Impressions: First Time at a Non-denominational church

[98cwitr]

So I was raised Baptist and finally tried a ND church for the first time yesterday with two of my friends. It was much more "involved" than any Baptist church I have been to. The church was very tall, but shallow in construction; with a very nice "coffee bar" or sorts. The race ratio is very mixed and the church seems more liberal and excepting of different people and is not clichy. We got there early and met with the Pastor of Public Relations. She was very nice, filled us with literature on what the church was about and welcomed us into the Youth/College Group and introduced us to a girl about our age that was a big part of the group. We ate dinner with her and she invited us to the Youth Meeting. There we met the pastor of the youth division who was about 29ish and kind of weird, but with a lot of positive energy. So the meeting seemed to be a bit over inviting as we sat there and for some reason I felt like they wanted us to contribute to the conversation where I felt that it wasn’t my place (another example of their "lack" of rules/regulations).

Then the sermon began: This was interesting and a new experience for me. We walked in to an entire crowd was clapping and singing and rejoicing like they should be. Unfortunately, I was feeling a bit out of place. Baptist churches usually are less "crunk" and in my Baptist experiences we would "Listen to the sermon, stand, sing (hands on the pue, body still), sit down, repeat). So my friends were getting down, dancing and clapping their hands as I stood there swaying my body to the beat.

After the music, the pastor spoke and was a very enthusiastic gentleman.

[SteelDisciple]

So I was raised Baptist and finally tried a ND church for the first time yesterday with two of my friends. It was much more "involved" than any Baptist church I have been to. The church was very tall, but shallow in construction; with a very nice "coffee bar" or sorts. The race ratio is very mixed and the church seems more liberal and excepting of different people and is not clichy. We got there early and met with the Pastor of Public Relations. She was very nice, filled us with literature on what the church was about and welcomed us into the Youth/College Group and introduced us to a girl about our age that was a big part of the group. We ate dinner with her and she invited us to the Youth Meeting. There we met the pastor of the youth division who was about 29ish and kind of weird, but with a lot of positive energy. So the meeting seemed to be a bit over inviting as we sat there and for some reason I felt like they wanted us to contribute to the conversation where I felt that it wasn’t my place (another example of their "lack" of rules/regulations).

Then the sermon began: This was interesting and a new experience for me. We walked in to an entire crowd was clapping and singing and rejoicing like they should be. Unfortunately, I was feeling a bit out of place. Baptist churches usually are less "crunk" and in my Baptist experiences we would "Listen to the sermon, stand, sing (hands on the pue, body still), sit down, repeat). So my friends were getting down, dancing and clapping their hands as I stood there swaying my body to the beat.

After the music, the pastor spoke and was a very enthusiastic gentleman.



Sounds like you found a great church :)

For me...on the meetings i've been to..it usually consisted of a bunch of people getting together at a coffee shop and talking. :) Don't be afraid to speak up...it's your place...even as a new person. They value opinion.

Sounds like an awesome church though. Kind of like mine :)

[pineapplelesson]

Sounds like a great church.

I totally understand what you mean though. I was raised in an Anglican church, so my first experience at my ND church was a little... awkward.

Definately go back once or twice more before deciding whether you're comfortable there or not. Trust me, you'll end up being more comfortable in an understanding, accepting church than you'd ever be at a church where they frown upon anything you do.

..P..

[ub4me]

Did you sense God's love and presence there?

something new can be intimidating....but maybe it is time for something new.

[SteelDisciple]

I used to be a church hopper. I've been to pretty much every kind of christian church there is. :P So I totally understand having new experiences in a different church.

[bfly]

So I was raised Baptist and finally tried a ND church for the first time yesterday with two of my friends. It was much more "involved" than any Baptist church I have been to. The church was very tall, but shallow in construction; with a very nice "coffee bar" or sorts. The race ratio is very mixed and the church seems more liberal and excepting of different people and is not clichy. We got there early and met with the Pastor of Public Relations. She was very nice, filled us with literature on what the church was about and welcomed us into the Youth/College Group and introduced us to a girl about our age that was a big part of the group. We ate dinner with her and she invited us to the Youth Meeting. There we met the pastor of the youth division who was about 29ish and kind of weird, but with a lot of positive energy. So the meeting seemed to be a bit over inviting as we sat there and for some reason I felt like they wanted us to contribute to the conversation where I felt that it wasn’t my place (another example of their "lack" of rules/regulations).

Then the sermon began: This was interesting and a new experience for me. We walked in to an entire crowd was clapping and singing and rejoicing like they should be. Unfortunately, I was feeling a bit out of place. Baptist churches usually are less "crunk" and in my Baptist experiences we would "Listen to the sermon, stand, sing (hands on the pue, body still), sit down, repeat). So my friends were getting down, dancing and clapping their hands as I stood there swaying my body to the beat.

After the music, the pastor spoke and was a very enthusiastic gentleman.

Sounds like you found you a home church. Baptist are great folks but dry as gun powder.

God wants us to praise and worship Him. He said if we didn't the rocks would cry out.

A good praise service is worth more to me than any sermon.

I have been in services where the praise and worship was so good, people would fill the alters and the sermon never got preached. But souls got saved.

Now I will have to admit, every Sunday those same folks would flood the alter again. Now I don't know if what they got the first time didn't work of if it worked so good they become addicted to it.

I would want to know what the church based their beliefs on. I wouldn't rush into anything pertaining to joining the church.

You know we have to remember the church is filled with folk just like you and me. It is really a hospital for the sinners, not a church for the saints. They come from all walks of life. All come with an agenda but hopefully all can unite in one thing and that is Jesus Christ. God Bless you.

[Godslilgurlalways]

So I was raised Baptist and finally tried a ND church for the first time yesterday with two of my friends. It was much more "involved" than any Baptist church I have been to. The church was very tall, but shallow in construction; with a very nice "coffee bar" or sorts. The race ratio is very mixed and the church seems more liberal and excepting of different people and is not clichy. We got there early and met with the Pastor of Public Relations. She was very nice, filled us with literature on what the church was about and welcomed us into the Youth/College Group and introduced us to a girl about our age that was a big part of the group. We ate dinner with her and she invited us to the Youth Meeting. There we met the pastor of the youth division who was about 29ish and kind of weird, but with a lot of positive energy. So the meeting seemed to be a bit over inviting as we sat there and for some reason I felt like they wanted us to contribute to the conversation where I felt that it wasn’t my place (another example of their "lack" of rules/regulations).

Then the sermon began: This was interesting and a new experience for me. We walked in to an entire crowd was clapping and singing and rejoicing like they should be. Unfortunately, I was feeling a bit out of place. Baptist churches usually are less "crunk" and in my Baptist experiences we would "Listen to the sermon, stand, sing (hands on the pue, body still), sit down, repeat). So my friends were getting down, dancing and clapping their hands as I stood there swaying my body to the beat.

After the music, the pastor spoke and was a very enthusiastic gentleman.


Spund like a good church to attend kind of brings memories of when I first went to this new church was penecostal non ND to me they seem the same few exceptions though.With the pray welcome you and want you to contribute to the conservation well from my experience it's there way of welcoming you, trying to make you feel as confortable and welcome as possible which is good to hear. Sounds like that chrch has a lot of love in it wow doesn't it bring memeorites from 3 years ago:)

[Catechumen]

The church was very tall, but shallow in construction; with a very nice "coffee bar" or sorts.

A coffee bar in church? That disgusts me. I'm pretty sure the disciples didn't drink coffee as they listened to Jesus preach.

[Nadiine]

So I was raised Baptist and finally tried a ND church for the first time yesterday with two of my friends. It was much more "involved" than any Baptist church I have been to. The church was very tall, but shallow in construction; with a very nice "coffee bar" or sorts. The race ratio is very mixed and the church seems more liberal and excepting of different people and is not clichy. We got there early and met with the Pastor of Public Relations. She was very nice, filled us with literature on what the church was about and welcomed us into the Youth/College Group and introduced us to a girl about our age that was a big part of the group. We ate dinner with her and she invited us to the Youth Meeting. There we met the pastor of the youth division who was about 29ish and kind of weird, but with a lot of positive energy. So the meeting seemed to be a bit over inviting as we sat there and for some reason I felt like they wanted us to contribute to the conversation where I felt that it wasn’t my place (another example of their "lack" of rules/regulations).

Then the sermon began: This was interesting and a new experience for me. We walked in to an entire crowd was clapping and singing and rejoicing like they should be. Unfortunately, I was feeling a bit out of place. Baptist churches usually are less "crunk" and in my Baptist experiences we would "Listen to the sermon, stand, sing (hands on the pue, body still), sit down, repeat). So my friends were getting down, dancing and clapping their hands as I stood there swaying my body to the beat.


