Finding the right denomination

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Rob625

Guest
#1
#1
Not sure where this topic fits, so I'll put it here. I've been looking for a church for years. I never seem to find one that seems to keep me coming back. I was raised catholic and made a few attempts at returning. I've also been to, baptist, Presbyterian, non denominational, churches of christ, Lutheran. I'm not sure what I'm looking for, but I keep seeking. I like in depth bible study which I really only found at church of christ. But feel like something is missing. Or I have trouble conforming to what they say about attending and no instruments in worship. It seems like I want to take a little of every denomination and put it together. Also I've been told certain churches are the one true church and all others aren't saved. That makes me constantly wonder if I'm in the right place. Just wondering i guess what church you like and why.
 
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Grandpa

Senior Member
#2
Jun 24, 2011
11,551
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#2
I feel the same way you do.

Every church I've been to I feel like something is missing.

Its either missing in the worship or missing in the preaching. Sometimes in both...

I finally settled for a church where I really appreciate and agree with the worship. And then just let the preaching try to do whatever it is trying to do...


It's like when we worship we are all worshipping as saved Christians. Then the preacher comes up and tries to "save" everyone. Maybe the preaching should come first and then the worshipping? I don't know. Something is out of whack...


I don't come from a religious background, so maybe that is part of my "problem".


I talked to my mom about this and she said if I ever found the perfect church that I should stop going to it, because then it wouldn't be perfect anymore... lol
 
Willie-T

Willie-T

Banned
#3
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
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#3
My wife and I often say that we haven't felt "right" about a church group since the one we met in 37 years ago.
 
D

Depleted

Guest
#4
#4
Rob625 said:
Not sure where this topic fits, so I'll put it here. I've been looking for a church for years. I never seem to find one that seems to keep me coming back. I was raised catholic and made a few attempts at returning. I've also been to, baptist, Presbyterian, non denominational, churches of christ, Lutheran. I'm not sure what I'm looking for, but I keep seeking. I like in depth bible study which I really only found at church of christ. But feel like something is missing. Or I have trouble conforming to what they say about attending and no instruments in worship. It seems like I want to take a little of every denomination and put it together. Also I've been told certain churches are the one true church and all others aren't saved. That makes me constantly wonder if I'm in the right place. Just wondering i guess what church you like and why.
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Going to a nondenom doesn't tell you what all nondenoms are like. Same thing with going to any of the denoms you listed. All of them go completely across the spectrum for beliefs -- from agnostics on up.

So you want one that teaches you in-depth Bible? Try Reformed Pres., Orthodox Pres. or Pres. of America. (Pres = Presbyterian.) They won't make you conform. They teach Bible from beginning to end. (Seriously. Verse by verse. It takes them years to go all the way through it, just to start from the beginning again. lol) CofC tends to like to teach "Bible as we want it." Each type of Pres. I mentioned does have a tiny difference in focus of the Bible, but they're all into the Bible as is, not as they want.
 
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sealabeag

Guest
#5
#5
What are your main issues in terms of returning to the Catholic Church?
 
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wwjd_kilden

Guest
#6
#6
I too have been to several denominations and churches, but you must remember this:

You won't find a perfect denomination / church

it consists of humans

...humans disagree
...humans fail
...some even twist scripture and lie
... in ALL churches

and don't forget, you are part of the congregation

:)
 
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Rob625

Guest
#7
#7
sealabeag said:
What are your main issues in terms of returning to the Catholic Church?
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I'm not even really sure. I like a lot of it. Maybe lack of scripture study. I've thought about trying rcia classes. Ccd as a kid was a bit of a joke. The problem is with me rather than all these different churches. I just need to figure out what it is.
 
resurrection33

resurrection33

Banned
#8
Dec 19, 2009
27,513
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0
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#8
Rob625 said:
Not sure where this topic fits, so I'll put it here. I've been looking for a church for years. I never seem to find one that seems to keep me coming back. I was raised catholic and made a few attempts at returning. I've also been to, baptist, Presbyterian, non denominational, churches of christ, Lutheran. I'm not sure what I'm looking for, but I keep seeking. I like in depth bible study which I really only found at church of christ. But feel like something is missing. Or I have trouble conforming to what they say about attending and no instruments in worship. It seems like I want to take a little of every denomination and put it together. Also I've been told certain churches are the one true church and all others aren't saved. That makes me constantly wonder if I'm in the right place. Just wondering i guess what church you like and why.
Click to expand...
I was raised in a United Methodist Church and returned to the United Methodist Church at age 33. Having been raised there, I was comfortable there. I don't consider my church perfect, nor do I consider any other church perfect. I don't try to learn from my church because I have a Bible that teaches me what the Lord wants me to know. What I like about my church is the choir, which I sing in, and the support I get from my congregation. You just have to find a church you like, I think.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#9
Aug 28, 2012
19,213
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#9
Hey Rob:) You know denominations are not very important, I don't fit in any one denomination as I do not fully fit into any of them with what I believe and understand as a believer, I don't call myself a non denomination believer either as I hate how denomination separate the body of Christ instead of uniting them so I simply call myself his child.

