Starting church

[rebornfree]

Hello,

As a few of you might know or have read I became a Christian on the 11th of July this year. I still have not attended church. I have decided this needs to change and will be attending soon.

I am looking into a Baptist church and I have found one I would like to attend. Since becoming a Christian my mother has also, so I hope she will also be attending with me.

Some back story is that I wasn't leaving the house much before becoming a Christian but a lot of my anxieties and such have gone away after I became a Christian. I had a psychotic episode (now gone completely) which made going outside scary. It's been strange getting back to normal, especially socialising. I also have aspergers which adds difficulty.

I am hoping to attend the above church this Sunday or next Sunday and then if it is suitable, for the rest of my life. I am a 25 year old single male, if that is important at this time.

So to hurry this up...

I am strangely nervous about going to church for the first time, is this normal?

What should I expect at an English Baptist church?

How soon after attending will I be baptized?

Should I attend both the morning and evening service? Both are on a Sunday.

I can't think of anything else at the moment besides asking for general advice. Please ask questions if you need to as I've probably forgot some information.

Hi Aspzan,
Great that both you and your mother have become Christians and welcome to the family of believers.

I was a Member of an English Baptist Church back in the 1980s. In those days they had stewards who would welcome new people (and they will almost certainly have something like that now). I don't think it matters where you sit, but you could ask them. It might be more comfortable sitting towards the back, for the first time, as it can feel a bit conspicuous if you are further forward. You could tell the person who meets and greets you if that is what you prefer.

We used to have hymnbooks, but I think most churches use screens for the words of worship songs nowadays. They may be more traditional or modern. Many churches have music groups, but some may still use an organ. There will be Bible readings (probably NIV), usually a section of the Service aimed at the children and later a sermon for the adults after the children have gone to Sunday School. The Services are quite 'low', so clergy don't usually wear robes and the congregation would probably dress in smart casual clothing although some might wear jeans.

The Church we attended was traditional, everything done 'from the front' - the Minister or a member of the congregation prayed, read the Bible etc. Some churches (in some denominations, I'm not sure about Baptists) have more open Services where members of the congregation pray out loud. If they are baptised in the Holy Spirit they may pray in tongues. Don't let this alarm you. No-one would expect you to do anything on your first visit. Just relax and worship the Lord. They know that you are new.

I wouldn't worry about baptism on the first visit. Talk to the Minister when you are a bit more familiar with the Church. Membership usually follows baptism (at least it did in my day).

You could look at the Baptist Union website, just to get a general idea at www.baptist.org.uk, although not all Baptist Churches are members. Does the one you are thinking of attending have a website? You could check it out if so.

I hope that helps a bit. I'm out of date because there was no Baptist Church in the town we moved to so it is years since I attended one. Enjoy it but don't feel committed to it straight away. It's not unusual for new people to look around at local churches to find the one where the Lord wants them to be. Just pray before you go and ask the Lord to smooth your path.

 

[ToBeLoved]

So this is what I would recommend.

Before choosing a church I would definitely look at their website. Particularly the statement of faith. If it has scripture references after the statements that is usually a good sign for a Bible based church.

Short statements of faith, would make me wonder a bit but I prefer over clarification rather than less, personally.

Since you are 25 yo, if the have a young adult ministry or a college age ministry that would be a plus.

Probably the morning and evening service will be the same message, so I would choose one that is convenient. It is nice to have the option though if you go out of town for the weekend or something.

I wouldn’t worry about the way you are dressed, but if you are comfortable I might go middle of the road, not too dressy (suit or formal) and not too casual (ripped jeans and T-shirt’s) if you don’t want to be noticed I would do some Khacki pants and a polo or nice shirt.

Appear friendly, smile and just say “good morning” or “good evening” to people or even just smile.

Welcome to the faith! This will be awesome for you.

 

[DamianWarS]

I had a psychotic episode (now gone completely) which made going outside scary. It's been strange getting back to normal, especially socialising. I also have aspergers which adds difficulty.

I am strangely nervous about going to church for the first time, is this normal?

anxiety about new things is normal and given your history it seems you are taking steps in the right direction. It's the Christmas season where a lot of people go to special Christmas services that are otherwise strangers to the church so it might be a good time to ease into it. You could also set up an appointment with the pastor to talk about your plan and then they might be able to set you up with a couple people who can show you around and introduce you to others but if that's not your thing tell them how much you want and maybe instead they can be more discreet about introductions, or nothing at all, but at some time it would be good to let the pastor know of your plan and they can work with you are getting more involved in the church so you feel more a part of it.

 

[Radagast]

What should I expect at an English Baptist church?

I'm glad to hear about this.

It's hard to say what to expect, because there are different kinds of Baptists.

 

[mark46]

what about the Bible?

 

[mark46]

Years ago, I was in the same situation. I was a Christian but had never attended church. The advice I was given was to attend a Baptist church (from a non-Baptist). Of course, this person also jnivted me to his church.

A Baptist church is a good place for you to see and learn. The Baptist church has few restrictions and requirements. They should be open and welcoming. The Word will be spoken and taught. Eventually, you may choose to look at other communities; I stayed for several years. But for now, taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Hello,

As a few of you might know or have read I became a Christian on the 11th of July this year. I still have not attended church. I have decided this needs to change and will be attending soon.

I am looking into a Baptist church and I have found one I would like to attend. Since becoming a Christian my mother has also, so I hope she will also be attending with me.

Some back story is that I wasn't leaving the house much before becoming a Christian but a lot of my anxieties and such have gone away after I became a Christian. I had a psychotic episode (now gone completely) which made going outside scary. It's been strange getting back to normal, especially socialising. I also have aspergers which adds difficulty.

I am hoping to attend the above church this Sunday or next Sunday and then if it is suitable, for the rest of my life. I am a 25 year old single male, if that is important at this time.

So to hurry this up...

I am strangely nervous about going to church for the first time, is this normal?

What should I expect at an English Baptist church?

How soon after attending will I be baptized?

Should I attend both the morning and evening service? Both are on a Sunday.

I can't think of anything else at the moment besides asking for general advice. Please ask questions if you need to as I've probably forgot some information.

 

[misput]

I can't say anything outright against them because I don't know much about them. I will say that I follow the Bible above everything else though

As you can see in previous post there are many different opinions about the bible and everyone thinks they are right. Just remember to keep the main thing the main thing and that is CHRIST is your savior!

 

[ToBeLoved]

This is a continuation of my previous post.

About baptism, since you are 25 yo, most Bible based churches baptize about 2 times per year.

I would expect to talk to the pastor about your faith and belief, because part of water baptism is our testimony to others. What I mean by that is that in the Bible, Jesus talked about His Children claiming Him in front of others ( or mankind). How if we do not claim God in front of men, that our Father in heaven will not claim us. Salvation is between the person and God often times, but water baptism is also, the individual claiming Christ and their faith publically. It is also when the Body of Christ (ie other believers) kind of accept the person into the fold, per se.

As one of God’s Children who has publicly claimed Christ, the Body of Christ or your church family should also feel some responsibility towards edifying you in your new found faith.

God’s Word talks about how the mature in Christ are to mentor, look after and see to your new faith blossoming and growing.

God bless.

 

[NW82]

He’s asking for advice. I’m free to encourage a different denomination. You don’t make the rules here last time I checked. He said he is considering the Lutheran Church and I am free to encourage him in that.

Encourage, yes. Debating infant baptism isn't a form of encouragement.

 

[Dansiph]

This is a continuation of my previous post.

About baptism, since you are 25 yo, most Bible based churches baptize about 2 times per year.

I would expect to talk to the pastor about your faith and belief, because part of water baptism is our testimony to others. What I mean by that is that in the Bible, Jesus talked about His Children claiming Him in front of others ( or mankind). How if we do not claim God in front of men, that our Father in heaven will not claim us. Salvation is between the person and God often times, but water baptism is also, the individual claiming Christ and their faith publically. It is also when the Body of Christ (ie other believers) kind of accept the person into the fold, per se.

As one of God’s Children who has publicly claimed Christ, the Body of Christ or your church family should also feel some responsibility towards edifying you in your new found faith.

God’s Word talks about how the mature in Christ are to mentor, look after and see to your new faith blossoming and growing.

God bless.

I was guided to the Lord by a Pastor on here (southernscotty) and when I confessed Christ I made a post on here to say so. Does that count? Just asking

 

[Shawn Stuart]

Encourage, yes. Debating infant baptism isn't a form of encouragement.

Infant baptism is a core doctrine and should be addressed.

 

[DennisTate]

I can't say anything outright against them because I don't know much about them. I will say that I follow the Bible above everything else though

After I left a church that had a very dogmatic Soul Sleep teaching I church hopped for a time and the Baptist churches that I attended were AWESOME! I am certain that as you meet some of the people there and they go home they will pray for you..... and you will feel the Shalom and peace that results from people sincerely praying for us.

Baptist really know their Bible....... and we took our daughter to youth meetings about seven or eight months ago that was amazingly powerful. Nearly three thousand young people from many different denominations attended...... but the bulk of the organizing pastors were Baptist and Church of the Nazarene, (which is similar).

From my experience you are wise indeed to begin attending church and to choose to attend with Baptists who love the Bible so much that so many have given their lives for their belief in the Bible.

 

[misput]

I was guided to the Lord by a Pastor on here (southernscotty) and when I confessed Christ I made a post on here to say so. Does that count? Just asking

It is not what we think counts, it is what you and the Lord think. God Bless.

 

[NW82]

Infant baptism is a core doctrine and should be addressed.

Denominational families that practice infant baptism include Catholics, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Congregationalists and other Reformed denominations, Methodists, some Nazarenes, and the Moravian Church. The OP as stated, "I am looking into a Baptist church and I have found one I would like to attend", "What should I expect at an English Baptist church?",
"How soon after attending will I be baptized?" and, "
"Should I attend both the morning and evening service? Both are on a Sunday.", none of which have anything to do with infant baptism. You are pushing your own agenda instead of supporting the new believer.

 

[hedrick]

The OP asked about baptism.

There's more than one reason to be baptized, but most likely you wouldn't do it until you're ready to become a member of that church. You might decide to do that after a couple of Sundays, but you might also decide to try other churches. Unless your congregation is unusual, you can continue to attend without joining. I would advise doing so, but not until you're comfortable with making a commitment to that congregation. It's not necessarily a commitment for life, but at least for a while.

 

[Shawn Stuart]

Denominational families that practice infant baptism include Catholics, Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Congregationalists and other Reformed denominations, Methodists, some Nazarenes, and the Moravian Church. The OP as stated, "I am looking into a Baptist church and I have found one I would like to attend", "What should I expect at an English Baptist church?",
"How soon after attending will I be baptized?" and, "
"Should I attend both the morning and evening service? Both are on a Sunday.", none of which have anything to do with infant baptism. You are pushing your own agenda instead of supporting the new believer.

I am simply bringing to light an issue that needs to be addressed (infant baptism) when choosing a church. Especially when that choice appears to be the Baptist denomination.

 

[ToBeLoved]

I was guided to the Lord by a Pastor on here (southernscotty) and when I confessed Christ I made a post on here to say so. Does that count? Just asking

It counts as far as announcing your faith publicly. It is a very good thing and Jesus is pleased.

Talking about or claiming Jesus publicity is something we should try to get use to doing. That is so when people see great love and Godly traits in you, they already know it is to God’s Glory. People will then already know that God is in you. Our testimony to other in our words, deeds and actions are a powerful testimony to Christ, but only if they know you are a believer and attribute it back to Jesus. Through the way we live our lives, we glorify God.

You still need water baptism and part of that will probably a brief testimony.

Your doing great brother !

 

[ToBeLoved]

Infant baptism is a core doctrine and should be addressed.

Not in Advice.


Find the Theology sub forum. That is a better place.

 

[whereloveandmercymeet]

Okay. Reminding the OP that Baptists have a particular view on baptism if he’s looking in joining that church is one thing. But we don’t need to debate if it’s right or wrong. That’s for him to decide at this point, or open up another thread elsewhere.

As an aside, when I couldn’t get to my church for Christmas midnight communion one year I went to a Baptist church for theirs and they are really lovely.

They aren’t the closest but significantly closer than my church when I’m struggling to drive and they are nicer than the closer churches I’ve been to. When I church toured locally due to health I tried several of different denominations (I attend an Anglican as my home church, but I would attend a Vineyard if they were close enough). They were the most understanding of the fact I wasn’t looking for a new home church but almost a second home church and welcomed me when I went for Christmas and when I’ve been unable to go at other times. They are aware that when I’m there it’s when my health is worse and always make sure I have a suitable seat, and any help I need to access communion or other parts of the service. And they always offer to pray for me. And this is knowing that I have no intention of making them my main church, they are just a really lovely Christian bunch. Based on them I’d highly recommend a Baptist church as your first church, irrespective of your views on infant baptism, as they will provide a loving and nurturing Christian environment and you can take time to decide on your specific views on your journey. Many people find theirs change or develop over time and sometimes back again. I really hope you go tomorrow and have a fantastic Jesus centred experience. Don’t worry about nerves or feeling out of place, they will guide you and support you as much as you like, and you can probably hide in the background most of the service if you feel more comfortable, nobody minds. Please please tell us how it goes.

*note I’m sure other denoms are also good places, I’m not saying they aren’t as good, I’m just singling the Baptists out.

 

[Proud Bible Believer]

I know how you feel... I am starting a new Church tomorrow, and I am so nervous about going...
I have panic attacks :/ DS and DH will not be going so I am VERY Nervous..
We have to stay strong,and Pray on strength to get up and go...