Going to Church for the first time? Christian forums?

steelframedhouse

I wasn't sure where to post this really, hope this is the right place...

Can anyone recommend a UK based Christian forum? Something has happened to me which makes me want to start going to Church. I've never been before, apart from a handful of Christenings, and I would feel odd just walking in so would like to start off by talking to other Christians. I don't even know the difference between the types of Christianity but I feel an overwhelming urge to go to Chrurch after my experience.

Thanks in advance

mumlady1

Hi steeleframedhouse
I'm sorry I don't know any Christian forums for you but I just want to wish you luck with your Christian journey Please don't feel awkward about just walking into a church, most of them are very friendly & welcoming. One piece of advice I will give you is this, not all churches or ministers are the same so you may need to visit a few before you find the one that suits you best It might help too, to have a chat with the minister/priest/rabbi. They'll be more than happy to help you.
Good luck & I hope you find a great church very soon

**professor~yaffle**

Everyone is different, what sort of church service appeals to you? Evangelical, or more 'high church'? Hopefully someone will be along to advise re. Christian forums, I'm sure there must be loads out there.

Torry_Quine

mumlady1 wrote: »

Hi steeleframedhouse
I'm sorry I don't know any Christian forums for you but I just want to wish you luck with your Christian journey Please don't feel awkward about just walking into a church, most of them are very friendly & welcoming. One piece of advice I will give you is this, not all churches or ministers are the same so you may need to visit a few before you find the one that suits you best It might help too, to have a chat with the minister/priest/rabbi. They'll be more than happy to help you.
Good luck & I hope you find a great church very soon

Agree here, although I don't think she'll find a Rabbi.

At this time of year especially churches will have lots of visitors with it being the holiday season.

fluffnutter

Have you looked at http://www.alpha.org/?

Great starting point.

steelframedhouse

**professor~yaffle** wrote: »

Everyone is different, what sort of church service appeals to you? Evangelical, or more 'high church'? Hopefully someone will be along to advise re. Christian forums, I'm sure there must be loads out there.

I don't even know what the difference is between evangelical or high churches I just clicked on the Alpha link (thanks fluffnutter) and the churches in my area are: Ecumenical, Independent, Anglican, Methodist, Evangelical, Baptist, Vineyard, Non-Denominational and Other - I have no idea what the differences would be which is why I thought it might be an idea to find a Christian forum first.

lostinrates

The different denominations believe slightly (or not so slightly ) different things. And then they express these things in different ways.

So, for example, do you want to go to a church where there is a formal, more quiet and formal down service, with a few standup hymns? Or does a more expressive loud singy type experience feel more how you feel drawn to visit church?


Do you have an opinion on whether men or women lead your service, or have a place in the higher church echelons or not? Or gay marriage? The politics might not seem important now, but it might be hard if you feel drawn into a church and tpyet feel like you are fighting the 'rule' all the way?


I am not sure if there is a sort of an online resource where you can choose what you believe with out being to lead ...like what happens at communion etc ....but it would be a good one, I think a lot of people would feel drawn to churches not where their parents went!

neverdespairgirl

This is the Church of England's website, which sets out the essence of Christianity, and the Anglican faith:

http://www.churchofengland.org/our-faith.aspx

steelframedhouse

lostinrates wrote: »

The different denominations believe slightly (or not so slightly ) different things. And then they express these things in different ways.

So, for example, do you want to go to a church where there is a formal, more quiet and formal down service, with a few standup hymns? Or does a more expressive loud singy type experience feel more how you feel drawn to visit church?


Do you have an opinion on whether men or women lead your service, or have a place in the higher church echelons or not? Or gay marriage? The politics might not seem important now, but it might be hard if you feel drawn into a church and tpyet feel like you are fighting the 'rule' all the way?


I am not sure if there is a sort of an online resource where you can choose what you believe with out being to lead ...like what happens at communion etc ....but it would be a good one, I think a lot of people would feel drawn to churches not where their parents went!

I quite like the expressive 'singy' idea of church. I'm not opposed to female vicars (I don't think that's even the right title, is it priests? ) or gay marriage - I guess I'm pretty liberal in my views.

fluffnutter

steelframedhouse wrote: »

I don't even know what the difference is between evangelical or high churches I just clicked on the Alpha link (thanks fluffnutter) and the churches in my area are: Ecumenical, Independent, Anglican, Methodist, Evangelical, Baptist, Vineyard, Non-Denominational and Other - I have no idea what the differences would be which is why I thought it might be an idea to find a Christian forum first.

You could try a service each week at each of your local churches and see which one you like. Personally I'd start with the Anglican or Methodist but that's my own subjective view.

meritaten

first, let me make it plain I am NOT Christian. I go to churches (I assume you mean one of the main religions) usually only to attend weddings, funerals or christenings. I have to say that with christenings which take place after the 'normal' sunday service I have always felt welcomed. most churches welcome new members and you are almost always treated with friendship. especially with small churches. Go, if that is what you feel you want to do - attend a few and see what appeals to you the most.
even as a non-Christian I do like churches - especially really old ones - I like the atmosphere in them.