I think I've found where I belong.. But I'm not sure. Can you help?

[TNMT93]

A little background on me and where I am coming from, I am 23, I grew up in an Episcopal church but never really understood why I was there or the reason behind it. I was baptized as a baby there and was a part of youth ministry and other groups off and on until I moved to college 4 years ago. Since moving to college I really haven't been active in a church and my relationship with God has been really lacking. Now that I am a little older and wiser, I would like to find that relationship and accept God into my life. It's like something has clicked in my heart and I am starting to understand the meaning and impact that God has on my life. It's a little hard for me to explain so I am hoping you can interpret it in your own ways.

Growing up in the church that I did, I was never really comfortable and never did understand the messages and meanings behind the services. Now that I am older I am realizing more and more that I don't always agree with the beliefs and teachings of the Episcopal church. I have decided that would like to find a church that matches my beliefs and that I feel comfortable in.

Recently I have met someone who I truly believe that I might spend the rest of my life with. He grew up in a Southern Baptist church. Now, I know I shouldn't base my beliefs and religion off of my boyfriends. But from listening to him talk about how he grew up and what he believes, I have really come to conclusion that maybe the Baptist church would suit me. I have listened to a few of his dads sermons on YouTube and I have related to them more than I ever did to anything growing up. I have not yet attended service but plan to. Going myself makes me super nervous and I always talk myself out of it. I can't go with him because he is a few states away for work right now and I don't have any friends who I think might be open to going with me.

I guess what I am asking here is how do I begin the process of moving into a new faith and church. I know that I should really have this conversation with my boyfriend but at this point in our relationship, I am just not ready. I am a bit of a shy and quiet person and I don't always trust others with my feelings. I would like to gather some advice and knowledge, I want to figure this out in MY heart first.

So I guess what I am asking for is advice. Advice for a lost soul that is looking for the place I belong. I truly believe that the Baptist faith may be the answer for me.

I thank you for any and all advice and help you can give me or a direction you can point me in.

 

[AmmaBev]

It was wonderful to read how you are being drawn to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and have found a man to share it with you. The essence of salvation would be the same between both denominations but there is an emphasis on salvation and being born again in the Baptist church then being baptized. There is a denomination for everyone! You should investigate for yourself what the Bible says and then discuss it with this Pastor you like when you see him. I grew up in a church family and felt so loved and accepted and learned a lot about christianity and how to love one another. I just know you will do the same. Here is a link: Definition of a Christian Ammabev

 

[mariner845]

You can differ in your doctrine but still both be right in your heart. You should be able to look up the differences in doctrine between the two denominations pretty easily and decide how you feel about those differences. I don't know that any one doctrine has it "100% right". Mathew 23:8-9 [FONT=&quot]“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers."[/FONT]

 

[FranC]

Hi TNMT

You're not ever going to find the perfect church, but it's good to try.

I'd only like to say a couple of things since I hate to give personal advice...

1. You should read one of the Gospels, maybe John, and also some letters before setting out to find a church. The Bible will tell you what God wants you to personally know, and not the doctrine of a church.

2. I feel that a couple should go to the same church.

I'd skip the books of Acts, Romans, Hebrews and Revelation, and read them last.

College is not friendly to God, so He must be very close to you if you are still searching.
They say that if you're searching for God, you've already found Him!

Read your Bible. Then go to a similar Baptist church which is close. They're not all the same in doctrinal beliefs. Whether or not it works out with your guy, you still need a church.

Pick the one that has the same core beliefs you do. This is why you should do your own reading first.

Good luck with your guy and with church!

My two cents
Fran

 

[Adstar]

A little background on me and where I am coming from, I am 23, I grew up in an Episcopal church but never really understood why I was there or the reason behind it. I was baptized as a baby there and was a part of youth ministry and other groups off and on until I moved to college 4 years ago. Since moving to college I really haven't been active in a church and my relationship with God has been really lacking. Now that I am a little older and wiser, I would like to find that relationship and accept God into my life. It's like something has clicked in my heart and I am starting to understand the meaning and impact that God has on my life. It's a little hard for me to explain so I am hoping you can interpret it in your own ways.

Growing up in the church that I did, I was never really comfortable and never did understand the messages and meanings behind the services. Now that I am older I am realizing more and more that I don't always agree with the beliefs and teachings of the Episcopal church. I have decided that would like to find a church that matches my beliefs and that I feel comfortable in.

Recently I have met someone who I truly believe that I might spend the rest of my life with. He grew up in a Southern Baptist church. Now, I know I shouldn't base my beliefs and religion off of my boyfriends. But from listening to him talk about how he grew up and what he believes, I have really come to conclusion that maybe the Baptist church would suit me. I have listened to a few of his dads sermons on YouTube and I have related to them more than I ever did to anything growing up. I have not yet attended service but plan to. Going myself makes me super nervous and I always talk myself out of it. I can't go with him because he is a few states away for work right now and I don't have any friends who I think might be open to going with me.

I guess what I am asking here is how do I begin the process of moving into a new faith and church. I know that I should really have this conversation with my boyfriend but at this point in our relationship, I am just not ready. I am a bit of a shy and quiet person and I don't always trust others with my feelings. I would like to gather some advice and knowledge, I want to figure this out in MY heart first.

So I guess what I am asking for is advice. Advice for a lost soul that is looking for the place I belong. I truly believe that the Baptist faith may be the answer for me.

I thank you for any and all advice and help you can give me or a direction you can point me in.

If i wanted to go to a new church i would just find out the serivce times and walk right in and sit right down and listen to what was being preached.. But the best thing is to read the Bible, at lest the New Testament and get grounded in His Word..

Knowing the gospel before walking into a church is far better.. saves people from a lot of deceptions..

 

[NIEMA]

A little background on me and where I am coming from, I am 23, I grew up in an Episcopal church but never really understood why I was there or the reason behind it. I was baptized as a baby there and was a part of youth ministry and other groups off and on until I moved to college 4 years ago. Since moving to college I really haven't been active in a church and my relationship with God has been really lacking. Now that I am a little older and wiser, I would like to find that relationship and accept God into my life. It's like something has clicked in my heart and I am starting to understand the meaning and impact that God has on my life. It's a little hard for me to explain so I am hoping you can interpret it in your own ways.

Growing up in the church that I did, I was never really comfortable and never did understand the messages and meanings behind the services. Now that I am older I am realizing more and more that I don't always agree with the beliefs and teachings of the Episcopal church. I have decided that would like to find a church that matches my beliefs and that I feel comfortable in.

Recently I have met someone who I truly believe that I might spend the rest of my life with. He grew up in a Southern Baptist church. Now, I know I shouldn't base my beliefs and religion off of my boyfriends. But from listening to him talk about how he grew up and what he believes, I have really come to conclusion that maybe the Baptist church would suit me. I have listened to a few of his dads sermons on YouTube and I have related to them more than I ever did to anything growing up. I have not yet attended service but plan to. Going myself makes me super nervous and I always talk myself out of it. I can't go with him because he is a few states away for work right now and I don't have any friends who I think might be open to going with me.

I guess what I am asking here is how do I begin the process of moving into a new faith and church. I know that I should really have this conversation with my boyfriend but at this point in our relationship, I am just not ready. I am a bit of a shy and quiet person and I don't always trust others with my feelings. I would like to gather some advice and knowledge, I want to figure this out in MY heart first.

So I guess what I am asking for is advice. Advice for a lost soul that is looking for the place I belong. I truly believe that the Baptist faith may be the answer for me.

I thank you for any and all advice and help you can give me or a direction you can point me in.

If that church helps you with your faith in God, go for it. Also, keep praying. Ask God to guide you to the right church. Hope the best for you.