what is more important

[sparkle123]

Is finding the doctrinally correct church more important than finding a warm and welcoming church? What if the two are at odds? Any opinions or experiences with this for a new Christian? Thanks.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Is finding the doctrinally correct church more important than finding a warm and welcoming church? What if the two are at odds? Any opinions or experiences with this for a new Christian? Thanks.

Both are important but if the doctrine - what is declared as true - is not true, then all the human warmth is not related to God-honoring testimony.

"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (1 Peter 1.22-25)

 

[1watchman]

Is finding the doctrinally correct church more important than finding a warm and welcoming church? What if the two are at odds? Any opinions or experiences with this for a new Christian? Thanks.

Farouk gave some good thoughts from the Word. A faithful saint will want to obey and honor God, not just feel good in a church place. I have found one can have both in a place that pleases God. Just be sure you are associated with a Bible-only fellowship and not some sectarian gathering that is worldly. I often refer seekers to the sound site at www.biblecounsel.net on the Internet. One can see there something of what God intends for His testimony in the world; and also ask questions there for some clarity. Look up always!

 

[Albion]

Is finding the doctrinally correct church more important than finding a warm and welcoming church? What if the two are at odds? Any opinions or experiences with this for a new Christian? Thanks.

This is a difficult position to find oneself in, but it's common. I'm almost inclined to say "keep looking," but if the choice is between the two you described, I'd have to say to go with correct doctrine--so long as we're talking about essential doctrines rather than something minor. Lots of churches that are way offbase doctrinally have lovely and welcoming people, but to make such a church one's own...I can't recommend it.

 

[aiki]

I'm with those above: doctrine first, then warm-fuzzies. If correct doctrine is being taught properly, it will foster a loving and righteous church community. Whatever you do, don't sacrifice sound biblical teaching for a light show, and great music and smiles.

1 Peter 2:2
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

Psalms 119:105
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Selah.

 

[Sketcher]

Love is part of good doctrine, because Jesus taught us to love. Love is no less important than a Biblical stand on sin, marriage, on Jesus being the only way to Heaven, etc. If you compromise something like that to be more loving, it's like you've cut off your right arm. If you compromise love to preserve those other teachings, you've cut off your left arm.

 

[The Hammer of Witches]

Good doctrine will bring love and friendship. False doctrine should be exposed and avoided, don't make yourself a part of their crime, but speak and exhort the truth.

 

[ChetSinger]

I think it depends on the degree of the doctrinal error.

For example, I consider Mormon and Watchtower churches beyond the pale. But I've attended a Calvinistic church, even though I consider Calvinism in error, because otherwise it was a friendly and well-functioning church. And should Protestants avoid Roman Catholic churches if they don't believe in the Immaculate Conception?

So I think doctrinal issues can become a matter of degree.

sparkle123, is there a particular doctrine you're concerned about?

 

[graceandpeace]

Is finding the doctrinally correct church more important than finding a warm and welcoming church? What if the two are at odds? Any opinions or experiences with this for a new Christian? Thanks.

Do you have particular doctrines you're concerned about?

Most mainstream church bodies agree on basic, important Christian beliefs, but there are certainly significant differences between the major traditions: Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy & other eastern traditions, Mainline Protestantism, & Conservative Protestantism.

For me, I researched Christianity - its history & traditions - before choosing a denomination. From there I sought a welcoming option.

 

[Goatee]

Doctrine for me too. I would stay away from the 'Happy Clappy' type churches!

 

[High Fidelity]

I think it's a balance but personally I place much more stock in sound doctrine.

If the church is spiritually sick then, frankly, it doesn't matter how well you get on with the people there.

I do believe that a truly doctrinally sound church will attract the right people, though, so both are achievable.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Is finding the doctrinally correct church more important than finding a warm and welcoming church? What if the two are at odds? Any opinions or experiences with this for a new Christian? Thanks.

Hugging people into heresy seems like a pretty bad situation. So a doctrinally correct church is definitely central. Ideally, of course, it should be both. But if one really has to choose between friendliness and the Gospel, the Gospel needs to win.

-CryptoLutheran