Churches and Denominations?

I currently attend a non-denominational Christian church. I've been attending said church off and on for about 10 years. I've started feeling uncomfortable there the last few years. It is a very large church with numerous locations. It's the kind of church that feels like a concert on Sundays. My unease is that I have never heard the pastors (both male and female) preach raw truth from God's word. I feel like every service is a like a positive pep talk. It's definitely always a sugar-coated, feel-good message. I met someone about a year or so ago that is a Reformed Christian (Calvinist)...I told him what church I attend and he looked it up and listened to a few sermons online. He was quick to tell me that the pastor of my church was a prosperity preacher. I've always considered the likes of Joel Osteen to be a prosperity preacher, but not my pastor...until I really started listening. He was absolutely right.

In addition, and not to get political, but our church is definitely divided when it comes to politics. I feel like anyone following the Word of God should know what is right and what is wrong (homosexuality, abortion, etc). I believe that our church is divided, because the pastors are not discussing these topics and preaching the truth from the Bible. I feel like our church is too busy trying to be entertaining and politically correct. I also know many members who are unmarried and cohabiting with their partners (to name just one example of on-going sin in the church). I just sense that sin is running rampant there and everyone just turns a blind eye.

I don't think the church I attend is all bad. I have heard a few good sermons and have met some truly wonderful people there. But I just don't feel like it is the best church for my young son and I to hear God's Word on Sundays.

Any way, my point is I want to find a new church. I was raised non-denomination Christian, so I don't really know anything else. Although I will say my pastor in the church I grew up in was NOT like my current church. He was truly a man of God and I had much respect for him. So I know not all non-denominational churches are "bad." But with so many denominations, I'm having a hard time deciding on the right one to choose. How does anyone know that their church is teaching truth? There are so many denominations, interpretations, opinions, etc.

I think I've narrowed down my core beliefs to be most aligned with Southern Baptist, and will actually be attending a small Southern Baptist church in my town this weekend to check it out. I read their "what we believe" page and I agreed with everything they wrote...including that marriage is between a man and a woman, that transgenderism is a sin, and that pastors and elders should be men who meet specific requirements set forth in the Bible. Being that I am currently a member of a church that seems to have openly adopted feminism (and I don't think they discuss anything controversial on their website, such as the definition of Biblical marriage, etc), this was refreshing to see. But I'm curious about Reformed Christianity as well...although there are a few things regarding their beliefs that I'm not sure I agree with. How do you all decide what church to attend? How do you know that their teachings are perfectly aligned with the Bible and being interpreted correctly? Is Southern Baptist a good denomination to be a part of?

I honestly get anxiety trying to sift through all the interpretations, opinions, etc regarding the Bible. I just want to hear TRUTH when I attend church. I want to a attend a church that honors God.

I currently attend a non-denominational Christian church. I've been attending said church off and on for about 10 years. I've started feeling uncomfortable there the last few years. It is a very large church with numerous locations. It's the kind of church that feels like a concert on Sundays. My unease is that I have never heard the pastors (both male and female) preach raw truth from God's word. I feel like every service is a like a positive pep talk. It's definitely always a sugar-coated, feel-good message. I met someone about a year or so ago that is a Reformed Christian (Calvinist)...I told him what church I attend and he looked it up and listened to a few sermons online. He was quick to tell me that the pastor of my church was a prosperity preacher. I've always considered the likes of Joel Osteen to be a prosperity preacher, but not my pastor...until I really started listening. He was absolutely right.

In addition, and not to get political, but our church is definitely divided when it comes to politics. I feel like anyone following the Word of God should know what is right and what is wrong (homosexuality, abortion, etc). I believe that our church is divided, because the pastors are not discussing these topics and preaching the truth from the Bible. I feel like our church is too busy trying to be entertaining and politically correct. I also know many members who are unmarried and cohabiting with their partners (to name just one example of on-going sin in the church). I just sense that sin is running rampant there and everyone just turns a blind eye.

I don't think the church I attend is all bad. I have heard a few good sermons and have met some truly wonderful people there. But I just don't feel like it is the best church for my young son and I to hear God's Word on Sundays.

Any way, my point is I want to find a new church. I was raised non-denomination Christian, so I don't really know anything else. Although I will say my pastor in the church I grew up in was NOT like my current church. He was truly a man of God and I had much respect for him. So I know not all non-denominational churches are "bad." But with so many denominations, I'm having a hard time deciding on the right one to choose. How does anyone know that their church is teaching truth? There are so many denominations, interpretations, opinions, etc.

I think I've narrowed down my core beliefs to be most aligned with Southern Baptist, and will actually be attending a small Southern Baptist church in my town this weekend to check it out. I read their "what we believe" page and I agreed with everything they wrote...including that marriage is between a man and a woman, that transgenderism is a sin, and that pastors and elders should be men who meet specific requirements set forth in the Bible. Being that I am currently a member of a church that seems to have openly adopted feminism (and I don't think they discuss anything controversial on their website, such as the definition of Biblical marriage, etc), this was refreshing to see. But I'm curious about Reformed Christianity as well...although there are a few things regarding their beliefs that I'm not sure I agree with. How do you all decide what church to attend? How do you know that their teachings are perfectly aligned with the Bible and being interpreted correctly? Is Southern Baptist a good denomination to be a part of?

I honestly get anxiety trying to sift through all the interpretations, opinions, etc regarding the Bible. I just want to hear TRUTH when I attend church. I want to a attend a church that honors God.

How does anyone know that their church is teaching truth? There are so many denominations, interpretations, opinions, etc.

Unfortunately I found that in most churches the importance of the pews being occupied over rule the need for sound doctrine.
New age theology along with entertainment has snuck it's way into the church.
Gods the only one who can add to the church but sadly some believe the more the people the more successful the ministry.
As I've said before I'd rather be surrounded by a handful of the faithful than to be in the crowd of skeptics.

In time, when it won't be safe to use the internet (if you are a believer), it will become like your last statement "I'd rather be surrounded by a handful of the faithful than to be in the crowd of skeptics." During the Tribulation, the longer people survive, they will survive by this very setting (handful of the faithful in private settings). Can you imagine how intense your prayers will be during that time period? Every day is a literal day of survival by the Grace of God, then!!

I would suggest that everyone find that small group today while there is still time.
And if you live in a big city, find a way to leave today.
It is near folks, very near.

When Trump got elected, my attention to detail suddenly peaked. It was way out of norm that it just went against everything we basically knew from both sides. And it got quiet. Then Trump declared Jerusalem the Capitol of Israel. While all along, Mueller just pecked and pecked and pecked. Enough confusion has united the people. Trouble with that, it means they will win the election. And they have somewhere around 30 candidates running for president. That's 30 people we are not aware about, and with the people united against Trump, they would vote the antichrist in in a heartbeat!!

I would suggest that everyone find that small group today while there is still time.
And if you live in a big city, find a way to leave today.
It is near folks, very near.

1. You need to study the Bible and determine the truth from it, not from any other source.

2. Whatever church you wish to attend (after seeing what is happening in your church), you should (a) take a close look at their Statement of Faith and (b) attend a few services to see what happens -- is the true Gospel preached and is Bible doctrine taught?

3. Although your Reformed Christian friend determined that your church is off the track, Reformed Theology (Calvinism) is not the true Gospel either. So that will not be a step forward. If you are not familiar with the Calvinism debate read this E-book. https://www.wayoflife.org/free_ebooks/the_calvinism_debate.php

4. Mega churches and charismatic churches may not be suitable either, but there are other non-denominational churches which may be still biblical.

5. Find a church which uses the King James Bible exclusively. Modern bible versions are corrupt and do affect doctrine. You will find quite a few here who will protest, but the truth is the truth.

MissKayanne,
I appreciate your both-sides evaluation.

You said you want to actually hear the truth when you go to church. If true, this is important.

You are in a favorable situation. You see the complexity in front of you, and you don't know the right move. My recommendation would be to put the decision on hold (so to speak) and instead of spending your effort seeking a church, invest that same or greater time and effort specifically seeking God. Purposefully read your bible. Spend time in prayer, sincerely trying to ask the things you've long felt you should ask...whether good for someone else, or for understanding etc for yourself. Ultimately church is to provide opportunity to do those things I just mentioned, as well as a few others like thanking, praising, and singing to him. Please think for a few moments if God would get angry if you were to purposefully spend that time directly with him as you seek his face until he reveals to you a church that preaches truth. He really is still God and is willing to lead you if you're willing to put himself as clearly most important with or without a "church".
Love on him. Thank him. Don't be in too much of a hurry to leave his presence. Wait on him. Let him show himself as God in your home, car and prayer closet. Ask him to guide you to the right group/church with whom to worship, and he will certainly guide you.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby