Attending a church of a different denomination?

[continueinfaith]

I attend a church that is not the denomination that I was raised in or most closely identify with. It's a decent church with good solid teaching in general. I am not a member, however, because I don't agree with some of their teachings, primarily those that are unique to that denomination.

The reason I attend this church is because I have very limited transportation and there are no churches of my preferred denomination close enough to where I live, and this one is the best that I've found that I can easily get to. For reasons I don't wish to discuss right now, I cannot regularly go to a church where I would be dependent on getting a ride from someone to and from services, I need to be able to get there and back by myself, and I can do that at this one.

My question is, is it acceptable to attend a church that is a different denomination and slightly different from one's own beliefs? Is it acceptable to attend without becoming a member? And a more general question that can apply to anyone, if you simply can't find a good church with a solid foundation or teaching, is it better to attend one anyway or stop going altogether until you do find one that is right (I know no church is perfect)?

 

[Quid est Veritas?]

Well, why are you going to Church? What is your aim? Is it not to fellowship with other Christians and worship God? Must this be done at one specific denomination? Sure, perhaps you'll find some teaching you don't agree with, but provided this isn't absolutely egregious, does it impact your actual goal of going?

You shall know them by their fruits. If the fruit of your attending this Church is good, if you are nearing God thereby, then surely it is not a bad thing? Most denominations don't care if you are an actual member to attend services, in fact, probably welcomes such attendance (though some will deny sacraments).

 

[St_Worm2]

...is it acceptable to attend a church that is a different denomination and slightly different from one's own beliefs? Is it acceptable to attend without becoming a member?

Sure and yes. I don't know of any churches that 'require' membership to visit or attend regularly, though I do know of some where it is strongly encouraged. If a church you are visiting ever asks to see one of your tax returns however ................... RUN

...if you simply can't find a good church with a solid foundation or teaching, is it better to attend one anyway or stop going altogether until you do find one that is right (I know no church is perfect)?

I suppose it depends on just how bad their teaching actually is, but generally speaking, it's far better to be part of a local congregation (even if it's not your first choice) than trying to live this life as a solo Christian. Perhaps you could help bring the truth to bear in the lives of many who need to hear it.

If a church and/or its denomination is teaching that which is deeply heretical or blasphemous however, I would leave that church and never come back (unless you believe the Lord has placed you there for a purpose, of course).

Yours and His,
David

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

I attend a church that is not the denomination that I was raised in or most closely identify with. It's a decent church with good solid teaching in general. I am not a member, however, because I don't agree with some of their teachings, primarily those that are unique to that denomination.

The reason I attend this church is because I have very limited transportation and there are no churches of my preferred denomination close enough to where I live, and this one is the best that I've found that I can easily get to. For reasons I don't wish to discuss right now, I cannot regularly go to a church where I would be dependent on getting a ride from someone to and from services, I need to be able to get there and back by myself, and I can do that at this one.

My question is, is it acceptable to attend a church that is a different denomination and slightly different from one's own beliefs? Is it acceptable to attend without becoming a member? And a more general question that can apply to anyone, if you simply can't find a good church with a solid foundation or teaching, is it better to attend one anyway or stop going altogether until you do find one that is right (I know no church is perfect)?

All churches have their faults and failings. There is no such thing as the true denominational church. God doesn't care about denominations and their teachings because they will all be burned up by His fire when Jesus comes again.

I subscribe to Pentecostal theology and yet I have been an elder of the Presbyterian church of New Zealand for the last 18 years. The church I am currently involved has different teaching to the AOG church I was converted in, but I am still fellowshipping with the same God I discovered back then.

In every church we have to pick the meat from the bones, so I wouldn't sweat it - unless you are worshiping a denomination instead of Christ - then you have an idolatry problem!

 

[Dave G.]

Most denominations in due time would want you to belong to them, what they surely do not want is someone speaking other church doctrines among their followers ( I've seen this in action and discrete warnings go out right from the pulpit). In your heart you don't agree with them about some church doctrines, but does Jesus ? What is the Holy Spirit telling you about attending there ? Follow His lead.

 

[Norbert L]

One thing to consider is how should a disagreement be viewed. In the vast majority of cases it would be like three Christians in a room. One is premillennialist, another is a postmillennialist and the third is a amillennialist.

Now does that make one of them righteous while the other two are wicked or is it simply one person is right and the other two are wrong?

The way I see it as long as you and others maintain the baseline of what the apostle wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:2 "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." It should be fine.

 

[seeking.IAM]

I did this. I visited other churches to experience other faith practices, only to end up with a different faith practice. You never know what you're missing until you experience it. My only regret was not having done this 20 years earlier.

 

[WolfGate]

Are you in agreement on the essentials? If so, no problem. I have never found a church where I agreed with the positions on all matters of biblical interpretation 100%. What is important to me is that we were aligned on the essentials of salvation and biblical integrity. I was chairman of the elder board in one church and we certainly did not expect our congregation (members or regular attenders) to align on every issue of scriptural interpretation. In the essentials, unity. In non-essentials, grace. In everything put Christ first.

