Being a pretty new Christian I am looking for information about fellowship and a good church to attend.?
December 302009
I would appreciate honest and COGENT comments, no rants please. My atheist friends are welcome to take your shots, just know before hand I have been there and done that.
First, let me say congratulations and welcome to The Kingdom.
Now, I don’t know where you are, but let me give you this piece of advice about churches….don’t join a church because of who the members are. Join a church where the preacher’s message speaks to your soul. You’ll know what I mean when it happens. Like a previous poster advised….try different churches. The Lord will lead you to a good church. Whatever church you join, don’t be afraid to question things that you don’t understand and research things for yourself in the Bible.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:06 am
If you want a moderate church, try Lutherans or Methodists
If you want a deeper involvement, try Southern Baptists or Mormons.
here’s a big comparison list:
http://www.religionfacts.com/big_religion_chart.htm
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December 31st, 2009 at 2:29 am
leave and save yourself, before the brainwashing becomes to deep and irreversible!
if not, then go to any church, and leave the moment you hear words of hate.
either choice (above) — you won’t stay for long.
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December 31st, 2009 at 2:43 am
There are non-denominational churches that teach the Bible and are more modern in their approach.
Just find what you like
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December 31st, 2009 at 3:07 am
Try different churches. Try many. Find one where you will enjoy going. That will help you to continue going. Make sure their teachings are bible based and backed up. Try not to get tied up in ceremony or events. Remember that you relationship with God is between you, and if you listen to his voice in you it will not steer you wroung. Ask the person who helped you accept Christ. They may have some ideas. Find a church were the worship is as calm or energetic as you like. Find a church with activities or groups of people that you like. Find a church where you will meet people, because they will help keep you going, and be a support as you start out. Make sure that the church teaches from the heart as well as the book. Good Luck!!
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December 31st, 2009 at 3:22 am
As an atheist, I will respect and honor your right to choose your religious belief(s).
You can compare what you believe with what various Christian denominations believe, and try attending a church which shares many of your views.
If you don’t want to belong to a denomination, you can become non-denominational.
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December 31st, 2009 at 3:52 am
Faith does not save a person. If you are helped, it is a gift, grace, of the Almighty YHVH. Most people have faith in something else, which cannot save. And in the end most people will choose to be lost rather than come to the Savior YAHOSHUA for salvation!
The Almighty YHVH set up a system. He sent His “Son” YAHOSHUA to die for the sins of mankind so they would not have to. (They could choose to, but did not have to). Any person who chooses not to allow Yahoshua to take care of their sins, chooses to remain attached to their sins. They thus will wind up in the lake of fire which is YHVH’s method of cleaning this world, and eliminating sin and sinners. The Creator set aside the Seventh day for rest and worship. Yes that is the day usually called “Saturday”. We are not saved by obedience, we are saved by faith. However we are saved FOR obedience. As He said in John 14:15 (and in many other places) “If you love me, keep my commandments.
The only thing that will change a person is the indwelling savior Yahoshua. Obviously that is rare in this sinful world.
True faith, and salvation comes from Scripture. No organized religion is close. There is a heavenly father YHVH. There is a divine/human Savior YAHOSHUA. The Seventh day "Saturday" is the special day for rest and worship. How does it look so far? do I need to go on? Eternal life is only available by grace received through faith. I give Him my sins, and He gives me eternal life. If I stay attached to my sins, I will end up where they will, which is the lake of fire in which sin and sinners will be destroyed!
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December 31st, 2009 at 4:06 am
Hey just find a church where you feel you can serve. Look for one that is bible based. You don’t need to worry about denomination so much. Just make sure they teach from the scriptures. There are a lot of good ones out there, but just as many not so good. Pray about it and let the Lord lead you. He will…..
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December 31st, 2009 at 4:38 am
On the fellowship part I would like to suggest you read a little of Dr. Billy Graham’s book, Peace With God. It is awesome. The good church is really a matter of personal preference, however, I suggest finding a Bible-based one.
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December 31st, 2009 at 4:48 am
Some churches in your area might be the really big ones,with a few thousand people,or they might be fairly small churches.So,that might make a difference.
It doesn’t really matter what denomination you go to,as long as it is biblically sound.I go to a Baptist church myself,and I love it.You could try that
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December 31st, 2009 at 5:04 am
I have to admit I am a little biased on this one – but I would strongly suggest checking into the Assemblies of God churches in your area. Styles of worship, preaching, personalities etc vary greatly from Church to Church – but one thing all Assembly of God Churches have in common is their Doctrine. There are 16 fundamental beliefs and 4 cardinal doctrines. The Assemblies of God is a Fellowship, not a Denomination. That is one reason for the vast differences in the individual Churches but the central 16 beliefs are the same. Great fellowship, Great vision, and Great mission outreach. Check it out!
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December 31st, 2009 at 5:13 am
http://www.withoutwalls.org
You can attend if you live in Tampa or Lakeland Florida or you can watch them live online for every service. They are non denominational and you are free to tithe and offer as YOU please and they are not pushy at all. They are a teaching church. I love it there!
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December 31st, 2009 at 5:55 am
Wow-it’s hard to know exactly what to recommend, especially since we don’t know your location. I can’t give you the address of a great church…but I guess I can put my vote in for United Methodist churches! I’ve been a United Methodist for my entire life and I love our denomination! Here are a few links to check out that will tell you a lot more about United Methodisism.
http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1353935/k.BE6A/Home.htm
this is the main page
http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1707359/k.BE59/Beliefs.htm
This page gives you an overview of the basic beliefs of the United Methodist denomination-easy to understand!
http://archives.umc.org/Directory/ChurchDirectory.asp?ptid=1&mid=222
this is the "church locator"-you type in your location and it offers you the closest UM churches! very handy!
Grace and Peace,
Kristi
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December 31st, 2009 at 6:16 am
i would recommend the only church that was built by jesus himself: the roman catholic church.
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December 31st, 2009 at 6:47 am
Jesus told us to fellowship with like minded people. In order to recommend a church that you will fit in with I would need to know more about you, like your likes, and dislikes, outgoing or reserved, etc. Different denominations, and even churches within denominations all have a different style to them.
Please email me so I can adequately assist you in your search.
Pastor Bill
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December 31st, 2009 at 7:13 am
What should you seek in a church? Prayerfully ask yourself what God wants to do in your life. The answer is simple: He wants you to grow closer to Him and to become more like Christ.
How does this happen? It happens as we listen to His Word, the Bible, and apply it to our lives. It happens also as we pray and worship Him, and as we have fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Ask God to lead you to a church where the Bible is preached and taught, and where you can grow closer to Christ and His people.
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December 31st, 2009 at 7:52 am
If you are in the USA, look for a Calvary Chapel. There are about 2500 across the country. They are conservative, have verse by verse Bible teaching, and Maranatha style music. There are no formal requirements. It is a good place to start, a good place to come back to between churches, and a good place for fellowship. If your family church background is like Baptist, Methodist, or Pentecostal, you will probably love it. If you came out of a Catholic, Anglican, or Episcopal type church-you may not like it so well. It is a wonderful resting place for those "type A" evangelistic Baptist who need a good break from the grind. Its worship, its scriptural, its good.
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December 31st, 2009 at 8:31 am
First, let me say congratulations and welcome to The Kingdom.
Now, I don’t know where you are, but let me give you this piece of advice about churches….don’t join a church because of who the members are. Join a church where the preacher’s message speaks to your soul. You’ll know what I mean when it happens. Like a previous poster advised….try different churches. The Lord will lead you to a good church. Whatever church you join, don’t be afraid to question things that you don’t understand and research things for yourself in the Bible.
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December 31st, 2009 at 9:13 am
Try a Bible Church (something with Bible in the title) In my experience they have always had great fellowship and always teach straight from the Bible. It is actually a non-denominational type church. If you have heard of John MacArthur he teaches at this kind of church.
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Ex: I go to Providence Bible Fellowship
http://www.pbfellowship.net
December 31st, 2009 at 9:49 am
Go to one where:
You’re comfortable yet convicted
You’re welcomed
You’re encouraged
Your relationship with God is growing
You meet good friends and mentors
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December 31st, 2009 at 10:39 am
Finding a GOOD TRUE CHRISTIAN CHURCH can be difficult.
Have a look at, and download to paper >>
http://www.toughlove.faithweb.com/find_a_true_christian_church.htm
If you have problems from there let me know city and state and i will post a list here on Yahoo Q&A!
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