I was raised in the Baptist church so I understand exactly what you're saying.
This is simply an issue regarding "forms of worship" - this is why I don't claim denominations are a bad thing; as if they're ALL divided in contention.

Each church denom. worships God in different ways w/ different focuses. People who feel most comfortable with that form (comfortable in the music, atmosphere, people/Elders & teaching) will continue there.

It sounds to me like you were just out of your comfort zone & everything seemed strange & loose to you --
no offense, but since Baptists are very 'formal'... I can see how anything more relaxed would seem awkward & almost "pentecostalish" (which I'm personally not a fan of).

In my case, I enjoy a more relaxed (less staunch) environment - ND churches (to me) basically fall in the middle of Baptist & Pentecostal extremes. Even then, each individual ND church is different in it's worship style; some are less 'boyant' than others.

I still for the most part carry the same Baptist worldview as far as doctrinal beliefs - in fact, I actually wish I could Post in the Baptist area becuz I still consider myself Baptist at heart!
One thing I value is that things I don't personally agree on (minor biblical issues), I can easily let go and leave up to God to sort out. I ONLY divide with central doctrinal issues that affect salvation or spiritually harm.

Anyways, new things always take us out of our comfort zones. Sometimes it takes time to find the right church we feel most at home in - I always try to go 2-3 times to give it a chance to 'grow on me' (unless my first experience was too nasty & I have no interest).

peace :holy:

[Nadiine]

A coffee bar in church? That disgusts me. I'm pretty sure the disciples didn't drink coffee as they listened to Jesus preach.

Why can't a church have a coffee stand in it?? And you really DON'T know if the congregations ate or drank during preaching in biblical times.
That's an assumption you're basing a personal judgment on.

You're also reading into this - he never claimed that they took their food/drink INSIDE the sanctuary or that they were allowed to eat/drink DURING Services.

The ND churches I've been to had coffee/light food bars, but ban all food & drink in the Sanctuary without exception.

You're jumping to conclusions & being judgmental in a minor issue.

[Motherof3]

Why can't a church have a coffee stand in it?? And you really DON'T know if the congregations ate or drank during preaching in biblical times.
That's an assumption you're basing a personal judgment on.

You're also reading into this - he never claimed that they took their food/drink INSIDE the sanctuary or that they were allowed to eat/drink DURING Services.

The ND churches I've been to had coffee/light food bars, but ban all food & drink in the Sanctuary without exception.

You're jumping to conclusions & being judgmental in a minor issue.

I agree. As a matter of fact, most of the time Jesus spent w/his disciples was for feasts of some kind so they could fellowship.

I belong to a ND church & it has been a very rewarding experience. It was a lot different than Presbyterian which I grew up with, but once I got used to it & saw the love of God in this community, I felt at home.

[98cwitr]

is coffee evil now? haha

[tel0004]

I remember my first time at a ND church. It was actually my first time going to church since I was about 6-8 since my parents wernt religious. I though everybody was crazy. I went back a few more times and I found out I was right. Ive now been going there for about 8 months, and I wouldnt have it any other way. I guess now im crazy to. Crazy for God.

[Nadiine]

I remember my first time at a ND church. It was actually my first time going to church since I was about 6-8 since my parents wernt religious. I though everybody was crazy. I went back a few more times and I found out I was right. Ive now been going there for about 8 months, and I wouldnt have it any other way. I guess now im crazy to. Crazy for God.

LOLOL

Well, the bible says we're a peculiar people!! heheee:P

(no crazier than the fanatics I see at Sports Events! ;) )

[pilgrimgal]

So I was raised Baptist and finally tried a ND church for the first time yesterday with two of my friends. It was much more "involved" than any Baptist church I have been to. The church was very tall, but shallow in construction; with a very nice "coffee bar" or sorts. The race ratio is very mixed and the church seems more liberal and excepting of different people and is not clichy. We got there early and met with the Pastor of Public Relations. She was very nice, filled us with literature on what the church was about and welcomed us into the Youth/College Group and introduced us to a girl about our age that was a big part of the group. We ate dinner with her and she invited us to the Youth Meeting. There we met the pastor of the youth division who was about 29ish and kind of weird, but with a lot of positive energy. So the meeting seemed to be a bit over inviting as we sat there and for some reason I felt like they wanted us to contribute to the conversation where I felt that it wasn’t my place (another example of their "lack" of rules/regulations).

Then the sermon began: This was interesting and a new experience for me. We walked in to an entire crowd was clapping and singing and rejoicing like they should be. Unfortunately, I was feeling a bit out of place. Baptist churches usually are less "crunk" and in my Baptist experiences we would "Listen to the sermon, stand, sing (hands on the pue, body still), sit down, repeat). So my friends were getting down, dancing and clapping their hands as I stood there swaying my body to the beat.

After the music, the pastor spoke and was a very enthusiastic gentleman.


My first time was a wonderful experience. :clap: Seemed as if the whole place was alive. People chatting, sun shining through the windows, band getting ready, everyone hugging and saying hello...loved it and still do!! Then during the service especially the worship I said to myself, "Now, this is really worship!" And the sermon was more than someone trying to hold everyone's attention by telling jokes...it was entirely based on the scriptures. In fact we were asked to check passage after passage and take notes. Someone handed us a guideline. (that was a first for me.) and I liked the songs up on the screen. Everyone sang too!

Most of all I think there was a sweet, sweet Spirit in that place (just like that old song). :groupray:

:amen:

[Sensitive_Soul]

LOLOL

Well, the bible says we're a peculiar people!! heheee:P

(no crazier than the fanatics I see at Sports Events! ;) )

Well count me in cuz I'm crazy for Jesus too! ^_^

By the way, can anyone help me understand the difference between a Non-denominational church and a Pentecostal church? Is a ND church like a Pentecostal church, only more toned down? I'm a little fuzzy on it all.

[Nadiine]

Well count me in cuz I'm crazy for Jesus too! ^_^

By the way, can anyone help me understand the difference between a Non-denominational church and a Pentecostal church? Is a ND church like a Pentecostal church, only more toned down? I'm a little fuzzy on it all.

hi :wave:

Just speaking from my personal experiences in several ND churches,... I'd have to say the one's I've gone to were alot toned down from Pentecostal churches.

The preaching during the services is almost Baptist or Lutheren in that it's very even-toned without any shouting or people being openly emotional/moving around.

Also, there isn't laying on of hands or people speaking in any tongues... some ND churches have had loud bands & some have played rock though.

My church does offer speaking in tongues on Wed. nites AFTER the services; people can stay afterward in the sanctuary to gather together and if the Spirit moves in that way, they will do that.
I've never been to one, so I have no clue if they have an interpretator there or not or what else goes on.?

So I do know our pastor is at least open to that gift still being enacted today - but it's nothing he openly teaches & promotes as any focus congregationally.

That's just my personal experience in them - I like them very much, but I have no problems with other denoms. :thumbsup:

[Nadiine]

I forgot to mention that one ND church we went to when we first moved outside of the big city, played hardcore COUNTRY STYLE MUSIC with cowboy boots, hats & all....

No offense to anyone, but I literally cannot handle that brand of music ( I mean, I detest it! I don't know why), so we never went back there just because of that. *hangs head* lol sorry

[SteelDisciple]

A coffee bar in church? That disgusts me. I'm pretty sure the disciples didn't drink coffee as they listened to Jesus preach.

Considering coffee wasn't in those areas at the time. You're probably right.

As for nowadays. Nothing at all wrong with it. Helps me concentrate a lot more. (being that I have a slight case of ADD)

you are making assumption based on personal opinion.
It's very likely they DID eat and drink while Jesus spoke as it's been proven that doing so does raise concentration levels. Food is also great for fellowship. :)

[SteelDisciple]

I forgot to mention that one ND church we went to when we first moved outside of the big city, played hardcore COUNTRY STYLE MUSIC with cowboy boots, hats & all....

No offense to anyone, but I literally cannot handle that brand of music ( I mean, I detest it! I don't know why), so we never went back there just because of that. *hangs head* lol sorry


no, I can understand. Country music grates on my every last nerve.:)

My church plays rock music...much more to my style of worship.

[Nadiine]

no, I can understand. Country music grates on my every last nerve.:)

My church plays rock music...much more to my style of worship.

I actually wish ours did (at least if they got a band for just one sunday a month even).
I grew up on rock/even some heavy metal, & I honestly don't know what makes me love it... or how to make myself NOT like it?.

