Baptism and Church

[BornAgainChristian]

I need help finding a Church so I can grow stronger in my relationship with God. I also need a Church to get Baptised. Since God said that he would like it if we do.

But the problem is, there is only Catholic and Protestant churches around. I need to find a Church that's Christian. How did you guys find your Churches?

[Caelum]

Uhm, what do you mean a Christian church? Protestant and Catholic churches are Christian.... As far as I know of theres only 3 real types of churches...Catholic, Protestant and Non-Denominational, however; all are Christian..be more specific

[eviltangerine]

I suggest, if you're looking for a church in your area, to try and find some friends at school that go to church and see if you can go with them (carpooling is awesome!), if you're home schooled, then may I suggest google.com? (no really) Search for some churches in your area, attend them a lil' bit and see which ones fit.

I would think that the latter would be easier given your age. Also, are you doing this on your own or are your parents also christian?

[BornAgainChristian]

Uhm, what do you mean a Christian church? Protestant and Catholic churches are Christian.... As far as I know of theres only 3 real types of churches...Catholic, Protestant and Non-Denominational, however; all are Christian..be more specificBy Christian, I mean not Caltholic and Protestant. I'm not saying that they're not Christian, though. I'm just not either, so why go to a chruch that teaches Caltholic or Protestant?

I suggest, if you're looking for a church in your area, to try and find some friends at school that go to church and see if you can go with them (carpooling is awesome!), if you're home schooled, then may I suggest google.com? (no really) Search for some churches in your area, attend them a lil' bit and see which ones fit.

I would think that the latter would be easier given your age. Also, are you doing this on your own or are your parents also christian?My parents are Christian, but I want to find a Chruch instead of worring about school.

No one from my school are Christians... :(


I'll look on Google. Thanks!


EDIT: Thank you VERY much! I've found a church that's less than a mile away. Tells you that I don't have chances to explore, huh? Thank you so much, and may God bless you.

[Caelum]

Blue Impulse said it...Protestant was a common "label" for any Church that wasn't Catholic...the only other option is a Non-Denominational Church...which I personally am very skeptical about many as they have no basis for structure/guidelines in their teachings which open up a window for false doctrine, but do as you please :)

[Radagast]

I need help finding a Church so I can grow stronger in my relationship with God. I also need a Church to get Baptised. Since God said that he would like it if we do...But the problem is, there is only Catholic and Protestant churches around. I need to find a Church that's Christian. How did you guys find your Churches?
Both Catholic and Protestant churches are Christian! And I'm sure some of the available Protestant churches match your beliefs...

-- Radagast

[Radagast]

My parents are Christian, but I want to find a Chruch instead of worring about school.
Don't understand -- what's wrong with your parents' Church?

I've found a church that's less than a mile away.
Which Church is it?

-- Radagast

[DawnTillery]

Bornagainchristian,

I prayed and prayed. I didnt listen at first and went to three that I was totally in disagreement about. I finally listened enough and called my friend Donna which got me to the church I attend now, she knew about a lot of the churches in the area, I had tried other baptist churches but the one I had went to prior they didnt beleive in what I beleived in I myself go to a General Baptist Chruch. Now others and I will agree with them, there are different types of even baptist and some people tend to believe things that maybe you don't or others dont.

I would say all you can do is try the church out and see if its for you.
After the first couple times you go you may realize that there are specific questions you have, feel free to call the Minister ahead of time and ask him those questions, that may help you also.

If you still cant find a church go to search engine, there are church directorys by county in your area online.

[BornAgainChristian]

Don't understand -- what's wrong with your parents' Church?


BornAgainChristian: Because they don't go to Church.

Which Church is it?

BornAgainChristian: Christ Temple of Godly Wisdom
Also, thanks for all of you guys' help! I appreciate it. :wave:

Also, I know that Protestant and Catholic are Christians, but you know that they each teach seprate ways, right? They teach the truth, but in different forms. It's still the truth, though.

I'm not familar with the forms that they teach, though. That's why I want to go to a Baptist Church or a Church that's Non-Denominational.

[Gwynne]

Blue Impulse said it...Protestant was a common "label" for any Church that wasn't Catholic...the only other option is a Non-Denominational Church...which I personally am very skeptical about many as they have no basis for structure/guidelines in their teachings which open up a window for false doctrine, but do as you please :)

I've also found, in some instances, that the non-denominational churches are prone to spiritual abuse. There is no one to say "hey, you're crossing the line here..." because they make up their own rules as they go. My husband was hurt very deeply by a non-denominational church and almost 10 years later he still blames God.

Not all non-denominational churches are like that, however the denominational structure does tend to keep things in check.

Any Christian church that is not Catholic/Orthodox is Protestant. The word Protestant simply means they protest the authority of the Pope. I'd have to say that every non-denom I've come across fits that description, some to the point of being anti-Catholic.

For information and the warning signs of spiritual abuse, check this site out:

http://www.spiritwatch.org/idrelab.htm


You may like to try an Assemblies of God church. They fall under the denominational structure, however, each church has it's own authority. Basically the denomination is there to unify the churches and provide resources for individual churches that they might not have access to if they were all alone. Check out:

http://www.ag.org/top/

For info. The Assemblies of God are one of the larger (possibly even largest) of the Pentecostal denominations. They have an emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit, repentance, and the Gifts of the Spirit.

[12volt_man]

By Christian, I mean not Caltholic and Protestant. I'm not saying that they're not Christian, though. I'm just not either, so why go to a chruch that teaches Caltholic or Protestant?

I'm a little confused. What is it, exactly, that you think you're going to find in one of these "Christian" churches that you're not going to find in a "protestant" church?

By the way, you might be interested to know that baptists don't considered ourselves protestants.

[Caelum]

Also, thanks for all of you guys' help! I appreciate it. :wave:

Also, I know that Protestant and Catholic are Christians, but you know that they each teach seprate ways, right? They teach the truth, but in different forms. It's still the truth, though.

I'm not familar with the forms that they teach, though. That's why I want to go to a Baptist Church or a Church that's Non-Denominational.

I don't know about what the other guy said, but as far as I know Baptists (since the original days of the Anabaptists who sprouted shortly after the "official" reformation in northern europe") have always considerded themselves protestant. You automatically dismiss both Catholics and Protestant denominations, yet you know nothing about what they teach. WHy not research ALL denominations and find out which best suits your spiritual needs and go with that. The reason being, is because there needs to be a set structure in doctrine, otherwise there is a great potential for spiritual abuse. Considering your rather uncertain/unknowledgable approach, its very important that you do not get taken advantage of by a group who's last genuine thought is spreading the Word...it's easy to get tricked, i've seen it happen to good people before, some make it out, others dont. I understand your desire to be baptized, but it's not absolutely necessary for salvation, make small, intelligent steps. Do some research and go with what the Spirit tells you.

[12volt_man]

I don't know about what the other guy said, but as far as I know Baptists (since the original days of the Anabaptists who sprouted shortly after the "official" reformation in northern europe") have always considerded themselves protestant.

I'm not saying I agree with this belief, just that it exsists.

Go to baptistboard.com sometime and see. There are a five or six threads discussing this. Onlinebaptist.com does, too.

You automatically dismiss both Catholics and Protestant denominations, yet you know nothing about what they teach. WHy not research ALL denominations and find out which best suits your spiritual needs and go with that. The reason being, is because there needs to be a set structure in doctrine, otherwise there is a great potential for spiritual abuse. Considering your rather uncertain/unknowledgable approach, its very important that you do not get taken advantage of by a group who's last genuine thought is spreading the Word...it's easy to get tricked, i've seen it happen to good people before, some make it out, others dont. I understand your desire to be baptized, but it's not absolutely necessary for salvation, make small, intelligent steps. Do some research and go with what the Spirit tells you.

I agree. I don't understand what her problem is with denominational churches but denominations serve a very useful purpose and are not a bad thing.

[Radagast]

Also, I know that Protestant and Catholic are Christians, but you know that they each teach seprate ways, right? They teach the truth, but in different forms. It's still the truth, though. I'm not familar with the forms that they teach, though. That's why I want to go to a Baptist Church or a Church that's Non-Denominational.
Anything that's not Catholic/Orthodox is Protestant, so "Protestant" is not a useful word.

The question to ask is: "does the XYZ church teach what's in the Bible?" In general, you'd be safer with recognised denominations, I suspect. But as several people have said: do some research!

I don't know the "Christ Temple of Godly Wisdom" -- I'm not sure if that is even a Christian group.

God be with you,

-- Radagast

[12volt_man]

Anything that's not Catholic/Orthodox is Protestant, so "Protestant" is not a useful word.

Actually, "Protestant" refers only to those groups who trace their origins to the Reformation. Granted, that would apply to most denominations to one degree or another, but it's misleading to apply it across the board.

[Hisbygrace]

BornAgainChristian,

I am glad to hear that you have found a church, but I would advise you to always check behind any teachings with your Bible.Ask about the church's statement of Faith and continue to pray for God to lead you to the church that He wants you to be apart of. For it will be where He places you that you will learn and grow.

[BornAgainChristian]

*Sigh* The Church I've found was torn down recently. :( Their phone was disconnected, and 411 said that it isn't there anymore. :(

I'm never going to find a Church. :cry:

[12volt_man]

*Sigh* The Church I've found was torn down recently. :( Their phone was disconnected, and 411 said that it isn't there anymore. :(

I'm never going to find a Church. :cry:

You never answered my question. What is it that you think you're going to find in a non-denominational "Christian" church, that you wouldn't find in a denomination?

[Gwynne]

Actually, "Protestant" refers only to those groups who trace their origins to the Reformation. Granted, that would apply to most denominations to one degree or another, but it's misleading to apply it across the board.

That's true. Gnostics, while considering themselves Christian, aren't Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant. But generally, most mainstream churches in the U.S. even those who fall under the non-denominational umbrellas are either Catholic, Orthodox or Prostestant.

[BornAgainChristian]

You never answered my question. What is it that you think you're going to find in a non-denominational "Christian" church, that you wouldn't find in a denomination?

I never did say that I was going to a non-denominational Church.

My bad on saying a "Christian" Church. Maybe a better explanation would've been not Catholic or Protestant. The Catholic Church near me is very bad, trust me. That's why I don't want to go there. And there's no Protestant Churches around.


That answer your question?

[12volt_man]

That answer your question?

I suppose so but I'm a little confused. This is a completely different answer than you gave at the beginning of this thread.

[Gwynne]

What churches do you have around you? If there are no Protestant churches, then it's likely there are no churches other than the Catholic church! Protestant churches include Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Assemblies of God, Nazarene, Wesleyan, Presbyterian.... basically every denomination out there.

[BornAgainChristian]

I suppose so but I'm a little confused. This is a completely different answer than you gave at the beginning of this thread.
I've done a little more resarch on Protestants and Catholics. I was wrong what I said at the begining, sorry. :(

What churches do you have around you? If there are no Protestant churches, then it's likely there are no churches other than the Catholic church! Protestant churches include Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Assemblies of God, Nazarene, Wesleyan, Presbyterian.... basically every denomination out there.
Looks like my idea on Protestants are wrong. My knowledge came from what the Jehovah's Witnesses taught. They said that Catholics and Protestants are people who believe that there's many gods (description on Protestants). Then they said that Catholics permitt rape on certain charges.

But, as I came here, you people didn't seem like this. So, when making this thread, my opinion on these 2 were mixed between what Jehovah's Witnesses said and what you guys are saying now.

Sorry for offending any Catholics and Protestants. My knowledge was limited, so sorry about making the wrong asumptions. Please forgive me. :(

[12volt_man]

I've done a little more resarch on Protestants and Catholics. I was wrong what I said at the begining, sorry. :(

OK. Fair enough. You're to be commended for doing your research.


Looks like my idea on Protestants are wrong. My knowledge came from what the Jehovah's Witnesses taught.

I would stay far, far away from Jehovah's Witnesses.

They said that Catholics and Protestants are people who believe that there's many gods (description on Protestants). Then they said that Catholics permitt rape on certain charges.

I'm not sure what they're referring to in the case of Catholics allowing rape but after years of Catholic school and a little catechism training, I can tell you that that simply isn't true. But I suspect you already knew that.

As for protestants believing in "many gods", this isn't true, either. Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe in the doctrine of the Trinity and for them to say that the Trinity teaches "many gods" is misleading on their part. They know very well that Christianity doesn't teach three gods, but one God revealed in three persons.

Sorry for offending any Catholics and Protestants. My knowledge was limited, so sorry about making the wrong asumptions. Please forgive me. :(

No problem. I don't think anyone was offended, I just don't think we were clear on what you were trying to say.

[Radagast]

I don't think anyone was offended either -- we're all trying to help you (you're ex-JW, aren't you?).

I do hope you find a Church soon -- I'm sure there must be some good Churches nearby.

Meanwhile, read the Bible, pray, and ask lots of questions here at CF.

We're praying for you, :groupray:

-- Radagast

[Caelum]

First you must understand why JW say those things. Jehova Witnesses are NOT Christians, despite what they state they are, they do not abide by the ecumenical creeds as do ALL Christian denominations(Catholic/Orthodox/Protestant alike). They say we believe in many gods because we believe in the Trinity. The Trinity is devised of ONE God, 3 persons - The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

I understand you might be new to the faith(I might also be wrong) but, I assure you as many if not all Christians on this board and elsewhere will agree, do your spirit a very good favor and stay far away from Jehova Witnesses and Mormons....and once again, I could not urge you enough to find a church that recognizes some sort of denomination....good luck, and if you have any questions, feel free to MSG me or reply here :)

[Rafael]

Pray and ask God where He wants you and where you can make a difference. Is there a mission in your town or city? Sometimes you will find very good Christians who could direct you who are actually doing the good works God has foreordained that we do. Sometimes you will find small groups meeting in homes, just like they did in the book of Acts. Church doesn't necessarily mean a big building, but can be anywhere two people or three are gathered in His name.

EPHESIANS 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to DO GOOD WORKS, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

[BornAgainChristian]

First you must understand why JW say those things. Jehova Witnesses are NOT Christians, despite what they state they are, they do not abide by the ecumenical creeds as do ALL Christian denominations(Catholic/Orthodox/Protestant alike). They say we believe in many gods because we believe in the Trinity. The Trinity is devised of ONE God, 3 persons - The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

I understand you might be new to the faith(I might also be wrong) but, I assure you as many if not all Christians on this board and elsewhere will agree, do your spirit a very good favor and stay far away from Jehova Witnesses and Mormons....and once again, I could not urge you enough to find a church that recognizes some sort of denomination....good luck, and if you have any questions, feel free to MSG me or reply here :)

Thanks for the info. :) Yes, I am an ex-JW. Yes, I'm new to the faith. I will stay away from them and I'll try to find a Denominational Church.

Thank you! :wave:

[Veiled Viper]

So,your parents arn't JWs'? How did you get involved with JWs'?:confused: Or is this too personal?