When looking for a church, what do you look for?

[Albion]

Hymn books are the problem. They show three lines of text between the treble and bass notes and I can't read the small font size. Reading words on a slideshow screen is the only way I can know what to sing.

My point was only that using hymnals with accompanyment is easier than using a wall screen, but of course it's true that no matter what the solution, there probably will be some people who find it a problem.

No, I can't. I was able to hear what the pastors said in only one church.

However, each of us might have an unusual experience that wouldn't apply to anyone else who's looking for a home church--or else that we have hearing or visual problems that are not typical of most other people.

I might, for instance, mention that I once was in a church that projected the lyrics on a wall, and it was hard to read because there wasn't enough wall space there for the image to fit. Does this mean that churches which use projections in preference to hymnals are to be avoided because the wording can't be seen when wall screens are used?

 

[Lost4words]

One thing that really puts me off any church is the lack of a bowl of water by the front door.

 

[Tigger45]

One thing that really puts me off any church is the lack of a bowl of water by the front door.

Now we know why you are Catholic. Silly me, should of known

 

[Lost4words]

Now we know why you are Catholic. Silly me, should of known

No!!! I meant this bowl:

 

[GodLovesCats]

However, each of us might have an unusual experience that wouldn't apply to anyone else who's looking for a home church--or else that we have hearing or visual problems that are not typical of most other people.

I might, for instance, mention that I once was in a church that projected the lyrics on a wall, and it was hard to read because there wasn't enough wall space there for the image to fit. Does this mean that churches which use projections in preference to hymnals are to be avoided because the wording can't be seen when wall screens are used?

What image? Only the lyrics are displayed on the wall screens. And these are BIG screens, so anyone can read it, including people in the back.

 

[Albion]

What image?

I meant the appearance of the lettering.

Only the lyrics are displayed on the wall screens. And these are BIG screens, so anyone can read it, including people in the back.

That would be the ideal, but it's not always what happens. That's the explanation you used when discounting hymnals and hearing the voice of the minister.

 

[Paidiske]

It differs a bit depending on whether I'm looking for somewhere to visit, or somewhere to belong.

To visit, (like right now, when I'm on holiday and away from home), I have only two non-negotiables. They must keep an open table (open to all baptised believers) and they must accept women as equal to men.

To belong to, I want somewhere where I can contribute and use my gifts, somewhere where the preaching makes me think and the worship helps me encounter God, and somewhere where the community is not toxic. I also want somewhere where my autistic daughter is nurtured. It goes a long way if I can see that the church is not entirely inward-looking but is serving its local community in mission.

I'm an Anglican because my theological convictions fit pretty neatly there and I appreciate the many good things about their governance and structures, but I could look outside Anglicanism, especially to visit. Frankly there are places where I'd probably be more at home in non-Anglican congregations than the local Anglican church.

 

[seeking.IAM]

I wanted to find a new church approximately 15 years ago. I had things I wanted in a church and things I didn't want.

I wanted:

• A church that valued tradition and worshipped in an historic and traditional manner as the church had for centuries.
• A church that offered a reverential and solemn worship experience that facilitated contemplative worship.
• A church that was sacramental
• A church that welcomed all baptized Christians to share together in the Eucharist.
• A church whose message revolved around the Lectionary's scripture of the day.

I didn't want (or no longer wanted):

• A church that was a theatrical production trying to top last week's show.
• PowerPoint, multimedia, and the screen at the front of the church.
• Worship that aggrandized performers more so than God. (e.g. applause)
• "Sermon series," cherry picking scripture to support whatever was on the pastor's mind for the next four weeks.
• Clergy that pushed me out of my comfort zone (e.g. "Turn to your neighbor and tell them one way God blessed you this week").
• Public prayer that becomes the community gossip hub (e.g. "I heard Bill has hemorrhoids. Let's all pray that Bill can sit in comfort again soon.")
• Clergy leading worship looking like they just came in from working in the garden (i.e. a casual approach to worship).
• A church that doesn't fully welcome other Christians.
• Happy, clappy worship.

I realize other folks like things I don't like. I mean no disrespect to differing opinions. These things are my merely my preferences.

 

[1watchman]

A sound Bible-only fellowship is my interest, and that is what I have been with for many years. Religious ideas and innovations to make a pleasing sect might make one feel good, but the pure Word of God is our ONLY authority for the Faith as God intends for us.

To more fully state this format, here I want to explain that the thought: 'pure Word of God' speaks of "all the counsel of God" and "rightly dividing the Word of truth", as our God tells us. It does not allow for one to take a verse to counter what God has stated elsewhere. We need to value such as 1 Cor. 12:25 and speak of UNITY worldwide; for the universal Church needs to be "one body", rather than sectarianism to please many ideas people have ---would you agree? I have found much help on this by the site at www.biblecounsel.net, which shows and holds to all saints being of one mind about Scripture all over the world, as true assemblies of our God (though we might have some personal values within also). Yet, I know it is a matter of each one deciding what they appreciate; and I appreciate "unity of the faith" everywhere. -1watchman.

 

[splish- splash]

If they preach and can still point us back to Jesus, by their sermons, they are worth considering. I also like churches that still make an effort, to hold bible study sessions, outside of their normal sunday church service.

