Going to Church for the first time? Christian forums?

Janepig

Torry_Quine wrote: »

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.

I think "born again" is a term most of us are familiar with in that it differentiates, in this case, my colleague, who has always gone to church, etc... and her (Victorian ) husband who was into drink and drugs, etc... then he was "born again" and is now fanatical. To the point that it's the church before his wife and children. I apologise if it's a term you don't like but I don't believe it to be offensive.

meritaten wrote: »

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!

Agreed, it does depend somewhat on the minister, and to a degree on the more active members of the congregation. My friend's husband, and FIL are both very active in the running of their respective churches (same denomination) and I would have thought, particularly in the case of my friend's husband, that he would have at least some say in the "direction" the church would take.

Jx

Torry_Quine

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.

I totally agree here. any church which says it's the 'true' church should be totally avoided.

Naf wrote: »

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.

I certainly don't think that the church I attend is the true church and it does shock me that you think yours is! No-one church has a monopoly on the truth and they all get things wrong at times.

There will only be a true church when Christ returns.

Torry_Quine

Janepig wrote: »

I think "born again" is a term most of us are familiar with in that it differentiates, in this case, my colleague, who has always gone to church, etc... and her (Victorian ) husband who was into drink and drugs, etc... then he was "born again" and is now fanatical. To the point that it's the church before his wife and children. I apologise if it's a term you don't like but I don't believe it to be offensive.



Agreed, it does depend somewhat on the minister, and to a degree on the more active members of the congregation. My friend's husband, and FIL are both very active in the running of their respective churches (same denomination) and I would have thought, particularly in the case of my friend's husband, that he would have at least some say in the "direction" the church would take.

Jx

I'm in no way offended by the term, as a Christian I have like all others been 'born again. It just that it tends to be used for a certain type of Christian when in actuality when anyone becomes a Christian they have been born again and should from then on put Him first in their life.

meritaten

Torry_Quine wrote: »

I totally agree here. any church which says it's the 'true' church should be totally avoided.



I certainly don't think that the church I attend is the true church and it does shock me that you think yours is! No-one church has a monopoly on the truth and they all get things wrong at times.

There will only be a true church when Christ returns.

I couldn't agree with you more Torry! to the first part of your statement anyway.

Janepig

Torry_Quine wrote: »

I'm in no way offended by the term, as a Christian I have like all others been 'born again. It just that it tends to be used for a certain type of Christian when in actuality when anyone becomes a Christian they have been born again and should from then on put Him first in their life.

That's interesting, and I'm in no way being critical here, but you put Him before your family? My friend's husband's certainly does that!!!

Jx

CACHAF

Hi, Im a Christian and part of The Salvation Army. I would recommend trying different churches until you find one where you feel at home and feel welcome. Some churches can be really friendly and others not so but remember that they are made up of normal human beings (hopefully!) and just as with any other group of people some are more sociable than others.

As for a website / forum - I really like http://www.rejesus.co.uk/ this is quite a comprehensive site and very helpful and has an active forum. Hopefully you will find answers and encouragement there.

If I can help you in any other ways at all then feel free to pm me x

Torry_Quine

Janepig wrote: »

That's interesting, and I'm in no way being critical here, but you put Him before your family? My friend's husband's certainly does that!!!

Jx

It's hard to explain but if you get the relationship with God right He will help you for instance to be the best spouse or parent you can be. It doesn't mean ignoring their needs or at least it shouldn't.:o

neverdespairgirl

Naf wrote: »

Surely anybody (who attends church) considers the church they go to to be true? If not, then what's the point?

My mother, a devout Anglican, would answer that by saying that there are many paths to God, and "in my father's house there are many mansions".

meritaten

neverdespairgirl wrote: »

My mother, a devout Anglican, would answer that by saying that there are many paths to God, and "in my father's house there are many mansions".

yes, I believe that you don't have to be A 'Christian' to be a Christian. and that other religions have equal parity. most religions have equal goals.

Tolerance is really important. of other peoples beliefs.

Heamol

Hi OP,

Unsurprisingly (given my pic!) I'm Catholic and love my Faith. My cousin's husband recently converted. He approached our parish priest asking for more information and, liking what he learned, he began what we call "instruction", which is when you learn more about the Faith with the aim of becoming a Catholic. He was convinced by what he learnt and is now a practicing Catholic. It would be worth at least looking at Catholicism.

Also, while we can all give our different ideas about which is and isn't the true church/beliefs, God is the one to ask! Why not make a simple prayer to God asking Him to show you the truth and ask Him where He wants you to be? He will show you the true church if you ask Him.