try to listen to some sermon tapes to get a feel for the teaching at a church, and for what is being taught (hopefully it's the Bible
) and see what other kinds of things are available to you as well. And definitely email or call the pastor and go in during the week and talk to him about the church (pastors love that kind of thing normally, and will answer all of your questions). You may also want to see what the makeup of the church is, and hopefully find one that has at least a few men/women who are close to your age.
You can always leave, of course, especially if you sense the Lord leading you to, so I wouldn't hesitate to at least visit one or more close by you (and if you'd like to, let me know which church/churches you are leaning towards and I'll let you know as much as I can about them .. in a general sense, of course). I don't like church-shopping, but sometimes it's inevitable.
Oh, and you definitely want to be sure to not join a cult. These are churches that normally teach heresy, try to control various aspects of your life, tend to make you feel condemned if you don't stay in lockstep with them, and if one of them ever asks to see your tax return ...............
RUN No worries though, if they're a cult, you'll be able to find that out in no time on the Internet.
I have missionary friends who have lived in Australia for years that may be helpful, but they live/work near Perth, so they may not be much help since it looks like you live on the other side of the country. Let me know if you'd like me to ask them for suggestions though (if you are comfortable telling me where you live, that is .. if you are, perhaps you should do so via a PM (I think they call it a "Conversation" now .. just click on my avatar and chose "Start a Conversation"), rather than out here on this board where the whole world can read it.
I'm praying for you brother (but I know the Lord will lead you to where you need to be). If you were near my hometown in the States I could give you a lot of help, but the commute might be a little overwhelming
God bless you! (
Numbers 6:24-26)
--David
p.s. - you might also like listening to or watching one or more of these guys for additional encouragement and inspiration in the word of God each day
Finally, if you don't mind me asking, have you been a Christian for awhile now, or are you still pretty new to the faith? Thanks!