Not sure which church to attend

[ElectricBlueBauble]

I am looking to start attending a church weekly and make new friends. We recently moved to southern Nevada in a rural town. I have no friends here but am usually a "loner" but I've started feeling the need to make some friends and get closer to God in the process.

I do not know if my beliefs coincide with any of the major denominations and I've done several of the christian denomination quizzes across the net but they all say different things. The old (?) denomination quiz on SelectSmart seemed more accurate than it is now. I'm definitely not happy with it as it is. But oh well. That one now says I am likely Orthodox Quaker. Another one says "Billy Graham" style Christian (Southern Baptist?) and another one said Seventh Day Adventist though that one was done about a year ago. So it seems I'm all over the board.

I'm not all that keen on identifying with Southern Baptist because I believe God created all humans (heterosexual, homosexual, transgender, etc) in His image. I feel all humans should have the right to marriage no matter their sexual orientation. I don't fully "agree" with it but it's not my place to judge their actions or feelings.

It's hard for me to know where I fit in the world as far as churches go. I hate to know that there are so many denominations, since that means the Church has split up and there is infighting with regards to beliefs.

I want to start attending but am not knowledgeable enough to know which denominations I should look at. I do know that I do not believe in Catholicism. But please, don't bash me or question me about it if you are Catholic.

I want to learn, to grow spiritually, make new friends, feel closer with God, have a pastor/minister/priest to talk to if I need counseling.

I feel nearly empty, lost again. I don't want to lose the feeling of being so close with God. It scares me.

 

[jacks]

I may be biased but have you looked at the United Methodists?

 

[ElectricBlueBauble]

I've thought about attending a Methodist church. I haven't yet. I'll look more into it. Thanks, jacks.

 

[yogosans14]

You didn't tell us much? Do you believe Jesus is present at communion? A literal Heaven and Hell?


I agree with Jacks you should look into the UMC. They stress love and holiness.

 

[ElectricBlueBauble]

You didn't tell us much? Do you believe Jesus is present at communion? A literal Heaven and Hell?


I agree with Jacks you should look into the UMC. They stress love and holiness.

I'm not sure what would be pertinent to tell you.

I am not sure about communion, I think He is present in spirit but not physically. I do believe in a literal Heaven and Hell though I am not sure if it's in the center of the earth/somewhere in particular in the universe. I do wonder if it's another "dimension." I don't believe that water baptism is necessary. I feel accepting that Jesus is our savior is baptism of our spirit, though God's grace.

 

[graceandpeace]

Well, I'll offer the same advice I find myself offering often here: take time to study Christian history & tradition. Learn about the different denominations that exist today - their history/why they exist, their doctrines, etc. And of course, seek the truth.

Without more info, it is hard to give advice. Almost every Christian believes water baptism is necessary - after all, it is the way we enter the Christian community & thus identify with the Church.

On sexuality, churches are very divided. Some teach homosexuality is sinful, while others do not teach against it & are accepting of the gay community to various degrees.

I attend the Episcopal Church

 

[yogosans14]

I'm not sure what would be pertinent to tell you.

I am not sure about communion, I think He is present in spirit but not physically. I do believe in a literal Heaven and Hell though I am not sure if it's in the center of the earth/somewhere in particular in the universe. I do wonder if it's another "dimension." I don't believe that water baptism is necessary. I feel accepting that Jesus is our savior is baptism of our spirit, though God's grace.

I would recommend you check out the United Methodist Church. They seem to match your beliefs.

 

[Albion]

I am looking to start attending a church weekly and make new friends. We recently moved to southern Nevada in a rural town. I have no friends here but am usually a "loner" but I've started feeling the need to make some friends and get closer to God in the process.

I do not know if my beliefs coincide with any of the major denominations and I've done several of the christian denomination quizzes across the net but they all say different things. The old (?) denomination quiz on SelectSmart seemed more accurate than it is now. I'm definitely not happy with it as it is. But oh well. That one now says I am likely Orthodox Quaker. Another one says "Billy Graham" style Christian (Southern Baptist?) and another one said Seventh Day Adventist though that one was done about a year ago. So it seems I'm all over the board.

That can happen with these quizzes, I know. Sometimes they work, but often they do not.