I'm no longer keen on attending deliverence based ministries/ prosperity churches.

 

[Scott Lary]

I'm looking for a church that is Christian and, at least, open to the concept of universal salvation as addressed by David Bentley Hart. That is not especially ritualistic or idolatrous. That has an active Sunday School and isn't dominated by older people (which I am btw). And finally, a church that has a set of beliefs that it has held for a long time and has not altered to fit the current cultural whims.

 

[sunshineforJesus]

I love our spirit filled,and bibilically sound church.

 

[BobRyan]

Hello, just interested in what type of Church people are looking for?

One that has the correct doctrine as defined by the Bible. So then "sola scriptura testing" of the doctrine - shows it to be correct.

 

[splish- splash]

When looking for a place for fellowship now, I'm mainly interested in the word that is preached in the place, because I have since learnt that prosperity churches have nothing good to offer, when it comes to our spiritual growth.

We could yes, find worldly breakthroughs from prosperity churches here and there but that does not benefit our spirit man in relation to our salvation, as you'll find that even a witchdoctor can liberate a person from witchcraft arrows & curses. So such places are a waste of time for me. But tell me about Jonah for example & how his story, of spending 3 days in a belly of a fish, brings out Chist and you'll be speaking my favourite language nowadays.

Paul wrote about milk & solids. For me, prosperity churches do not provide solids..

 

[ChristianGirl_96]

Heya. I prefer to look for things like community spirit. My local church holds a number of events each year. Another church has a monthly newsletter and various family events. Good luck. Take a look at information on the church website in question. Or please feel free to call, email or visit face to face in order to make some brief summary notes.

 

[Sam-Colin]

So Faith, Hope, Love, abide, these three, but the GREATEST of these is LOVE. ... Grew up in the Presbyterian church in the U.K. and a participating member for 40+ years. Moving to Canada, mid 40's, we had to start looking for a new church family. In a career where Sunday is just another day - healthcare, and often having to work Sunday, wanted a church with am & pm services so I could get to at least ONE service. Hard to find. Did find a Baptist church where we joined and for a few years enjoyed it. THEN. . . . the pastor moved and his replacement was a less experienced younger guy. Was NOT a leader. Joined another Baptist church, - same thing, pastor moved and new pastor brought in an associate pastor who took charge of the praise groups. He took over the group I was on BUT each week we were supposed to sing, he was preaching so got his brother to lead the praise - and his brother wanted his group. SO was not being allowed to sing. Another Baptist church, was INVITED to join the praise group and went well for a few years, then - another change in leadership. THIS time the music ministry leadership, (and at the start of the pLandemic so we were recording services on a Thursday evening). I noticed that MY mic, while was on when rehearsing, when recording, had been muted, as I was not heard at all when the service wa aired on the Sunday. Complained a few times, but to no avail. so left. Have now joined a non denominational country, community church - MUCH more friendly, accepting, generous, and LOVING, than any of the others.

 

[Sam-Colin]

So Faith, Hope, Love, abide, these three, but the GREATEST of these is LOVE. ... Grew up in the Presbyterian church in the U.K. and a participating member for 40+ years. Moving to Canada, mid 40's, we had to start looking for a new church family. In a career where Sunday is just another day - healthcare, and often having to work Sunday, wanted a church with am & pm services so I could get to at least ONE service. Hard to find. Did find a Baptist church where we joined and for a few years enjoyed it. THEN. . . . the pastor moved and his replacement was a less experienced younger guy. Was NOT a leader. Joined another Baptist church, - same thing, pastor moved and new pastor brought in an associate pastor who took charge of the praise groups. He took over the group I was on BUT, each week we were supposed to sing, he was preaching, so got his brother to lead the praise - and his brother wanted his group. SO was not being allowed to sing. Another Baptist church, was INVITED to join the praise group and went well for a few years, then - another change in leadership. THIS time the music ministry leadership, (and at the start of the pLandemic so we were recording services on a Thursday evening). I noticed that MY mic, while was on when rehearsing, when recording, had been muted, as I was not heard at all when the service wa aired on the Sunday. Complained a few times, but to no avail. so left. Have now joined a non denominational country, community church - MUCH more friendly, accepting, generous, and LOVING, than any of the others, and have been invited to sing on the praise team a few times.

 

[anetazo]

Does it teach sound doctrine??. Hosea chapter 4:15. .people are warned not to go to Beth Aven, it means house of emptiness. I would be content in sitting in shack, as long as its sound doctrine. A beautiful church means nothing, if God's truth isn't being taught thier.
In Acts chapter 8, Philip taught the eunuch in his chariot. Get the picture.

 

[jdcastro1972]

I look for preaching above all, which is scriptural in nature (and hence "reformed", if you want to use a suitable word).
However, even sound preaching can achieve nothing if there is no power to go along with it.
That's why the UK is in a mess right now, even though there are a few churches around which adhere to sound doctrine.
Hence for me, I don't "expect" anything from church. If I go anywhere it has to be somewhere which interferes as little as possible with my own searching for truth and spiritual reality according to scripture.

 

[seeking.IAM]

I expect a church to be a conduit for what I give, not what I get. I go to worship alongside other like-minded Christians. If I leave fulfilled in some manner, I consider it a bonus. But, I'm not there for what I get.