 

[Tolworth John]

I attend a church that is not the denomination that I was raised in or most closely identify with

Talk to the minister/preacher about your theological differences.
Are thos differences in your view enough for you not to want to take communion or become a member of that church?

Talk to your friends at your preferred church, are any of them prepared to commit to provide you with a lift, do any live your way and won't have to go out of their way to give you a lift?

If you can't get to your preferred church then becoming a member and attending weekly at the next best church is your option.

The command is to worship God, there is no command to do so in a particular church.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

is it acceptable to attend a church that is a different denomination and slightly different from one's own beliefs?
Is it acceptable to attend without becoming a member?

Answer - yes - to both.
M-Bob

 

[FireDragon76]

Be careful you don't come to think of church attendance as just an obligation.

If I could not find a suitable church to go to... I just wouldn't go. Compromising in religion is hardly a good recipe for living a life of integrity.

Most of the reasons people go to church have little to do with doctrinal distinctives, and everything to do with a desire to socialize and be rooted in a sense of the transcendent. In that sense, I think its more important that the community you are hanging out with has good values that influence you positively.

 

[Albion]

My question is, is it acceptable to attend a church that is a different denomination and slightly different from one's own beliefs? Is it acceptable to attend without becoming a member? And a more general question that can apply to anyone, if you simply can't find a good church with a solid foundation or teaching, is it better to attend one anyway or stop going altogether until you do find one that is right (I know no church is perfect)?

Going strictly by how you have explained the issue, I would say "Yes" to all these questions.

 

[Andrew77]

I attend a church that is not the denomination that I was raised in or most closely identify with. It's a decent church with good solid teaching in general. I am not a member, however, because I don't agree with some of their teachings, primarily those that are unique to that denomination.

The reason I attend this church is because I have very limited transportation and there are no churches of my preferred denomination close enough to where I live, and this one is the best that I've found that I can easily get to. For reasons I don't wish to discuss right now, I cannot regularly go to a church where I would be dependent on getting a ride from someone to and from services, I need to be able to get there and back by myself, and I can do that at this one.

My question is, is it acceptable to attend a church that is a different denomination and slightly different from one's own beliefs? Is it acceptable to attend without becoming a member? And a more general question that can apply to anyone, if you simply can't find a good church with a solid foundation or teaching, is it better to attend one anyway or stop going altogether until you do find one that is right (I know no church is perfect)?

Will, it greatly depends on exactly what the fundamental differences are.

A pastor I listened to years ago, said a phrase that has stuck with me. Major on the majors, and minor on the minors.

So basically there are major fundamental doctrinal flaws, and there are minor things.

A major issue would be, there are some specific churches that say Jesus was not G-d, and or did not actually die on cross.

Well that would a major fundamental flaw. I would not go to such a church.

A minor issue would be, like my parents church didn't believe in going to movies. Not a major problem.

Another minor issue would be, some churches teach that we will go through the tribulation. Not a big deal. Think about it, what does this change in how we live today? Almost nothing. We still need to live Christian lives, worthy of Christ, no matter how things happen in Revelations.

So you have to determine if the doctrinal differences are majors or minors.

Now there is one exception to this basic idea. Some groups take something that is a minor deal, and make it into a huge massive deal. I would not be involved in such a church.

So.... if you remember the branch davidians in Waco Texas. Now they were crazy in many ways....

but... They believed that the tribulation was coming right away, and they had to go through it. Because of that, they were stocking up on guns and ammo, and canned foods and so on.

So if you happen to be in a church that is taking what would otherwise be a minor issue, but blowing it up into a really huge deal, and they are teaching on it every single Sunday, and they are encouraging you to do something crazy because of their odd doctrine...... just move on.

If nothing else works out, just log into an online church and go there until you can find a better local church to join.

 

[ProdigalGander]

I attend a church that is not the denomination that I was raised in or most closely identify with. It's a decent church with good solid teaching in general. I am not a member, however, because I don't agree with some of their teachings, primarily those that are unique to that denomination.

The reason I attend this church is because I have very limited transportation and there are no churches of my preferred denomination close enough to where I live, and this one is the best that I've found that I can easily get to. For reasons I don't wish to discuss right now, I cannot regularly go to a church where I would be dependent on getting a ride from someone to and from services, I need to be able to get there and back by myself, and I can do that at this one.

My question is, is it acceptable to attend a church that is a different denomination and slightly different from one's own beliefs? Is it acceptable to attend without becoming a member? And a more general question that can apply to anyone, if you simply can't find a good church with a solid foundation or teaching, is it better to attend one anyway or stop going altogether until you do find one that is right (I know no church is perfect)?

I would say that no church is perfect because they are all run by men, and men are not perfect. But the Bible is clear on the point that we are to join together and worship. Therefore I think you are doing the correct thing in attending that church regularly, even if you have issues with some of what they teach.

I am currently having some very serious issues with my church (Roman Catholic) over their response to the latest round of sex abuse charges. Some combination of lies and PR spin which is NOT how the Bible says we are to react after sinning. I have not been attending, mainly because I have problems with the idea of giving them money if this is how they are going to spend it. Like you I have been attending another church where the teaching is strong, but I am not 100% onboard with everything. I will continue to do so because God wants us to come together to worship Him.