Would you join me in this action, if...

[daveleau]

Hey everybody!

I think I've said before that I am a Christian that has found a home in a Baptist church. I believe it is the best church in my town for teaching and I love the clarity of the messages taught within. But, I think there is something to be said about experiencing worship and fellowship with other groups to help understand others and bring about a unity of Christians.

How many of you would join me in taking Sunday the 9th of July as a day to experience another denomination's church?

I'm not saying that we should necessarily abandon our own church that Sunday or that in one Sunday we can gain more than a modicum of understanding. I think that taking a day to go to another denomination's church would benefit us to understand others and help to bring a little closer unity of Christianity. If you don't want to miss your own service, then maybe try to make two services (your church and another).

Who's in?

God bless,
Dave

PS- I know nothing about Presbyterian, so I think I might go to a Presbyterian church on the 9th.





Paul traveled around and worshiped in many different ways as is described in Paul's testimony before Felix (Acts 24). It is not where you worship (Jewish temples, as described by Paul), but with the heart and knowledge of the Right Ways of God (not legalistic) and through Faith.


1 Cor 1:12-16
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas[a]"; still another, "I follow Christ."
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into[b] the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

[Fish and Bread]

I'd like to invite anyone who wants to participate in this and isn't sure which church to check out to come visit their local Episcopal Church parish. We're very welcoming folks and we won't hassle you. We love visitors.

John

[arunma]

I'd like to invite anyone who wants to participate in this and isn't sure which church to check out to come visit their local Episcopal Church parish. We're very welcoming folks and we won't hassle you. We love visitors.

A few months ago, I visited my friend's Episcopal church. I can't say I'm all that fond of your theology, but I absolutely loved the services! I suppose I could get used to the liturgical thing.

[AveMaria]

I just wanted to say, I think that's a very cool idea, and I think I'll look around town and pick a different church denomenation to attend that day.

[daveleau]

I just wanted to say, I think that's a very cool idea, and I think I'll look around town and pick a different church denomenation to attend that day.

Cool! I was actually married in an Episcopalian church in Charleston. A beautiful and historic church where my fiancee (at the time) was a member. It was one of the diocese on the conservative side of the current Episcopalian riff.

[TwinCrier]

I don't want to because I wouldn't want to risk exposing my children to false doctrine (they get enough of that n ht e public school) but it will be interesting to see what other people experience. There should be a new thread started for people to post what they learned and how the other denom compares to their own.

[McDLT]

My family does this a fair bit. Before we had kids, we attended and were members of a Mennonite Brethren church and Sunday evenings we went to a Pentecostal church.

Right now we are still members of an MB church, but are attending an Alliance church until the MB church plant we are a part of gets into full swing.

I highly recommend it. It's also a great way to get fresh ideas and meet other fellow believers.

[Diane_Windsor]

I think that is a wonderful idea Dave, but I won't be joining you. Over the past ten years I have worshipped in a variety of churches including Southern Baptist, Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopal/Anglican, and of course Methodist. I have been to at least one service of every major denomination and/or denominational family out there! I have also studied a variety of faiths-both Christian and non-Christian, and have just found a home with the Methodists.

I speak from personal experience that is it good to learn about and visit different churches! I hope that people take part in this.

Diane
:)

[Diane_Windsor]

I'd like to invite anyone who wants to participate in this and isn't sure which church to check out to come visit their local Episcopal Church parish. We're very welcoming folks and we won't hassle you. We love visitors.

John

This is very true of not only the Episcopal parishes I've been too, but of the Baptist, Presby. Lutheran, etc., etc. churches that I have been to as well!

Diane

[daveleau]

I don't want to because I wouldn't want to risk exposing my children to false doctrine (they get enough of that n ht e public school) but it will be interesting to see what other people experience. There should be a new thread started for people to post what they learned and how the other denom compares to their own.

This is exactly the type of barrier that I am trying to combat. This is a divisiveness that is GREATLY diminishing our capacity to reach the unsaved. The world sees us making statements such as "oh, no! I'm Baptist, not _____!". The world sees us talking about other groups as being "false doctrines." They see us as holier-than-thou. This turns them off to Christianity. RIGHTLY SO! This is what Satan wants us to do. Instead, we need to understand other groups, which is the first step in breaking down the divisions. Who knows, your child may be exposed to an experience that could make him a future church leader and theologian that works to true unity of the True Church that Christ established on faith in Him.

Baptists (as I am) are not perfect. By taking your children to a Baptist church, you are at some point and time, exposing them to false doctrine. I go to a Baptist church, because I think the ones in my area are the most correct regarding the Bible. But, I know it is not perfect.
No church is.
No teacher is.
No theologian is.
No preacher is.
Other Christian groups are not heathens following a different Gospel. Each group is flawed. Baptists are not exempt. We need to understand the other groups...truly understand them without false assumptions that our own church is perfect and others are flawed...to help break down these barriers.

Closed-mindedness regarding other Christian groups is a direct re-accomplishment of the Corinthian problem Paul was writing about in 1 Corinthians 1. This was SO important to Paul, that he started out his letter with this very issue! The only thing that has changed in our wicked repeating of this problem is that we are saying "I was baptized by a Baptist" rather than saying "I was baptized by Apollos."

[InnerPhyre]

I suggest visiting an Orthodox church. I'm not Orthodox, but I visited a few times and wow what an experience.

[staugustine68]

I don't want to because I wouldn't want to risk exposing my children to false doctrine (they get enough of that n ht e public school) but it will be interesting to see what other people experience. There should be a new thread started for people to post what they learned and how the other denom compares to their own.
Criticizing churches is an easy target because it's made up of human beings (not perfect). Lets criticize our true enemy, satan, instead because he is the one that influences people.

[daveleau]

I think we can do some good by visiting other churches for just one Sunday.

[Terri]

This is exactly the type of barrier that I am trying to combat. This is a divisiveness that is GREATLY diminishing our capacity to reach the unsaved. The world sees us making statements such as "oh, no! I'm Baptist, not _____!". The world sees us talking about other groups as being "false doctrines." They see us as holier-than-thou. This turns them off to Christianity. RIGHTLY SO! This is what Satan wants us to do. Instead, we need to understand other groups, which is the first step in breaking down the divisions. Who knows, your child may be exposed to an experience that could make him a future church leader and theologian that works to true unity of the True Church that Christ established on faith in Him.

Baptists (as I am) are not perfect. By taking your children to a Baptist church, you are at some point and time, exposing them to false doctrine. I go to a Baptist church, because I think the ones in my area are the most correct regarding the Bible. But, I know it is not perfect.
No church is.
No teacher is.
No theologian is.
No preacher is.
Other Christian groups are not heathens following a different Gospel. Each group is flawed. Baptists are not exempt. We need to understand the other groups...truly understand them without false assumptions that our own church is perfect and others are flawed...to help break down these barriers.

Closed-mindedness regarding other Christian groups is a direct re-accomplishment of the Corinthian problem Paul was writing about in 1 Corinthians 1. This was SO important to Paul, that he started out his letter with this very issue! The only thing that has changed in our wicked repeating of this problem is that we are saying "I was baptized by a Baptist" rather than saying "I was baptized by Apollos."

Good grief--Get a grip! http://www.christianforums.com/image.php?u=208&type=profile&dateline=1070847169 You come across as having that holier than though attitude you are denouncing!

Some people see things differently than you. Please try to accept this and move on.

[ZiSunka]

I go to a different denomination just about every sunday! :D

[Maeyken]

I haven't been to my church in a month, so I think I'll be going there this week. I've been at other people's churches. :)

It's interesting to go to other churches, but I like to come back to familiarity of mine, and the community that knows me.

[mesue]

This is exactly the type of barrier that I am trying to combat. This is a divisiveness that is GREATLY diminishing our capacity to reach the unsaved. The world sees us making statements such as "oh, no! I'm Baptist, not _____!". The world sees us talking about other groups as being "false doctrines." They see us as holier-than-thou. This turns them off to Christianity. RIGHTLY SO! This is what Satan wants us to do. Instead, we need to understand other groups, which is the first step in breaking down the divisions. Who knows, your child may be exposed to an experience that could make him a future church leader and theologian that works to true unity of the True Church that Christ established on faith in Him.

Baptists (as I am) are not perfect. By taking your children to a Baptist church, you are at some point and time, exposing them to false doctrine. I go to a Baptist church, because I think the ones in my area are the most correct regarding the Bible. But, I know it is not perfect.
No church is.
No teacher is.
No theologian is.
No preacher is.
Other Christian groups are not heathens following a different Gospel. Each group is flawed. Baptists are not exempt. We need to understand the other groups...truly understand them without false assumptions that our own church is perfect and others are flawed...to help break down these barriers.

Closed-mindedness regarding other Christian groups is a direct re-accomplishment of the Corinthian problem Paul was writing about in 1 Corinthians 1. This was SO important to Paul, that he started out his letter with this very issue! The only thing that has changed in our wicked repeating of this problem is that we are saying "I was baptized by a Baptist" rather than saying "I was baptized by Apollos."
It isn't a matter of being Corinthian, or not, to some of us, Some of us grew up in different churches before we were saved. We're not necessarily bashing other churches as much as we are speaking from experience. I grew up in a works based church. I loved that church, until I started reading the Bible. I couldn't find my church in the Bible. My heart was broken, like finding out your spouse is living a completely different life behind your back. I felt betrayed, lied to, used, and so very alone. After much prayer, I went searching for a church. I found one and am very happy there. Yes the name on the door says Baptist, but it's just a God loving, Bible believing, Bible preaching, church. For the time being, I am content with the church family God has given me.
If I were to visit a different church, I think I would like to visit a Synagogue. :)

[daveleau]

I'm talking mostly to those that do not know other churches. I know nothing about Methodist and Presbyterian. I grew up in Pentecostal and non-Denom and even attended a conservative Episcopalian for a while before spending the past 4 years in Baptist churches (with a short stint in Hagee's non-denom church). I'm trying to promote understanding through knowledge. Prayer and knowledge of the other groups is the only way we are going to heal the rifts in Christianity that are a huge barrier to reaching the unsaved. They see the rifts and our own internal problems and are turned off. I think more could be saved if we truly had understanding of others, spoke kindly, and prayed about the rifts in our fellowship.

[JimfromOhio]

Hey everybody!

I think I've said before that I am a Christian that has found a home in a Baptist church. I believe it is the best church in my town for teaching and I love the clarity of the messages taught within. But, I think there is something to be said about experiencing worship and fellowship with other groups to help understand others and bring about a unity of Christians.

How many of you would join me in taking Sunday the 9th of July as a day to experience another denomination's church?

I'm not saying that we should necessarily abandon our own church that Sunday or that in one Sunday we can gain more than a modicum of understanding. I think that taking a day to go to another denomination's church would benefit us to understand others and help to bring a little closer unity of Christianity. If you don't want to miss your own service, then maybe try to make two services (your church and another).

Who's in?

God bless,
Dave

PS- I know nothing about Presbyterian, so I think I might go to a Presbyterian church on the 9th.





Paul traveled around and worshiped in many different ways as is described in Paul's testimony before Felix (Acts 24). It is not where you worship (Jewish temples, as described by Paul), but with the heart and knowledge of the Right Ways of God (not legalistic) and through Faith.


1 Cor 1:12-16
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas[a]"; still another, "I follow Christ."
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into[b] the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Denominations I have attended over the years (40+ years).
Congregational
United Church of Christ
Lutheran
Baptist (various kinds, i.e. Southern Baptist, Independent Baptist)
Catholic (I grew up in MA and attended Catholic School),
Wesleyanism (Methodist/Church of the Nazarene)
Assembly of God (Pentecostalism and the Charismatic)
Foursquare (Pentecostalism and the Charismatic)
and many others.

Currently I am attending an Anabaptist church.

Denominations I have not visited yet and might visit someday:
Presbyterian (Calvinism)
Anglicanism/Episcopalianism


Many of my favorite theologists are Presbyterian so I would like to visit a Presbyterian someday.

[Maeyken]

Alright, so lets hear from people who experienced a different church this past Sunday. I'm curious!
What did you like or appreciate about the service you attended?
What seemed different or strange?
Would you consider attending the church you visited (for example if you were new to the area and were looking for a church- would the one you visited be one you would consider?) Why or why not?
What made you choose that church or denom. to visit?

[hindsey]

Why would I go to a church that is part of a denomination that holds to a beilef that I believe to be opposed to the teaching of God in Scripture? Just to see "how" they do it? I guess I hold doctrine as being more important than enjoying the services, or seeing interesting things... I don't believe that I have everything right, but I can find out what other denominations teach through books and make a determination from home whether or not I believe their doctrine to be in agreement with the Scriptures.

[Terri]

Why would I go to a church that is part of a denomination that holds to a beilef that I believe to be opposed to the teaching of God in Scripture? Just to see "how" they do it? I guess I hold doctrine as being more important than enjoying the services, or seeing interesting things... I don't believe that I have everything right, but I can find out what other denominations teach through books and make a determination from home whether or not I believe their doctrine to be in agreement with the Scriptures.

And to that Hindsey I say :amen: .

Doctrine is very important: 1TI 4:15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

But, of course those that watch their doctrine closely are going to miss out on the new age, feel good, can't we all just ignore doctrine and get along, one world religion. :)

[Fish and Bread]

So, who actually visited other churches this Sunday? What did you all think?

John

[newbeliever02072005]

How many of you would join me in taking Sunday the 9th of July as a day to experience another denomination's church?


You did mean the 10th, right Dave? ;)

[MominTX2004]

I am going to do this because I just haven't met any peers in the church I currently attend. I have attended Lutheran, Catholic and Pentecostal churches in the past and now belong to a Southern Baptist church because my husband is southern Baptist, but he doesn't even go to church with me and I don't have any peers/friends in this church so I think I will go to a Methodist or Episcipal church just to see what they believe and follow. I agree that many churches say they believe in and preach the Bible but then when you go you find that they concentrate on certain parts of the Bible and ignore others. I think it's hard to find a church that preaches on all parts of the Bible and when I do find a church that truthfully does that I'd stay in it. I have found that the Baptist churches I've attended do preach on many parts of the Bible and practice what they preach.

[newbeliever02072005]

How did everyones experiences go at another church?

[AveMaria]

I woke up sick this morning, so my visit to another church will have to be next week, but I hope everyone else who decided to attend a different denomenation had a good, interesting, and wonderful time!

[stlsweeti]

I'm so glad I found this thread. I'm Lutheran and I attended my first non Lutheran service today at a Baptist church. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to attend the evening service as well. I must say that I've never met a friendler group of people in my life. I've never had so many people greet me with so much warmth at one time. I really found the sermons wonderful. The service was VERY different than the Lutheran service (I even felt a little guilty for being there, but I obviously didn't let that stop me from attending the second service) I would share more, but my keyboard is going crazy for some reason and it's taken me about 10 minutes to just type this.