Now where do I go?

[scaryshiksa]

I found Jesus. He was hiding behind the couch the whole time.

Now...how do I find a church? Find friends to take me to theirs and pick by congregation? What they're preaching? Research "official" denominational beliefs online and then start there?

I haven't really *been* to a church since I moved somewhere I had more choice than just "the one on the corner", when I thought all Christian churches were more the same than different.

[Morgaine1205]

I found Jesus. He was hiding behind the couch the whole time.

Now...how do I find a church? Find friends to take me to theirs and pick by congregation? What they're preaching? Research "official" denominational beliefs online and then start there?

I haven't really *been* to a church since I moved somewhere I had more choice than just "the one on the corner", when I thought all Christian churches were more the same than different.
I think really, do all that you mentioned in your second paragraph :)

That is what I did - I went to various churches with my friends, I researched things (during a period when I was thinking of finding a new church, and leaving mine), but I think you should also pray that God will lead you to the church He wants you to be in.

[FLANDIDLYANDERS]

depends what you think church is.

for me, personally, it relationships. all the rest is just bollocks. ;)

[UKChristian]

I am currently looking for a new church and think I may have finally found one I am comfortable with(however I have only been to it once so far so that does remain to be seen). I had to move away from my denomination of Anglicanism to do it though.

The best advice I can give you is do what I did, go to a different church each week until you find one you are comfortable with.

[jsimms615]

There are a lot of things to consider. Also you may be limited in your area if you are in a relatively rural area. Some things to consider are:
1. What style of worship do you like?
2. What beliefs do you consider essential?
3. What types of ministries would you want to be involved in?
4. What type of ministries do you personally need?
5. How far are you willing to drive?
6. Does the size of the church matter to you?
Just some questions for you to ponder about. I am looking for a church myself. I think we have our choices narrowed down though.
J

[machazure]

Not wanting to be divisive or cause an argument...but I saw some things I would like to point out.

First of all, what do you mean you found Jesus hiding behind the couch? Is not that statement a little irreverent? We are talking about the Lord of glory, the King of kings, the Alpha and the Omega, the Lord Almighty. Need I say more?

Second of all, the church is all believers throughout the ages...but you are looking for a local fellowship of the church. So, find a group of people you can fit in with and love. BUT, since there are so many different denominations and such you need to check out their doctrinal positions on essential issues: (1) the Deity of Christ, 2) Salvation by Grace, 3) Resurrection of Christ, and 4) the gospel. Also, make sure their worship is biblical...it's not about what we like and what makes us feel good.

[Rick Otto]

And stay behind the couch! lol
Until Jesus goes somewhere else.:)
Don't give any of His glory to denom hirilings - they lust after it. Being in the church isn't simply a matter of going to something that calls itself church. Don't judge a Bible by its cover.:cool: