Beliefs per denominations

[Smalcald]

I think those were all good advice. Definitely read the Word, read and study the entire New Testament, then choose a congregation, which you feel, is worshipping in accordance with the Holy Bible.

One thing I would also suggest is to get a statement of faith or a Creed from a particular denomination. They should be able to sum up, what they believe, the basics in a Creed statement or statement of faith, which would include a statement that the Holy Bible is the inerant and infallible Word of God. If they don't have anything, or just say we follow the bible, I would say proceed with caution, Mormons say they follow the bible as do Jehovah Witness

[Iryssa]

One thing I would also suggest is to get a statement of faith or a Creed from a particular denomination. They should be able to sum up, what they believe, the basics in a Creed statement or statement of faith, which would include a statement that the Holy Bible is the inerant and infallible Word of God.  If they don't have anything, or just say we follow the bible, I would say proceed with caution, Mormons say they follow the bible as do Jehovah Witness

[kodischild]

After going to Nazarene churches all over the country I think it is safe to say that something being one denomination or another doesn't totally prepare you for what you are going to get. The Nazarenes and Wesleyans both appear to be making a transition from very, very conservative a few years ago to pretty nontraditional now, but not all of them. So with those two denominations I'm not even going to try to say what you are walking into. In Texas I went to a Wesleyan Church where everyone was very dressed up, they sang very tradtional songs, and the was firmly grounded in the Bible. I moved to where I am now and they wear jeans, don't even own hymnals, and keep preaching from lots of books and occasionally mentioning the Bible in passing. (Not that I'm saying those things go together. I'm not against jeans in church, I was just trying to set up the diffferences.)

Right now I am attending a Disciples of Christ church. They were originally a prarie church set up as a bridge church for people from many different denominations. They celebrate communion every week, believe in adult submersion baptism, and most of them tend to be pretty informal when it comes to dressing up.

I've moved a million and 1 times so I know all about searching for churches. It drives me nuts! I suggest making a list of things that are important to you, then getting out a phone book and calling and asking questions. Write down what you get and then you can pick a church. Go ahead and ask them what the appropriate dress is, or what kind of music they sing, or how long the service is, and if they have a vital youth program, or whatever it is that is important to you. At first I was embarrassed to call around to a bunch of places like they were businesses offering services. Then I got over it and decided it was better than showing up at a church for a month before learning that it was the wrong one and starting over again.

[Iryssa]

Great post, Kodischild!

[Guest sallystrothers]

One more thing which is a more subtle gauge of a church's passion for Christ is their outreach ministries.

If you find yourself in a church which gives off the impression "Dear God, bless us four and no more" and is merely a spiritual feeding trough, I would say find another church.

It is hard to lump all churches within a certain denomination into one category. For example, I went to a Methodist church once that had some doctrine teachings I didn't agree with. But that same church also had trememdous outreach to inner city homeless people and to the outtermost parts of the earth.

They were producing good fruit. This church is going to be the justified church at judgement. The church that has the perfect teaching of the Bible and all of its doctrines in alignment with the Holy Spirit but does no good works will ultimately be held accountable to Christ on the day of judgement.

Edited October 9, 2005 by sallystrothers

[Salt]

It is hard to lump all churches within a certain denomination into one category. For example, I went to a Methodist church once that had some doctrine teachings I didn't agree with. But that same church also had trememdous outreach to inner city homeless people and to the outtermost parts of the earth.

They were producing good fruit. This church is going to be the justified church at judgement. The church that has the perfect teaching of the Bible and all of its doctrines in alignment with the Holy Spirit but does no good works will ultimately be held accountable to Christ on the day of judgement.

The UM church I grew up in was very 'works' orientated, but works alone can't save a person. One must be born-again by the incorruptible Word of God.

I believe I would have died and gone to hell if I remained a member of that church. <grin> They never preached or taught anything that would actually lead out of sin. It was a form of godliness religion that did not understand Jesus Christ's real power of remission\sanctification from sin. The same church recently flaunting on their marquee how much they gave for Katrina victims. As the saying goes, 'love them, but leave them'.

On the west coast primarily, I've heard there are United Methodist churches performing same sex weddings! Such is not of God. Clergy and church members have willfully turned from the Word of God and UMC doctrine.

A person cannot 'produce good fruit' without a foundation of Word of God Truth--lest it be self-righteousness (pride).

1Jo 2:5 But whoever keeps His Word, truly in this one the love of God is perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.

There are United Methodist churches (and of other denoms) I would consider saltless, or a fruitless endeavor. They did not root themselves in the Word of God and His righteousness before embarking on 'good works'. But not all are that way as mentioned in my previous post.

Rom 10:2-3 KJV For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. (3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Hay and stubble works may very well burn up in the end. (1Co 3:11-15) Even some some of mine before I woke.

Links: Aldergate Renewal Ministries | Concerned Methodists | Confessing Movement | UCM Message Board

Edited October 14, 2005 by Salt

[DaniJ87]

I am a "fundamental Baptist". I have to say that I am not sure I would choose this denomination myself- as I haven't found a church so far without severe problems- such as legalism, or a complete lack of care for the unsaved. I am sure, however, that there are some good Baptist churches. All of our beliefs seem to line up- it's just the execution of those beliefs that seems to get a little confused. If I could find a church of any denomination that believes the same things, and yet has a dedication to community outreach and discipleship, I would be very quick to move churches.

I have pretty much come to the conclusion that all churches have problems, and I basically have to choose my problems. I so far, have chosen a church that is trying to rectify these problems... but it's slow going- you always have people around that aren't willing to change... makes you wonder where they came from...

Baptist churches vary in the attire which is acceptable. I would reccomend that no matter what- you find a church that is accepting of people who come in wearing jeans and t-shirts. It might actually be a good test, to attend each church you want to try, in every-day clothes the first Sunday. If a church is too focused on the outward appearance, people are driven away from the church, because they don't have anything to wear. (I know- because I've known someone who said "No.. I can' come to church with you.. because I don't have anything nice to wear...") If the people in a church seem to look at you like you're some thing that crawled out of a swamp when you wear street clothes, the church is not likely to have a very healthy outreach program.

Church growth is not necessarily an indicator of outreach. To find out what type of outreach a church has, you have to find out not only how many people have been added to the church, but also, how many individual families that was, and, how many of those people came from outside- how many had not gone to a church before.

If you can't find a decent church to join... create one. Especially if you're getting a Bible college degree, you are qualified to start a church. If you do this, try to have a Bible study with some other, mature believers regularly, to keep you grounded.

[Salt]

Some Further Comments:

The main call of the church, to lead people out of sin. Its alarming that many churches have overlooked the fact that Jesus Died for our sins--that we be rid of sin completely. He gave us triumphing power over temptation.

The other matter is the Word of God. Jesus is The Word of God. The Word of God is transforming. If we love Jesus we accept His Word of Truth--every Word of it and become clean and holy. Churches need to delight in The Word of God to worship God and find Him present.

Joh 17:17 MKJV Sanctify them through Your truth. Your Word is truth.

Psalms 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

Joh 4:24 RSV God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

There are countless scriptures on this subject.

[Salt]

I am a "fundamental Baptist". I have to say that I am not sure I would choose this denomination myself- as I haven't found a church so far without severe problems- such as legalism, or a complete lack of care for the unsaved.

I have pretty much come to the conclusion that all churches have problems, and I basically have to choose my problems.

Yes, I have felt like I'm in 'the valley of decision' as to what church to go to. I went to full gospel churches for the Word of God and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but independant fundamental Baptist for the reverent traditional music. Also attended Calvary Chapel. When traveling I like to visit a Messianic fellowship. Am pretty settled on one church now, but wish the music was traditional with an organ.

Though there have been times of confusion in 'church jumping', God ministered through each! Its back to a full gospel church though, where they beleive in the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Edited October 11, 2005 by Salt

[yomotalking]

People become firm, when you talk about Church-hopping.

I can't understand it.