I'd go into the music subject, but that's straying from the OP.:sorry:

[SteelDisciple]

I actually wish ours did (at least if they got a band for just one sunday a month even).
I grew up on rock/even some heavy metal, & I honestly don't know what makes me love it... or how to make myself NOT like it?.

I'd go into the music subject, but that's straying from the OP.:sorry:

I think our church does get a little strife from some people outside the church who say we're playing the devils music or something like that.

I think what it comes down to is...we need to stay away from the slippery slope of judgemental attitude. We need to realize that ALL people praise in different ways...there is no RIGHT way to praise God. It's all personal taste. For me...I just can't praise God all that well with hymns...I find the music, repetitive and i'm unable to sing in excitement because well..the music feels like a funeral march to me. :P It depresses me.

Anyway...even though these guys who don't believe in ANY music may not be 100% biblical...they are praising in the way they feel they can best praise Him...and even though it's REALLY hard for me sometimes to just accept things like that...that not everyone thinks the way I do...I'll accept how they praise.

It's just so haaarrrd =P

[Sensitive_Soul]

hi :wave:

Just speaking from my personal experiences in several ND churches,... I'd have to say the one's I've gone to were alot toned down from Pentecostal churches.

The preaching during the services is almost Baptist or Lutheren in that it's very even-toned without any shouting or people being openly emotional/moving around.

Also, there isn't laying on of hands or people speaking in any tongues... some ND churches have had loud bands & some have played rock though.

My church does offer speaking in tongues on Wed. nites AFTER the services; people can stay afterward in the sanctuary to gather together and if the Spirit moves in that way, they will do that.
I've never been to one, so I have no clue if they have an interpretator there or not or what else goes on.?

So I do know our pastor is at least open to that gift still being enacted today - but it's nothing he openly teaches & promotes as any focus congregationally.

That's just my personal experience in them - I like them very much, but I have no problems with other denoms. :thumbsup:

Well then, I guess my church is somewhere in between. It has a little bit from both denominations.

[jad123]

I went from Catholic to a ND church. What a difference. I found that I was so wrapped up in the way the church "looked". My first service was at my old high school. I hated it. I wanted a "real" church. I eventually figured out that the church is not the building. Now I do not think I could somewhere where the looks of church seemed more important than the message.

[SteelDisciple]

I went from Catholic to a ND church. What a difference. I found that I was so wrapped up in the way the church "looked". My first service was at my old high school. I hated it. I wanted a "real" church. I eventually figured out that the church is not the building. Now I do not think I could somewhere where the looks of church seemed more important than the message.

I never say this..but I think this warrents it this time.


ahem..


AMEN TO THAT!!! :)

[pilgrimgal]

I went from Catholic to a ND church. What a difference. I found that I was so wrapped up in the way the church "looked". My first service was at my old high school. I hated it. I wanted a "real" church. I eventually figured out that the church is not the building. Now I do not think I could somewhere where the looks of church seemed more important than the message.

Good point! It is most helpful to me to have a worshipful atmosphere in the Lord's house, but the Church is really the people of God on journey together, worshipping God, living the Gospels, sharing, and supporting one another in love. We can do that in a tent if need be, or outside, or in small and humble quarters. :amen:

[Motherof3]

Good point! It is most helpful to me to have a worshipful atmosphere in the Lord's house, but the Church is really the people of God on journey together, worshipping God, living the Gospels, sharing, and supporting one another in love. We can do that in a tent if need be, or outside, or in small and humble quarters. :amen:

I know exactly what you mean. :amen: My church is a small group, it's a small church that sits in a little bit from the rest of the buildings around it but the love of Jesus is evident in its works in the community. Living the gospel is what we worry about, not how fancy our building looks. We do the repairs needed so nothing caves in on us ;) , & we're mostly in red ink on the budget books, but we have a tight-knit group of believers that show the gospel by their works & their love. And that's what really matters.

[pilgrimgal]

I know exactly what you mean. :amen: My church is a small group, it's a small church that sits in a little bit from the rest of the buildings around it but the love of Jesus is evident in its works in the community. Living the gospel is what we worry about, not how fancy our building looks. We do the repairs needed so nothing caves in on us ;) , & we're mostly in red ink on the budget books, but we have a tight-knit group of believers that show the gospel by their works & their love. And that's what really matters.

Motherof3, love this! :thumbsup: It reminds me of the early Christians who met in homes and later when they got so persecuted they met underground in the catacombs.

God bless you! :prayer: