New here - Christian curious

[ChristConsciousness]

Hi there!

I was raised loosely Christian in a basically God-fearing family, but we didn't have a clear denomination and rarely went to church. I was always very curious about Christianity, and even attempted to read the Bible when I was 10 years old. My parents weren't all that supportive back then, but I found nice people who would take me to different churches so I could see if one felt like the right fit. Though I met a lot of nice people, I never found one that really clicked for me. The closest fit I've ever found are non-denominational churches based on "The Science of Mind." But I remain curious about and drawn to Christianity.

How does one go about finding the right denomination? For me, it feels like a search for a needle in a haystack. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

 

[mnorian]

Hi there!

I was raised loosely Christian in a basically God-fearing family, but we didn't have a clear denomination and rarely went to church. I was always very curious about Christianity, and even attempted to read the Bible when I was 10 years old. My parents weren't all that supportive back then, but I found nice people who would take me to different churches so I could see if one felt like the right fit. Though I met a lot of nice people, I never found one that really clicked for me. The closest fit I've ever found are non-denominational churches based on "The Science of Mind." But I remain curious about and drawn to Christianity.

How does one go about finding the right denomination? For me, it feels like a search for a needle in a haystack. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

Hi CC;
As this forum is just for greetings; look around CF awhile; I'm sure you will find some help.

Welcome to CF; May the Lord Jesus guide you here as well as in the world; and may you find friends and what ever you need from the Lord here.

I do have a question for you; do you like music--Praise & Worship music?

I have found; in times of trouble; like we have with this CV-19; that listening to; and singing along to good Christian P&W music; can bring us closer to Jesus and His wonderful peace.

Well we have a new forum here at CF just for P&W music and at the top is a directory of other Christian music threads around CF; come and take a look!

Praise and Worship Music

To The

 

[David Hunter]

Welcome to CF!! As for finding the right denomination... I say, don't worry about denomination and search out a group of fellow believers who love the Lord! Also, start now, reading scripture (I recommend starting with the Book of John, then Matthew, Mark, Luke, Act, etc.). That way when you do find a church you like you can compare what they're preaching to scripture.

 

[ReesePiece23]

People will disagree with me, but at this stage I think it pays to NOT sweat the small stuff. Come to terms with your faith first and give yourself a fair chance to study the bible properly (listen to your own advice Reese) and develop a nice rhythm with prayer.

Leave an open mind when studying and don't rely on personal interpretation alone. Read a verse, then search around, read articles and ask questions. Don't be a passive follower, get out there, roll your sleeves up and get stuck in.

The rest will come with time, you don't need to get pedantic yet. (If ever.) I lean slightly towards Catholicism because the style of worship speaks to me. But I like a C of E service sometimes too.

 

[KingsK.H.R.R.S]

Hi there!

I was raised loosely Christian in a basically God-fearing family, but we didn't have a clear denomination and rarely went to church. I was always very curious about Christianity, and even attempted to read the Bible when I was 10 years old. My parents weren't all that supportive back then, but I found nice people who would take me to different churches so I could see if one felt like the right fit. Though I met a lot of nice people, I never found one that really clicked for me. The closest fit I've ever found are non-denominational churches based on "The Science of Mind." But I remain curious about and drawn to Christianity.

How does one go about finding the right denomination? For me, it feels like a search for a needle in a haystack. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

Welcome, friend! I became a devout follower of Christ about 4 years ago as an adult and let me tell you finding the “right/true/best/etc” denomination was one of the hardest parts of my new way of life in Christ. I agonized over this so much and everyone has an opinion that they believe if you disagree with you might as well already be in hell. OOF!

I ended up finding some biblical scholars/teachers who I really trusted, specifically Tim Mackie from BibleProject and Michael Heiser. This video really helped me put everything into perspective. The main point is that there isn’t a perfect denomination that has everything right, what is important is you find a church that doesn’t muddle the Gospel and that strives to live the new kingdom life in Christ. Good luck and feel free to message me if you get overwhelmed with everything. The peace from our Lord Jesus is worth the struggle.

 

[kingsdaughter85]

Welcome to the forums. I hope you have a great week. God bless you❤️

 

[Albion]

Hi, ChristConsciousness! We welcome you.

Now, about that question you asked us...

To an extent, it can be a simple one to answer, but the easy part is about following Christ. The tough part is what you identified for us--which denomination?

There are many, and the differences do matter.

So I wouldn't urge you to go to the nearest church on Sunday and make it your church home. But how to go about sorting them out? I recommend getting your hands on some book that gives an overview of the different churches. The Handbook of Denominations in the United States by Frank S. Mead is a good one. The library is likely to have a copy. That will still not make your challenge easy, but you may be able to narrow the list by eliminating those which don't have a local unit in your town and/or which have beliefs you just can't accept (but don't be too quick on the trigger with that).

The list thus narrowed, make visits and observe! Then, when you are ready, make inquiries of the pastors.

As we say here, don't hesitate to ask if there are particular questions we can answer for you along the way.

 

[NomNomPizza]

Hi there!

I was raised loosely Christian in a basically God-fearing family, but we didn't have a clear denomination and rarely went to church. I was always very curious about Christianity, and even attempted to read the Bible when I was 10 years old. My parents weren't all that supportive back then, but I found nice people who would take me to different churches so I could see if one felt like the right fit. Though I met a lot of nice people, I never found one that really clicked for me. The closest fit I've ever found are non-denominational churches based on "The Science of Mind." But I remain curious about and drawn to Christianity.

How does one go about finding the right denomination? For me, it feels like a search for a needle in a haystack. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

You should not look for "right denomination" , things that we like or feel comfortable with are usually bad and we can be easily deceived. Example: one of Teachers in Jesus's time enjoyed praise of men but when Jesus told him that he is going to spend his afterlife in lake of fire if he doesn't believe him then he got really angry.

If you want to explore Christianity then put aside your assumptions and just read the Bible then if you believe what it says , find denomination which has same doctrine as the Bible , if you don't believe well it doesn't matter in the end what you choose.

I suggest reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 it's definition of gospel the core of Christianity , according to Scriptures means that Christ fulfilled prophecy which was writted in Bible giving us proof who he was , like Isaiah 53 prophecy

 

[sunshineforJesus]

Hi and welcome here.

 

[Froggymom101]

Hi there!

I was raised loosely Christian in a basically God-fearing family, but we didn't have a clear denomination and rarely went to church. I was always very curious about Christianity, and even attempted to read the Bible when I was 10 years old. My parents weren't all that supportive back then, but I found nice people who would take me to different churches so I could see if one felt like the right fit. Though I met a lot of nice people, I never found one that really clicked for me. The closest fit I've ever found are non-denominational churches based on "The Science of Mind." But I remain curious about and drawn to Christianity.

How does one go about finding the right denomination? For me, it feels like a search for a needle in a haystack. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

Hi and welcome. I'm sure it can be overwhelming to find your way through all the different denominations but it is worth taking the time to read up on some of them and how and where they originated. They all of some truth if they professional Jesus as Lord and Savior. I am Catholic and after much study and prayer have come to believe it was indeed instituted by Christ. Others will have their beliefs but all denominations are not equal. Pray, fast and seek. You will be in my prayers.

 

[Deade]

Hello ChristConsciousness,
welcome to CF.

I hope you'll enjoy your stay here.