Finding a Church in Southern California

[daniel0809]

Hello everyone,

I am hoping there is at least someone on this board who is familiar with the southern California region, specifically Orange County. This is such an amazing place for churches, the variety is unbelievable, so much so that I really don't know where to start. I was raised a Pentecostal and drifted in my faith, then studied Judaism and Catholicism, both times as a potential convert. Now I just want the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. It doesn't have to be a Pentecostal church, but I would like it to be Spirit filled without all the hysterics of a typical charismatic service. (Not putting anyone down).

Does anyone have any recommendations for where to begin? My initial reaction was to go to Saddleback Church in Lake Forest because I like Rick Warren's preaching and that church has a TON of resources, even for the mentally ill since his son died...and I also take medication for psychiatric issues. However I am concerned about the emergent church philosophy of that church. I find it is very man centered and centered around his needs. I want to find a more biblical church that is centered on the true worship of God. But I don't want to end up in a fundamentalist church either...I'm sorry for being so specific, I just know what I am looking for and I hope someone can give me some advice, even if they don't live in Orange County or in California!

Thanks very much.

 

[graceandpeace]

Every church considers itself "biblical." Beyond avoiding Pentecostal churches, do you have other criteria?

I'm not familiar with the region you're in, but a general thing to consider that may help narrow your search is taking time (if needed) to research Christianity deeper (I.e. History, Early church fathers, etc). Doing that really helped me when I was seeking.

I attend the Episcopal Church & I love it. The church is typically liturgical, so services are generally calmer & more organized compared to a typical Pentecostal/charismatic group service. Many Lutheran churches, such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, tend to be liturgical as well. There are more options out there.

As far as resources (I.e. Specific ministries), that will vary from congregation to congregation. You really just have to look around.

Good luck.

 

[Albion]

Hi, Daniel. Contrary to your apology, I think you gave us quite good information about what you are looking for!

Taking it all into consideration, I'd say that you should explore the "Holiness" churches. Maybe you'll need to look at some websites and other information that deals with the churches that are classified as "Holiness" in order to get a better view and see if I'm on the right track with this recommendation.

The Holiness churches are the churches that historically emphasized the working of the Holy Spirit in the everyday lives of believers. It grew out of Methodism but didn't go as far as the Pentecostal churches did with their emphasis upon outwardly demonstrating "the gifts of the Holy Spirit." They believe in sanctification, are serious about Biblical teaching and Christian living, but are not the same as the fundamentalists.

The best-known of the so-called "Holiness" churches is the Church of the Nazarene, but there are others which may or may not include the word Holiness in their titles. You might begin your church visiting (which will be almost unavoidable if you are to find the church for you) with a nearby Church of the Nazarene and see if it strikes the balance that I think you are interested in.

Hello everyone,

I am hoping there is at least someone on this board who is familiar with the southern California region, specifically Orange County. This is such an amazing place for churches, the variety is unbelievable, so much so that I really don't know where to start. I was raised a Pentecostal and drifted in my faith, then studied Judaism and Catholicism, both times as a potential convert. Now I just want the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. It doesn't have to be a Pentecostal church, but I would like it to be Spirit filled without all the hysterics of a typical charismatic service. (Not putting anyone down).

Does anyone have any recommendations for where to begin? My initial reaction was to go to Saddleback Church in Lake Forest because I like Rick Warren's preaching and that church has a TON of resources, even for the mentally ill since his son died...and I also take medication for psychiatric issues. However I am concerned about the emergent church philosophy of that church. I find it is very man centered and centered around his needs. I want to find a more biblical church that is centered on the true worship of God. But I don't want to end up in a fundamentalist church either...I'm sorry for being so specific, I just know what I am looking for and I hope someone can give me some advice, even if they don't live in Orange County or in California!

Thanks very much.

 

[Receiver]

...
Thanks very much.

Hi Daniel,

this church fits everything you mention, i.e. they think the same way.
Best thing is to get in touch & either meet some socially or go to a meeting.

I'm near London but I know the people.

 

[Albion]

Snake-handling?

I really didn't get the idea from ANYTHING in the OP that this was the direction our inquirer wanted to go.

 

[Jesusisgood]

 

[Jesusisgood]

I definetly understand where your coming from as far as not wanting to be at man centered church. I personally feel that a church that is man centered and not God centered should be questioned if it's really church? LOL I hope my suggestions helped. I know how hard it is to find a Bibical church in California but I did and maybe God will lead you to the right one. Don't give up!

 

[Willie T]

HERE are some suggestions.

 

[Exodus20]

Hello everyone,

I am hoping there is at least someone on this board who is familiar with the southern California region, specifically Orange County. This is such an amazing place for churches, the variety is unbelievable, so much so that I really don't know where to start. I was raised a Pentecostal and drifted in my faith, then studied Judaism and Catholicism, both times as a potential convert. Now I just want the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. It doesn't have to be a Pentecostal church, but I would like it to be Spirit filled without all the hysterics of a typical charismatic service. (Not putting anyone down).

Does anyone have any recommendations for where to begin? My initial reaction was to go to Saddleback Church in Lake Forest because I like Rick Warren's preaching and that church has a TON of resources, even for the mentally ill since his son died...and I also take medication for psychiatric issues. However I am concerned about the emergent church philosophy of that church. I find it is very man centered and centered around his needs. I want to find a more biblical church that is centered on the true worship of God. But I don't want to end up in a fundamentalist church either...I'm sorry for being so specific, I just know what I am looking for and I hope someone can give me some advice, even if they don't live in Orange County or in California!

Thanks very much.

Hello Daniel 0809 --- From many/most of the 'answers' you have gotten , most folks have no clue where Orange County, Cal. is at. I do and lived & worked in the area for decades. I went to/ was a member of several churches in the area.

The best bet for you in your situation is to attend or visit a "Calvary Chapel". They started in the 1970's with Pastor Chuck Smith and have grown from the main/original one in Costa Mesa / Santa Ana to several others in Orange County and many other places. Pastor Chuck Smith started out as a "Foursquare Gospel" minister way back. The little chapel ( which later became "Big Calvary" ) had few people. The pastor's son picked up a Hitchhiker one day who was a 'hippie' / surfer type person. He got in the car and started telling Chuck's son about 'Jesus'. Chuck' son said : " Wait , I gotta introduce you to my Dad"... He did and the chapel started reaching out to the beach bums , surfers & hippies ( late 60's early 70's ). The place grew and they had to buy a surplus large army tent and that was where lots of brand new baby Christians came and learned the basic gospel of Jesus Christ. Chuck left the "Foursquare " denomination for a couple of reasons , and started "Calvary Chapel". Pastor Chuck has Passed away after a good & fruitful life. There are several other Pastors who are doing the work now.

{ Basically the Statement of Faith of the original Calvary Chapel is a cross between a Baptist church with strong belief in the return of the Lord Jesus for his people , and some parts of the "Foursquare" ( modified Pentecostal ) stuff.
Baptists don't like it because C.C. allows the "Pentecostal" stuff ( usually done in the "After-glow" room, NOT in the Sanctuary. ) , and Pentecostals hate it because C.C. restricts the Pentecostals from "doing-their-thing" during the Worship Service in the Sanctuary. Many people came from many parts of So. Cal. and the Tent needed to become a regular building. Finally Pastor Chuck and the other elder/Pastor decided it was time to start some "Church plants". They did and they grew. They now have a Bible college/school (iirc at least 2 now ). }

I have attended 4 different Calvary Chapels over the years, and the reason I would suggest you go to one is this: The Pastors 95% of the time has his Bible open , and you will hear and learn about Jesus Christ. It ( they ) is not the world's most perfect church - but you will read the scriptures and the pastors are interested in teaching and directing the people to follow Jesus Christ.

Try these links . I don't know what part of O.C. you are in , but there are several to pick from. Try the web links and see what they believe. If you have had mental health problems in the past / present , I would suggest you try "Big Calvary" . Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa/Santa Ana. MacArthur & Fairview rd. near Sunflower, north of the 405 Fwy. They have things going on during the week for several groups. Lots of Pastors & assistant Pastors to help guide you along the right path.

Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa | Home Point and click on the various tabs.

And listen to the radio station owned by the Church ... KWVE 107.9 FM Music and teaching.

If you are in north O.C. There are many choices also. I have been to Calvary Chapel Cypress before and it is a solid place to go to church. On Lincoln , between Moody & Walker.

Home » Calvary Chapel

Here is a website with several names and addresses of Calvary Chapels in the O.C. area. From La Palma to La Habra to Fullerton to east Anaheim to City of Orange and iirc Seal Beach , and other places... You can always "shop around" by making a telephone call or just go ahead and visit. Bring a Bible with you because at Calvary Chapels ( in my experience ) --- you will almost always be using it.

You can see/read the 'Statement of Faith' or "What we believe" on the websites. Hope this helps you.

 

[SalusaSecundus]

Hello everyone,

I am hoping there is at least someone on this board who is familiar with the southern California region, specifically Orange County. This is such an amazing place for churches, the variety is unbelievable, so much so that I really don't know where to start. I was raised a Pentecostal and drifted in my faith, then studied Judaism and Catholicism, both times as a potential convert. Now I just want the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. It doesn't have to be a Pentecostal church, but I would like it to be Spirit filled without all the hysterics of a typical charismatic service. (Not putting anyone down).

Does anyone have any recommendations for where to begin? My initial reaction was to go to Saddleback Church in Lake Forest because I like Rick Warren's preaching and that church has a TON of resources, even for the mentally ill since his son died...and I also take medication for psychiatric issues. However I am concerned about the emergent church philosophy of that church. I find it is very man centered and centered around his needs. I want to find a more biblical church that is centered on the true worship of God. But I don't want to end up in a fundamentalist church either...I'm sorry for being so specific, I just know what I am looking for and I hope someone can give me some advice, even if they don't live in Orange County or in California!

Thanks very much.

Downtown Chapel in Brea, California. You won't regret it.

 

[bibledoctrine]

Hi Daniel - a great grace church in Orange county area is http://helpersofyourjoy.com I know the Pastor Teacher on my Facebook - excellent Bible grace teaching church for the Body of Christ today.

 

[phydaux]

I'll throw out another shout for the Calvary Chapel network of churches.

 

[Donkick]

I live in California, Have you tried Grace Community Church - it could be a bit of a drive but on Sunday Mornings it should take less than 40 minutes, and you can't beat John MacAurthur's teaching!