I go to the Church of Christ, I was warned before going that the church of Christ at least where I live believe that unless you are baptized in their church you are not saved but I wanted to find out for myself. Turns out the one I go to happens to be one of the few churches of Christ that doesn't think this way.
In all honesty I have yet to find a church that truly feels like home to me, I truly enjoy the bible studies and the ppl are amazing but I guess something is still missing.

But as for denominations go I would just follow your heart where ever God lead it
 
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Rob625

Guest
#10
#10
Thanks for the help everyone. Its funny how God is listening. I just got an email from a pastor I contacted months ago asking what bible version they used. But I never went to check it out. He was checking in see how I was doing. So I'll take that as a recommendation from God or just a coincidence and try it out. It's called Friendship Baptist Church.
 
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Rob625

Guest
#12
#12
jb said:
The Presence of God perhaps?
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That's very possible. I do believe I've felt God while at a Catholic men's night with adoration and confession. And also at a Poor Clares monastery here in town for adoration. So I wonder why I always fall away.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#13
Aug 28, 2012
19,213
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#13
Rob625 said:
That's very possible. I do believe I've felt God while at a Catholic men's night with adoration and confession. And also at a Poor Clares monastery here in town for adoration. So I wonder why I always fall away.
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It may be that these connections you have felt were God calling you, before i actually came to God I felt the tug at my heart several times and I even met him before I became saved, but even that wasn't enough for me to fully come to him.

He calls our names he tugs at our hearts it's up to us to resond
 
G

Grandpa

Senior Member
#14
Jun 24, 2011
11,551
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#14
jb said:
The Presence of God perhaps?
Click to expand...
I don't think it is that glaringly simple.

I think it is a combination of a problem with church and a problem with me.

Like maybe my expectations are too high or something.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#15
Aug 28, 2012
19,213
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#15
Grandpa said:
I don't think it is that glaringly simple.

I think it is a combination of a problem with church and a problem with me.

Like maybe my expectations are too high or something.
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Well Idk what expectation are but as for me I want to be in a church where I feel like family a church that I am excited to go to and be in every sunday a church where I feel in my heart is home
 
Angela53510

Angela53510

Senior Member
#16
Jan 24, 2011
11,780
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#16
I think you need to be in prayer, and God will help you. I've been a Baptist for 10 years, in three different conventions, because of moving. I also went to Baptist Sunday School as a child, where I learned a lot of Bible verses.

I always want a church where the Word of God is preached first, and foremost. I also want a church that preaches Christ. I also like a church that the music is something I can relate to - and also play in one of the bands. I been playing in church since I got saved in 1980. So organ music doesn't cut it for me. I like a combo of contemporary music and hymns.

So that is what I look for. My only advice would be to stay away from cults, defined by the following, "We are the only ones who are saved." After that, I am out the door.

I hope you find the church that you are able to serve in. Because Church shouldn't just be about taking, but more about giving. In other words, don't be a pew sitter, then complain about the way things are done.
 
crossnote

crossnote

Senior Member
#17
Nov 24, 2012
30,706
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#17
I'll go to denominational churches but I don't trust most of them especially when they begin lifting their name above Jesus i.e. they lose their Christocentricism for politics, numbers, and committees.
 
Word_Swordsman

Word_Swordsman

Senior Member
#18
Sep 16, 2014
1,666
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#18
A truly caring church is one that won't encourage people to depend on the preacher or song leader or teacher to feed anyone to last the week ahead. They should encourage everyone to at least read a chapter of the Bible every day. They should be known to personally and as a group to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, never sending folks away with a mere "Bless you".

Jesus didn't teach anyone to go to church once a week to sing together, and by that feel satisfied. Christians are supposed to be helping each other and others in need. When regularly tending to God and neighbor, feelings of "something missing" quit coming up. During our Sunday meeting (non-denominational", we worshiped, and the pastor began to preach verse by verse. He stopped after a few minutes, said someone was desperate and needy. Finally a couple that manage a hotel and run a side ministry came to the front. They had just been laid off due to too few people staying, but had not told anyone. They are strong Christians, always generous and helping. Being contractors they would not qualify for unemployment. The pastor recited Matt 25:34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.He had two chairs brought up, sat them down. One by one folks came by putting checks and cash at their feet. It was enough to catch them up and then some. Other hurting people came forward, resulting in many needs met and revival for all.
We "had church". Look for something like that to feel "full" by being filled from serving the Lord.
 
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