Help finding a church

[all things through Christ]

Hi I live in Tucson Arizona right now. The church I go to doesn't suit me because they are not active enough in outreach ministry. I'm looking for a church in the US that has young people that do missionary stuff. And also, I don't know very much about denominations, I know what the basic principles are though... different denominations have different opinions about things, and I think the opinions are useless at best because if the Bible doesn't mention them (if the Bible did mention them then denominations wouldn't be a matter of opinion). Anyways I'd like to know of resources for finding a church for me and figuring out what denominations are bad (disagree with the Bible).

And I'd like to add that I do not consider many places that call themselves a church a church because they operate completely different from the way the church was in the Bible. And it's not like anything has changed since then (There is nothing new under the sun). I believe someone who is a part of the church will have the church and Christ as their life. I think that's about it. So I really am looking foward to some advice!

[A New Dawn]

Are you looking for a specific denominational church? You should probably find out what the specific theology of each denomination is before you think of joining one. This forum (Congregation Forum) is broken down into denomination-specific boards, so you could ask questions about doctrine specific to each group (ask for scriptural references to back them up) to see how they compare to your beliefs.

I am kinda (sorta) doing the same thing, but you are probably a bit further along in the process than I am.

Good luck!

[all things through Christ]

No whey! I couldn't be further along in the process I posted all I know about them! Some people have told me a few things about some different ones but I don't remember which ones. I know there are some denominations that are absolutely wrong though... I'd like it a lot if you'd post your findings and any helpful urls... I'll look when I have time (I have some time right now I'm going to look) so tank you very much for your good idea ;)

[A New Dawn]

You are at least coming from another mainstream Christian background. I just left the RLDS church (similar to the LDS (but different ;) ) three weeks ago, and I have to start by reading the Bible without adding restoration beliefs into it to know what it is I really believe. (At this point in time, I only know what I don't believe. :cool: ) So, believe it or not, you are further along in the process than I am. :thumbsup:

[aggie03]

My advice would be to not look for a congregation where you are happy, but for a congregation that makes God happy. Soemtimes I think we get so caught up in trying to find a place where "I fit in" or that "meets my needs" that we forget that God has given us some guidelines in the New Testament to follow. You seem like someone who is interested in seeking out what God has asked for :) I may know of a few places that you could check out close to where you live. If you are interested, just PM me to let know. I look forward to hearing from you.

[Entertaining_Angels]

Pray about it and don't go looking for a certain denomination. For example, I attend a wonderful Calvary Chapel but I know they are all not 'quite' as wonderful. Same goes with any church. God knows where you belong, trust Him and you'll find the church He desires you to attend. Something else to keep in mind is that God likes to shake things up. Don't assume that when you find the right church that you'll always be there. A few years ago we moved and started attending a new church. It was definitely the place where God wanted us but in the last half year or so we just sort of knew it was time to move on. Now looking back, I know why. The church we did attend was a good one for new believers. I grew up with a word of faith/pentacostal and catholic background (might sound unusual but I meet so many people with that exact same background) and the Lord took me back to square one where I needed to relearn about Him and that church was perfect but as I mature in faith, He has me in another church. Just trust Him.

[all things through Christ]

Thanks that was the simple answer I was looking for! I'm going to change my thingy to "non-denominational" (caps?) woaw you're an army veteran!

[all things through Christ]

Oh, yeah, it is "Non-Denominational"... it's kind of weird that it is considered a separate religion from Christianity

[covenantwmn]

http://www.flockfinder.com/ God bless!

[Llauralin]

Knowing what part of town might help. If you're in the Northwest side, you could come to my church, Northwest Bible. I like it, especially our pastor and youth group... and on the whole they're quite open to outreach stuff, and missions, and whatnot.

Edit: our website is at http://www.nwbchurch.org/

[Llauralin]

Oh, yeah, it is "Non-Denominational"... it's kind of weird that it is considered a separate religion from Christianity
Nah, not a seperate religion, even in the little icon things. Here I think it's pretty much considered to be "one who goes to a church which is protestant in nature, but not a member of any major denomination."

BTW: if ever you're feeling adventurous, and want something a little more like the early church (think Byzantine Empire), come visit St. Demetrios; it's Greek Orthodox, but more than half the liturgy is in English.