Going to Church for the first time? Christian forums?

Janepig

fluffnutter wrote: »

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.

This is what FIL did when he felt the "urge" (I have a theory as to where the urge came from but that's a long story). He ended up going to an apostolic church of the "happy clapper" variety.

steelframedhouse wrote: »

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.

I may be shot down in flames for this, but in my experience the expressive "singy" churches are the most anti gay in their views. One of my colleagues has been going to that type of church all her life, she married someone that was "born again" and although they're in their mid-twenties we jokingly call him "victorian dad" because he's so rigid in his religious views.

Jx

Torry_Quine

Janepig wrote: »

I may be shot down in flames for this, but in my experience the expressive "singy" churches are the most anti gay in their views. One of my colleagues has been going to that type of church all her life, she married someone that was "born again" and although they're in their mid-twenties we jokingly call him "victorian dad" because he's so rigid in his religious views.

Jx

What you call 'singy' churches are more usually Evangelical and in that aspect are not as liberal as some and although I wouldn't say anti-homosexual they tend to stick to biblical principles such as sexual relationships are only acceptable in a heterosexual marriage.

I don't like the phrase 'born-again as it just means being a Christian.

meritaten

I wont shoot you down in flames jane - but I think it varies according to the vicar/minister in charge.
I went to a christening in a 'happy clappy' church and gay couples were obviously welcome. so was everyone else - I loved it so much I nearly converted to Christianity! I had a ball!

elljay

One thing I found by an embarrassing experience is to ensure you sit near the back. Years ago I took my kids to a church and decided to sit at the front so we could see and hear everything that was going on. Wrong thing to do. The rest of the congregation was at least 3 pews back so we stood out like a sore thumb. We also had no idea of when to sit and stand or turn this way or that or shake hands with people - it was all seriously embarrassing.

It might just have been that church but there was so much etiquette to know about, 2 books and a sheet to keep referring to, we were pretty lost. If we'd been near the back we could have seen what others were doing. Though the 2 books and a sheet thing still would have had me foxed as well as the sitting and standing and turning. I'd have loved to have known the reason for all of that but as everybody else did it they must have known the reason behind it, there was no explanation in the books. Complicated! Why not go with someone else first time?

meritaten

Torry_Quine wrote: »

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.

I don't think that matters - I had to make a decision and it was really hard so I went into a rather tourist infested cathedral to sit quietly and think. after about an hour an elderly gent came and sat by me. he said quietly 'Why are you here'? and I replied I want to make a decision. he asked 'Have you'. Yes I replied. he asked 'is it the right decision - and I looked at him and said 'It goes against my nature but its the right decision for people I love'.
He smiled and said 'Then its going to hurt and its the right decision'.

I felt so much better - then a few months later I saw him on TV - he was only the bluddy bishop of the church!

Naf

I think you have two approaches:
1. Decide what your essential beliefs are and investigate various churches to find which best matches what you believe, and which one's other teachings you feel most comfortable with.
2. Pick which meetings you feel most at home in, even if you don't agree with their teachings.

As a Christian myself, I would encourage you that the most important fact is finding which church is actually the true church with power & authority from God. Because any other, even if it makes you feel more comfortable, is ultimately going to be pretty pointless.

Oh: and remember that if you choose to do number 2, the rest of the congregation may consider you something of a hypocrite; attending services and thereby indicating you agree with the teachings even though you actually don't.

meritaten

Naf wrote: »

I think you have two approaches:
1. Decide what your essential beliefs are and investigate various churches to find which best matches what you believe, and which one's other teachings you feel most comfortable with.
2. Pick which meetings you feel most at home in, even if you don't agree with their teachings.

As a Christian myself, I would encourage you that the most important fact is finding which church is actually the true church with power & authority from God. Because any other, even if it makes you feel more comfortable, is ultimately going to be pretty pointless.

Oh: and remember that if you choose to do number 2, the rest of the congregation may consider you something of a hypocrite; attending services and thereby indicating you agree with the teachings even though you actually don't.

The TRUE church - would that be yours? you should name it. because to me if a church trumpets its the TRUE church its the very one I would avoid.

Naf

meritaten wrote: »

The TRUE church - would that be yours? you should name it. because to me if a church trumpets its the TRUE church its the very one I would avoid.

Surely anybody (who attends church) considers the church they go to to be true? If not, then what's the point?
Yes, I believe the church I attend is the only true one; but you'll note that I didn't mention which that is. I'm not out touting for 'business', just trying to give advice.

bylromarha

I suggest you go to a local Baptist church.

Most are a little more lively than a Church of England church. Most I've visited are very welcoming. After the service find your way to the welcome table and have a chat with a person manning it.

I also suggest you sign up to a local Alpha course so you can find out more about your new faith - try the baptist church again.

Praying for you chuck - all the best on your hunt.

Tiglath

http://www.findachurch.co.uk/

http://www.shipoffools.com/mystery/index.html