New Christian needs a church

[nate8469]

Hi. Im new, and I don't even know how to begin. Do you just walk in and observe a few before you decide which is right for you? Just curious. Some pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[rocklife]

probably whatever helps you be comfortable, also maybe join any bible studies or introduction classes. it's good to continue in your own bible study too, so you can see for yourself what christianity is about too. daily bible study is great encouragement too (I like bible on walkmen tapes).

[progressivegal]

You could always talk to a friend who goes to church and ask to come too. Generally, I've found if someone I like and trust goes somewhere, it's usually someplace nice (for lack of a better word here). The only thing there is, it could be awkward if you decide it isn't for you, but not always, especially if you mention that you just want to visit, not that you're "looking for a church" (though you certainly can say that too). I know when I fist started going to my church I saw that my high school English teacher went there, which was reassuring, because I knew he was a kind and thoughtful person and someone who's judgement I trust. When I first went there, I ddn't know he attended so it was a nice surprise. You can also google local churches and call or e-mail the minister/priest and talk to them about what the church is like. Of course they're going to talk it up, but I've always found doing this extremely helpful, and when you arrive, they already know who you are (which is usually a good thing). There's always the phone book too. Online quizzes certainly aren't the most reliable, but sometimes they can give you a good idea about the kind of church that might be a good fit for you, and you could learn more about those specific denominations or even visit a couple of churches.

[Siderite]

Good luck Nate with your church visiting activities. I recommend you get involved and visit the congregations services and bible class.

Preferably do what progressivegal mentioned and go with a friend - that way the friend can introduce you to members and break the ice alittle!

I shall keep you in my prayers.

[SecretOfFatima]

Hi. Im new, and I don't even know how to begin. Do you just walk in and observe a few before you decide which is right for you? Just curious. Some pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Maybe you should take a shot at this radio station and see what you think.
http://www.fultonsheen.com
:thumbsup:

Fulton sheen (while being a catholic archbishop), is favorite bible commentaries were actually written by a protestant, and all the material broadcasting on this radio station comes from that protestant bible commentary.

[TexasCatholic]

Sometimes it's helpful to "wade" in first, then go deeper as you mature in understanding and faith.

For me, that meant first growing up as a relatively immature Christian in a Christian family and due to a variety of reasons, having a weakening faith and falling away from going to church.

Later, in my late 20's, I began again when I "waded into the waters" by finding one of the big "mega churches" who has great, uplifting, sermons which provide useful, moral advice about handling life situations, which are based on Scriptural ideals. The one I attended specifically was the Fellowship of The Woodlands, near Houston, Texas, but there's many of these in every major city in the U.S. from what I understand. Even if it's nothing big, any type of practical Bible study would probably help you in this way.

Once I grew in faith and my prayer life, I found I wanted something deeper and sometimes found the sermons given at this church a tad simplistic and that they didn't go deep enough spiritually. Add to that a growth in my interest in historical Christianity (that is, Christianity from Christ's time to present) and determining that the style of worship we were doing at these Bible-as-only-authority churches was, in fact, simplified and missing some deeper elements that I had begun to crave and desire to know more about, so yes, I did visit other churches. Lutheran -- familiar, yet not "quite" there... then Catholic. Well, you can see from my icon where I ended up. The story is actually much more detailed, but the simple version....

Start simple! Find a loving group of Christians to fellowship with, read Scripture, pray, pray PRAY PRAY! Get into the habit of attending church weekly and preferably the same church, once you find one you're comfortable with.

When you begin to dig deeper, look deeper... and prepare for a wild ride of love and joy! First and foremost, though, surround yourself with faithful believers, and stay with those who show unconditional love for God and for all people.

God bless,

Michael

[limited10]

Many churchs offer an intro class to meet w/ the pastor and find out exactly what that church believes. At out church, it is a time to sit around w/ the pastor and hear his history, the church's history, what we believe as a church, and to ASK QUESTIONS! I think that is a very important part! Especially for a new believer. Good luck!

[ozmum]

Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

Compare what churches teach with the Bible.

To do that you need to read your Bible and pray that God gives you understanding.

Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Don't look at the size of the church or how many members .Truth is neither popular nor is it held by the majority.Does it teach victory over sin or is sin an outdated word in its fellowship?

Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The larger the crowd ,the less likely you are in the right place.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Avoid a church that copies the world eg music,traditions,standards etc

Unless of course you are just looking for a good time here ...