I'm not all that keen on identifying with Southern Baptist because I believe God created all humans (heterosexual, homosexual, transgender, etc) in His image. I feel all humans should have the right to marriage no matter their sexual orientation. I don't fully "agree" with it but it's not my place to judge their actions or feelings.

That point alone should narrow the selections to a few of the "mainline" Protestant churches or the gay churches.

I want to start attending but am not knowledgeable enough to know which denominations I should look at. I do know that I do not believe in Catholicism. But please, don't bash me or question me about it if you are Catholic.

I want to learn, to grow spiritually, make new friends, feel closer with God, have a pastor/minister/priest to talk to if I need counseling.

I feel nearly empty, lost again. I don't want to lose the feeling of being so close with God. It scares me.

Generally, we here are able to help with these inquiries, but we need more information unless you just want to visit one church after another somewhat at random.

I am not sure about communion, I think He is present in spirit but not physically.

Very well, that eliminates the Lutherans.

I don't believe that water baptism is necessary.

I suspect that that's the main reason one of those surveys tabbed you as an "orthodox Quaker." Few Christian denominations would take an "optional" view of the sacrament of Baptism. The traditional Quakers (Society of Friends) is a theologically liberal denomination that places a lot of emphasis upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit working on each person individually and is not warm towards the idea of creeds and doctrinal demands.

From what I have read so far, I'd say that the Quakers, the Episcopalians, and the Congregationalists (United Church of Christ) would deserve your consideration. They are miles apart, however, when it comes to ritual and formality, so I wonder which way you are oriented on that subject, all doctrines aside?

 

[ElectricBlueBauble]

That can happen with these quizzes, I know. Sometimes they work, but often they do not.


That point alone should narrow the selections to a few of the "mainline" Protestant churches or the gay churches.


Generally, we here are able to help with these inquiries, but we need more information unless you just want to visit one church after another somewhat at random.



Very well, that eliminates the Lutherans.


I suspect that that's the main reason one of those surveys tabbed you as an "orthodox Quaker." Few Christian denominations would take an "optional" view of the sacrament of Baptism. The traditional Quakers (Society of Friends) is a theologically liberal denomination that places a lot of emphasis upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit working on each person individually and is not warm towards the idea of creeds and doctrinal demands.

From what I have read so far, I'd say that the Quakers, the Episcopalians, and the Congregationalists (United Church of Christ) would deserve your consideration. They are miles apart, however, when it comes to ritual and formality, so I wonder which way you are oriented on that subject, all doctrines aside?

I am not sure how I feel about rituals and formality. I do know that I don't seem to care for hierarchy such as with Roman Catholicism, I don't feel it's appropriate for there to be a middle-man between you and speaking to or hearing from God. I feel it is your right to pray directly to God through Christ and confess your sins on your own to God, not having to go through a middle-man such as a priest and they tell you what penance you have to perform. In all actuality how is saying so many hail mary's supposed to release you from your sin? You confessing your sin to God and being sorry and working to right your wrongs is enough in my mind. I dont want to go off on a tangent.

I am not very familiar with any of the denominations as it's all so confusing. At one point I did research how they were formed, and at what times, etc, but I think it left me more confused than ever.

I'm thinking I should attend a non-denominational church the more I think about it. But what exactly does that mean in terms of theology taught?

I am not very well informed. I do know that I do not believe in predestination as we were given a free will to choose whether or not to follow God's path. I do believe that God knows who will and who won't become a believer, but I don't feel he chooses for us.

I don't yet understand what millenialism means. I'm so confused by a lot of the talk here on the forums and in the profile section so I haven't filled any of that out yet. I feel like a dunce, in all actuality. I appreciate your help with this. I want to find the right church for me even if it challenges my own beliefs a little. I will look up those three, Quakers, Episcipalians, and Congregationalists. I did look up Quakerism about a year or so ago and read that their church setting is whoever wants to get up and speak does. There is no pastor per-se, and whoever is moved by the Holy Spirit and wants to talk about it does. That seems a bit odd for me, but it's something to look into. But I did check and there is only one church and it's over an hour away, so that is kind of out unless a new one has popped up and it's in my rural town.

 

[ElectricBlueBauble]

Well I tried to edit my reply but it wouldn't work, it thought I had a link in my reply and I did not so it canceled my reply. Great.

I looked at them both (Episcopalian and Congregationalism) and it seems by far Congregationalism fits my beliefs to a T.

My main reason for being adament about homosexual rights is because of Galatians 3:27-28: 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (NASB)

I checked and the nearest UCC church is just over 41 miles away from my house. It would take approx $12 just to go to that one place per week and come back. That is expensive. We try to only go to the major city an hour+ away once per month if that due to having a fixed income.

So it looks like I am still stuck at home, not getting out and meeting people and having a real church service to attend. *sigh*

 

[Albion]

I am not sure how I feel about rituals and formality. I do know that I don't seem to care for hierarchy such as with Roman Catholicism, I don't feel it's appropriate for there to be a middle-man between you and speaking to or hearing from God. I feel it is your right to pray directly to God through Christ and confess your sins on your own to God, not having to go through a middle-man such as a priest and they tell you what penance you have to perform. In all actuality how is saying so many hail mary's supposed to release you from your sin? You confessing your sin to God and being sorry and working to right your wrongs is enough in my mind. I dont want to go off on a tangent.

OK. That would seem to eliminate the Episcopal Church, which is very similar to the Roman Catholic in its hierarchy. No Pope of course, but otherwise, similar.

I am not very familiar with any of the denominations as it's all so confusing. At one point I did research how they were formed, and at what times, etc, but I think it left me more confused than ever.

I understand, but I feel like we're making some progress, even if it's partially a process of elimination. You haven't expressed any ideas that are rare or odd, so I think we're getting somewhere.

I'm thinking I should attend a non-denominational church the more I think about it. But what exactly does that mean in terms of theology taught?

The great majority of "non-denominational" churches are, in fact, Baptist or Pentecostal in theology. That's why a lot of people think that the term "non-denominational" is misleading. True, they aren't affiliated, but you'd never know it from the style of worship and doctrines taught.

I am not very well informed. I do know that I do not believe in predestination as we were given a free will to choose whether or not to follow God's path. I do believe that God knows who will and who won't become a believer, but I don't feel he chooses for us.

OK.

I don't yet understand what millenialism means. I'm so confused by a lot of the talk here on the forums and in the profile section so I haven't filled any of that out yet. I feel like a dunce, in all actuality. I appreciate your help with this. I want to find the right church for me even if it challenges my own beliefs a little. I will look up those three, Quakers, Episcipalians, and Congregationalists. I did look up Quakerism about a year or so ago and read that their church setting is whoever wants to get up and speak does. There is no pastor per-se, and whoever is moved by the Holy Spirit and wants to talk about it does. That seems a bit odd for me, but it's something to look into. But I did check and there is only one church and it's over an hour away, so that is kind of out unless a new one has popped up and it's in my rural town.

Well, now we come to the point I was saving until I got a fuller view of your beliefs and preferences. IS there a local congregation of the church you seem most closely aligned with? That's the big question since, obviously, if we find the perfect denomination for you but there isn't a church of that sort within a hundred miles, it doesn't do you any good.

Millennialism, by the way, is the belief that there will be a thousand years of serenity either before or after the Second Coming of the Lord. Most churches are "amillennial" meaning that they don't have a position on it and tend to think that when the Second Coming occurs, the final judgment will follow quickly and this world will end. But for those churches that are either "pre-millennial" or "post-millennial" it's a big deal. Non-denominational churches are likely to be one or the other, by the way, but it's not guaranteed.

Because of your answer about ritual, I'm having second thoughts about the Episcopal Church. And if the Quakers are not nearby, that pretty much excludes them. The United Church of Christ (Congregationalists) seems a reasonable bet still, and now I might venture to say to try the Methodists. Methodists are common in most parts of the country and rather diverse internally, with both liberal and conservative wings. That causes some friction, and right now the division is red hot over the matter of same-sex marriages, but maybe this would be a church to investigate. I

It has bishops but they aren't the kind the Catholic Church has; it has some ritual but not a lot of ceremony; it believes in Free Will and thinks of the sacrament of Holy Communion just about as you described your own belief; and it is definitely a Protestant church that believes in putting no man/minister/church between you and God.

 

[parsley]

You will also find that a church's character is very much determined by who attends it. A denomination can stand for one thing, but attract a high percentage of people who are focused on another trait of the church (great sermons, convenient worship times, friendly atmosphere). So visiting different ones and getting the feel for them might be just as important as the chart research.

I don't know about you, but when I get in a group of people, I can feel or sense a character, a flavor... and I think people are pulled toward that. One time I was sitting in a large church and felt a general self-conscious tension about appearances. I hadn't thought that about the church before, but looked around and a lot of people were overly dressed -- wearing hats, sparkles, etc.

Another time I was in a home church and noticed that almost everyone in there was self-employed. (Determined to run things their own way, independent, wanting the influence that a home church can foster.) People had gravitated toward others who thought the same way, and then settled where they found less conflict of opinion.

 

[GoingByzantine]

Concur on the Episcopal Church, would be a fair option, given your views on marriage.

 

[GoingByzantine]

Perhaps it would just be easier to list off the denominations in your new city, then we could widdle those down.

 

[Albion]

Perhaps it would just be easier to list off the denominations in your new city, then we could widdle those down.

I often think exactly that when we're working on some of these inquiries.

Concur on the Episcopal Church, would be a fair option, given your views on marriage.

Yes. Part of the problem may be that we know his views, but it may depend on which are most strongly held or if one is a killer issue.

If the 'marriage equality' issue is very important, the Episcopal Church's governance by bishops and its comparatively elaborate ceremonies might be of lesser importance, but if it's the other way around, the Methodists or Congregationalists might be preferable.

OTOH, he's expecting to shop around somewhat, so narrowing the possibilities may be sufficient. As we know, even within a single denomination, there are serious variations in tone and style, as Parsley noted a couple of posts ago.

 

[jannikitty]

Have been new in a city and know how it is when you don't know anyone and you need fellowship. To ask for advice here is good and it seems like you are being drawn into a search.

First of all, if you haven't, be sure to ask the Lord via the Holy Spirit to guide you in your quest. Eliminate those churches which you are sure you already don't see yourself attending. Make a list of possibilities.

As a result of your steadfast and faith filled prayers (You gotta believe it)..something will start happening even though it is up to you to make the moves.

So, trust is key in this.

If you are led to start visiting different congregations just remember each is different even within the same denomination or non-denomination.

If you find one that is visitor(guests) friendly this is a very important sign that they are reaching beyond themselves and are open to newcomers. So many congregations are not all that friendly to newcomers. Regardless give it some time. I find six weeks of attending services usually makes it pretty clear. If for you it is likely that you'll have a certain sense of God-given peace about that church. (doesn't mean it is perfect..because, believe me, there is no perfect church as the church is made up of people and people are not perfect.)

And I certainly would want to be in a congregation which has preaching and teaching biblically based. Not where they simply tell jokes, get politically manipulated sermons, or read from a book of contrived sermons. Been in all of the above sometime during my many years.

My prayers as you search. God, go with! Or better yet, go with God!

"Come Holy Spirit, renew her, guide her, lead her to the best place for her in the Body of Christ." In Jesus Name..

 

[ElectricBlueBauble]

You will also find that a church's character is very much determined by who attends it. A denomination can stand for one thing, but attract a high percentage of people who are focused on another trait of the church (great sermons, convenient worship times, friendly atmosphere). So visiting different ones and getting the feel for them might be just as important as the chart research.

I don't know about you, but when I get in a group of people, I can feel or sense a character, a flavor... and I think people are pulled toward that. One time I was sitting in a large church and felt a general self-conscious tension about appearances. I hadn't thought that about the church before, but looked around and a lot of people were overly dressed -- wearing hats, sparkles, etc.

Another time I was in a home church and noticed that almost everyone in there was self-employed. (Determined to run things their own way, independent, wanting the influence that a home church can foster.) People had gravitated toward others who thought the same way, and then settled where they found less conflict of opinion.

Yes, I can see that happening.

Perhaps it would just be easier to list off the denominations in your new city, then we could widdle those down.

According to churchfinder.com I see the following denominations listed:
Baptist
Methodist
Episcopal
Catholic
Lutheran
Spirit-Filled (charismatic?)
and multiple others that are not defined into a category. I see one that says Church of Christ. I googled it and it does have a website! It is not listed on UCC website though, so I am not sure if it's affiliated. I have emailed them asking more information.

Checking another website I see (via church names only)
Pentecostal
Seventh-Day Adventist
Assembly of God
Calvary Chapel (which I haven't heard of before)
Vinyard (?)

Have been new in a city and know how it is when you don't know anyone and you need fellowship. To ask for advice here is good and it seems like you are being drawn into a search.

First of all, if you haven't, be sure to ask the Lord via the Holy Spirit to guide you in your quest. Eliminate those churches which you are sure you already don't see yourself attending. Make a list of possibilities.

As a result of your steadfast and faith filled prayers (You gotta believe it)..something will start happening even though it is up to you to make the moves.

So, trust is key in this.

If you are led to start visiting different congregations just remember each is different even within the same denomination or non-denomination.

If you find one that is visitor(guests) friendly this is a very important sign that they are reaching beyond themselves and are open to newcomers. So many congregations are not all that friendly to newcomers. Regardless give it some time. I find six weeks of attending services usually makes it pretty clear. If for you it is likely that you'll have a certain sense of God-given peace about that church. (doesn't mean it is perfect..because, believe me, there is no perfect church as the church is made up of people and people are not perfect.)

And I certainly would want to be in a congregation which has preaching and teaching biblically based. Not where they simply tell jokes, get politically manipulated sermons, or read from a book of contrived sermons. Been in all of the above sometime during my many years.

My prayers as you search. God, go with! Or better yet, go with God!

"Come Holy Spirit, renew her, guide her, lead her to the best place for her in the Body of Christ." In Jesus Name..

Thank you, yes, I am asking God for guidance.

 

[Albion]

According to churchfinder.com I see the following denominations listed:
Baptist
Methodist
Episcopal
Catholic
Lutheran
Spirit-Filled (charismatic?)
and multiple others that are not defined into a category. I see one that says Church of Christ. I googled it and it does have a website! It is not listed on UCC website though, so I am not sure if it's affiliated. I have emailed them asking more information.

Checking another website I see (via church names only)
Pentecostal
Seventh-Day Adventist
Assembly of God
Calvary Chapel (which I haven't heard of before)
Vinyard (?)

That's good. Well, Lutherans do believe in a physical presence in the Lord's Supper, so we already scratched them. The Methodists we already said look promising. There don't seem to be any Congregationalists (UCC), which doesn't surprise me. The Adventists, Assemblies of God, Calvary Chapel, Church of Christ, and Vineyard certainly do not share your views on marriage equality which, I take it, is fairly important to you, or about Holy Communion. Catholic and Baptist you ruled out. The Churches of Christ believe water baptism not only to be important but essential...so I'd rule them out on that account. Calvary Chapel is a very casual church that specializes in line-by-line Bible study, more like a lecture than worship.

So unless you are inclined towards Pentecostal worship and doctrine (which a number of those listed are), it looks more and more like Methodist or possibly Episcopalian to me.

 

[ElectricBlueBauble]

That's good. Well, Lutherans do believe in a physical presence in the Lord's Supper, so we already scratched them. The Methodists we already said look promising. There don't seem to be any Congregationalists (UCC), which doesn't surprise me. The Adventists, Assemblies of God, Calvary Chapel, Church of Christ, and Vineyard certainly do not share your views on marriage equality which, I take it, is fairly important to you, or about Holy Communion. Catholic and Baptist you ruled out. The Churches of Christ believe water baptism not only to be important but essential...so I'd rule them out on that account. Calvary Chapel is a very casual church that specializes in line-by-line Bible study, more like a lecture than worship.

So unless you are inclined towards Pentecostal worship and doctrine (which a number of those listed are), it looks more and more like Methodist or possibly Episcopalian to me.

Thank you for the run-down I really appreciate it. I will look more into the Methodist church(s) in town and go this weekend to one of them.

I do definitely wish there was a UCC church in town. Do you know of any way I can spark interest for one and perhaps find a way to get the ball rolling for one to become a reality here?

 

[Albion]

Thank you for the run-down I really appreciate it. I will look more into the Methodist church(s) in town and go this weekend to one of them.

I do definitely wish there was a UCC church in town. Do you know of any way I can spark interest for one and perhaps find a way to get the ball rolling for one to become a reality here?

Doubtful, but you could always contact the national headquarters and make the appeal. And it's an old denomination that's not nearly as aggressive in planting new missions as some other churches are.

When I've done that with a couple of other churches, only asking for information, I never got a reply. That surprised me, frankly.

On the other hand, it's always a question whether the church that you research on paper actually is that way up close and personal. I might suggest that if you really think this is the one for you, you continue to do the visiting that you're about to start into and also make it a point to visit a Congregationalist/United Church of Christ church sometime when you are out of town.