What To Say When Visiting A Church

[InDeoHonorium2]

I am thinking about having the following "MANIFESTO" Printed and taking it with me every Sunday when I go to a church.
Maybe it will be an easy way of telling people what I am and am not looking for......

Probably not, but who knows ?

Thank you for allowing me to be in your church today. I may or may not return; if you see me here again, then you will know my answer.
Since you may not know me, here is a little information that might help you understand why I am here.
I am not a religious person. I don't do church memberships, I don't identify with a group, sect, cult, religion, movement or denomination. I don't drop labels, I don't classify myself within one and I don;t seek to with others.
I a ma deeply spiritual person. I hold God in high estemm and closeness. Since I have a close relationship with God, I have really no need for religion.
However I find great inspiration and beauty in certain religious workings and services. I also find the study of religion to be a most fascinating area. I am intrigued by what people believe and why.
My beliefs are the results of my life's experiences. Since my life has no doubt been different than yours, my beliefs will be different than yours. Don't be fearul or upset by this. Learn what you can from me and move on.
Do not attempt to change , degrade, mock or belittle my beliefs. To do show will only show your own inner failure. Do not attempt to tell me what I should or should not believe, how I should or should not worshiop, where I should or should not attend religious services. Do not try to tell me what I should or should not eat or drink, what I should read, see or listen to. I am totally agaisnt censorship in any form, and your group has no authority over me. Don't forget that.
If you have my name and address or phone nunmber and you need something feel free to call me. I will do what I can within reason depending on your request to help you out. Please Do not make uninvited or unannounced visits to my home. Please respect my privacy and I will do the same for you. Make no requests of me that are immoral or illegal, as I will not respond. Please do not waste my time telling me about your beliefs. If I want to know, I will ask you. Please do not waste my time telling me about other religion's or groups beliefs either. If I want to know, I will ask them .
Finally, as I have stated before , I do not affiliate any membership with any group. Please do not persue this any further.
I appreciate the opportunity to be in your building today. I hope that my presence will not be misconstrued or misinterpreted as anything other than what it is.
I am heear to gain insight and inspiration. I am not here to meet people or make friends. At least not this time.

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

How about shorter version;

"i am a sinner and a saint, just like you"

[InDeoHonorium2]

How about shorter version;

"i am a sinner and a saint, just like you"
That might work

Could I add "I am not looking to join or have any formal membership here but thanks anyway" ?

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Add that after they try and seduce you --- get the free teeshirts, bibles and chocolates first!

[christian73]

I answered this in another forum, but when I think about it, you could come up with something shorter. The way you word this, will turn people off. Remember that the first impression is the lasting impression.

If you're not looking to join the church, then it's important to say that. I just think you can say it in a nicerr, friendlier way.

[Elderone]

No church worthy of its name would push you to become a member, or try to schedule visits without you initiating the request. Simply state your looking. Also, do not feel under any obligation to put money in the collection plate if your not a member, there is no charge to attend a worship service. If the right congregation and service comes along you will know it, and your outlook will change. Take it from me, another loner.

[InDeoHonorium2]

THANKS!
Like I said, It is what I think, but the act of me actually writing it down and hadning it to someone will probably never happen.

You are right Elderone. No one should push for membership or schedule uninvited visits. Some do though.

I remember when I was a kid growing up in a Baptist church. NOt only did they make unscheduled visits, but they were in cahoots with the chamber of commerce and the local realators SO they could find out when someone new moved into town.
Nowadays with privacy laws as they are, Thank God, that information cannot be obtained by them.
When I was doing an observation of a neo=pentacostal group, they were in the process of setting up a home visitation program. I was invited to attend a meeting of this, and they showed a film that the pastor jokingly said "We borrowed it from the baptists"
What I found most disturbing was the bvorderline deceptive techniques and methods the speaker on the film introduced to the viewers to make visits "more successful" He also said point blank "do not let them know you are coming to visit them; you don't want them to be prepared for your arrival. Catch them offguard so they will have to listen to your testimony" Many churches DO still attempt this type of visitation which is why I never leave my address on any visitor card or anything else there.
Many churches have gone away from visitors cards and gone instead to a registry or book that they ask people to sign that is located near the door. I usually do not.

I have been asked many times if I would like information on church membership, and I usually just tell them no thanks I do not do membeships.
There are certain denominations (like baptist) where that is the WRONG thing to say.....

As for the philosphy and the teachings, I guess I go seeking inspiration and motivation. IF I find it I will return ; if not, I won't. I do not get into theological discussions, though I notice that some congregations seem to thrive on this. again, it usually happens at more fundamentalist/conservative places.
I am anti-censorship. I cannot put that into words enough or any word it any stronger.
I mean what I say by that.

I am really not walking into a church to meet people. Maybe that is arrogant or snotty or antisocial, but I am going looking for inspiration, and that comes from the Holy Spirit and not from humans.

[Elderone]

I am going looking for inspiration, and that comes from the Holy Spirit and not from humans.That, worshiping God - and good solid teaching of God's word, are the primary reasons for attending church. Everything else is icing on the cake, so-to-speak. Our former church had it all, and no cliques which can sour the experience.

Your past and present experiences seem to be the norm these days. I have been told by a very reliable source that the Baptists use business practices to increase the membership. That to me means only one thing, more money in the collection plate. Anytime ANYONE from a church organization presses for you to become a member, run, don't walk, away from them. Or, shows up at your home unannounced, turn them away and let them know in no uncertain terms to take a hike.

This all may sound as though I am anti-church, I am not, but I do despise the perversion of God's institution, the dishonest practices far too many employ with the seeming sole purpose of increasing the revenue under the guise of saving soles. The saddist part of this is they don't realize that it is the Holy Spirit which draws people to God, not praise bands, light shows, theatre, church membership, or all the other decorations man dreams up.

The Bible tells us we are not to forsake the meeting of the Saints (church), but we aren't directed to attend bad ones either. Being unaware of what you have tried and have available, my suggestion would be to try a Reformed Presbyterian church, with Reformed in the name or somewhere prevelent, some Reformed Baptists aren't like you have experienced if your preference might be toward the Baptists, or a Presbyterian Church of America, (PCA). You will know when the Holy Spirit grabs you. Keep asking God for direction in finding a good church home.

Take care.

iHs

[Rick Otto]

I work for the Church Police, and I'm conducting an investigation.
Do you wish to co-operate, or do you have something to hide?
^_^

[InDeoHonorium2]

I work for the Church Police, and I'm conducting an investigation.
Do you wish to co-operate, or do you have something to hide?
^_^
^_^ :clap: I like that one

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

Go in wearing a long "dirty old mans rain coat".

Upon pulling open your coat, choose one of the following, depending on the congregation...

1. To bear all that God has given you ;)
2. To produce a "Goonie" style boxing glove on a spring.
3. To reveal sticks of dynamite on a harness around your waste (or armor hotdogs).
4. To reveal a "velcro suit" - then throw yourself at a pre-velcroed wall.
5. To reveal an intricate tattoo whose complex design hides the escape route to the local prison (you may want this one anyway, depending on how hostile church responses get).
6. To reveal the words "Lick Me" written in chocolate sauce across your chest.
7. To reveal your secret super-hero identity.
8. To disappear suddenly as the coat drops.

Hope this really, really helps.
Guess which ones i've done ;)

[If Not For Grace]

Nowadays with privacy laws as they are, Thank God, that information cannot be obtained by them.


Apparently you are not from a small town..
My bunch knows if you've been 2 days without a bowel movement.


I just say "Thanks, I'll have to think about that" and go on. If pressed I explain that to me joining a church or "moving a letter" is like getting married, I think you really need to know someone first, and that you don't know someone till you've wintered and summered with em first.

BUT I JUST LOVE THE IDEA OF SOMETHIMES SAYING SOMETHING LIKE
I tell 'em...


I work for the Church Police, and I'm conducting an investigation.
Do you wish to co-operate, or do you have something to hide?

:))

[If Not For Grace]

Dosn't sound to me like you even need to be looking for a church with that Attitude. We are to be Christ with skin on The God I worship would NEVER be so ugly acting. You must live a horable lonely life.

And the 1st thing you did was judge this poster and tell him what you'd "nevah" do.

Well consider this: I think you may have done it. It is this "wellmeaning" attitude that drives many of us into holes away from the church.


Dosn't sound to me like you even need to be looking for a church

Then what or where should he be?
How can you say don't look? Church is supposed to be partly a hospital for sinners--
let's help those learn that they can come with any attitude, God can deal with it.

Let us not be stumbling blocks to anyone who is looking for ... a church.