I need a new drug, I mean church

[greeneyes]

I most certainly belive in God. But I don't go to church. I don't know how to look for one. I would like one that is rather non-denominational I think. Any advice on where to start?

[more2life]

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[livingfree]

Hi Beaner!

I don't know how big of a City/Town you live in - but I would check for a non denominational Church that will share their Statement of Faith. If that lines up with what you believe - try it out! It doesn't hurt to check out some Churches. Kind of like "Church shopping".

The things I personally would be looking for are

1. Belief in the Trinity (God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit)
2. Belief in the Authority of the Bible as the living Word of God
3. Belief that Jesus was born of a virgin, died on the cross and was raised after 3 days and is alive and returning!

There are others I could add - but without any of these 3 - I would be off to shop the next Church!

Hope this helps!
Liv

[LVT25]

What Liv said...You'll know when you find the right one. You will feel welcome and you will look forward to going every week. I think it's important to like the pastor. We have new pastors in our Church and they are Wonderful!!! Very down to earth!

Good luck. It might help to pray about this.

[greeneyes]

Thanks. A few people have invited us to their church. They are professionally associated so I wonder.... what if doesn't ring our bell? (gosh that thought goes straight to "bell ringer" joke) Anyway, how would I/we deal with that if I/we didn't care for that person's church? I feel uncomfortable just thinking about it, other than sniggering about the joke. I suppose I will be guided through this and have the faith that I will. When someone wants to find a church, God is surely going to lend a hand. Don't you think?

[IAD]

Greeneyes,
What church did your parents bring you up in ? ( Sorry, not knowing you, maybe that's a no brainer ! ) I have been around....brought up Catholic, I married Episcopalian. Then devoriced & married Catholic. Durning my time between my two marriagies I attended The Washighton Seminary College. At that time I relized that religion is just tradition.....What is important is that you find out about our relationship with God & his son Jesus Christ. ( Thier are many here than can help you with that ! I can if you'ld like ? ) LOL IAD !

[greeneyes]

IAD, I was brought Episcopalian. I was the one to be disciplined in communion class - if you can imagine that! Parents divorced and mother went back to Presbyterian. Then died. Father dropped out when 2nd wife died. But that's a long story. I just feel like I need a nitch. I got the itch. When you get an itch, it is your higher self speaking to you. At least I think so. So I want to find a church nitch. And get to know people there. But I feel like I need something non pragmatic. Just a place to commune and worship. Maybe it's a call for me to meet some new people besides my drinking friends and develop my spiritual side. You know? And yes I understand what you mean about the tradition. But I think maybe I need that right now. Something is pulling me there.

[Accountable for Me]

What about an Evangelical Free Church? I use to be a part of one and I am thinking about going back as I feel something is missing in my life. Anyway, just my opinion.

[IAD]

Greeneyes,
Find the church of you upbringing.....If it does'nt suit you try something else. All the churches these days have come closer to uniting....My church which is Cathloic, doen't seem like the old church....they have reached out to other denominations and joined hands to help the needed in our community. Thier invoved in Project Hope down in LA. & Miss. with all the our sister churchs in our town. ( Catholic, Protestant, Jewish ) Lot's of things have changed......The prejudices of the past have began to fall down. IAD !

[LVT25]

I was brought up Methodist--in a tiny little Church in my hometown. Now I go to the Presbyterian Church, like I said, we have wonderful pastors. But I'm still not ready to give up my ties to the little Church. Being more involved with the Church has been a very important "tool" in this journey for me. I have even been known to ask my Bible group to pray for me. When I read posts from people that say they don't believe, it makes me sad that they can't utilize this "tool".
It could be uncomfortable if you don't like this church, I guess you just keep looking and asking around until you do find one. And yes, I offer prayer as an option, cause I do believe God will help in your decision!