How do non-denominational Christians pick a church?

[aussie_jaz]

This may seem silly as my post last to you is way way back there.

Sorry to not get back very soon and this thread is going on and on. But I did want to converse with you more. I have been busy but don’t want to leave you with the idea that I don’t care. I think the priest was just wanting to give you more time if you are not ready yet. I am glad to hear you are holding on to the teaching that are true. Not many claim that these days. We even as Catholics do have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and within the church. If something is contrary to the CCC then that person is in the wrong. The CCC is based on scripture and tradition, but I don’t want to get into all that right now. None of us are near holiness we are all under grace. Keep seeking truth and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If you feel like it go back to the priest and ask him what he meant or take several questions with you to ask him more. This you can do in confession or a seperate session as he would like to hear your story. We all have a story to tell of our experiences.
God bless and care for you.

i dont know what the future holds , as none of us do , but as far as going back and seeing the priest again i dont have that in my plans. At the moment i am satisfied with where i feel i am in this part of life.
As far as holding on to the tachings ( i take it you mean where my morals and beliefs are rooted) , i feel if i were to deny that they were originally from my upbringing in the catholic church then i would be lying to myself and god and would therefore be going against those morals and beliefs.
By the attitude and response i got from the priest i dont believe he would like to hear my story but as i do not know the man or his story he may have been having a bad day …i dont know but i am not prepared to find out right now.

 

[1beleevr]

I know you have gotten some responses, but why does it surprise you that any christian of any denomination would do these things?

Maybe you need to reconsider what you thought you knew about different Christian Churches, Protestant and Catholic?

And where do you think the Catholic Church “as a whole” gets all that money for hospitals and missionaries? From the average Joe! Sometimes it gets tough, when several weeks in a row there are “second collections” all for very important things. The Church doesn’t sell off art work to pay for these ministries, it asks the average joe in the pews to help pay for it. And we do.

Your sister in Christ,
Maria

]

Maria: When it comes to serving(Mark 10:45), you can strip away the denominational title! We are all (or should be) united as one Body, serving Jesus! I started in the 1970’s serving homeless people, in an outdoor soup kitchen! I have grown into street ministry(door to door) intersessory prayer, leading worship services, witnessing to and sharing Christ at WalMart, Home Depot, etc., and also at work! Also outreaches for Christ, concerts(prayer teams) and on, and on! The joy one gets from actively participating in any or all of the above activities, is priceless:thumbsup: I only made the comment I did, because every catholic I have talked to, says that they don’t get personally involved in ministries outside the church walls; and I have never seen any out at any of our functions, which are open to all Christians, and non-Christians alike:thumbsup:

 

[jmcrae]

I only made the comment I did, because every catholic I have talked to, says that they don’t get personally involved in ministries outside the church walls; and I have never seen any out at any of our functions, which are open to all Christians, and non-Christians alike:thumbsup:

Maybe they are thinking of our soup kitchens, etc., as being “inside the walls” since in most cases, they do take place on Church property.

We have three outreach programs taking place at our parish - the St. Vincent de Paul kitchen, where the ladies gather at the Church to make their shopping lists, then all go out in cars together to buy all the groceries, and then pack them into boxes for delivery to the families that need them; the “All Roads Lead Home” project in which we adopt a homeless family and get them housed (at present, we are collecting for a mother and her four children who lost their home when their father died), and “Inn from the Cold” where we take homeless people in overnight for temporary shelter, whenever it’s cold outside. All of these things take place “inside the walls”.

So does most of our charitable giving, which is usually given when a speaker comes to the Church to talk about their program and explain what the money is going to be used for.

 

[1beleevr]

Maybe they are thinking of our soup kitchens, etc., as being “inside the walls” since in most cases, they do take place on Church property.

We have three outreach programs taking place at our parish - the St. Vincent de Paul kitchen, where the ladies gather at the Church to make their shopping lists, then all go out in cars together to buy all the groceries, and then pack them into boxes for delivery to the families that need them; the “All Roads Lead Home” project in which we adopt a homeless family and get them housed (at present, we are collecting for a mother and her four children who lost their home when their father died), and “Inn from the Cold” where we take homeless people in overnight for temporary shelter, whenever it’s cold outside. All of these things take place “inside the walls”.

So does most of our charitable giving, which is usually given when a speaker comes to the Church to talk about their program and explain what the money is going to be used for.

]

The great thing about outreaches, is that God opens doors for witnessing, and evangelizing to the lost, or encouraging an reassuring believers! I have seen many people come to Christ(He will meet you where you are) during our ministries!

 

[1beleevr]

Question for all:

Is Church a consumer product that we “get” that is intended to improve our lives in some way (like a good deodorant, or a safe car), or is it an opportunity to serve God within our community?

Is finding a good Church about finding a place where our God-given gifts can be used to their greatest potential in the service of God’s people, or is it about finding a place that will give us positive emotional experiences?

I just want to throw that out there for consideration.

]

Church is not a consumer product, that one can purchase It is not even a building; rather it is a Body of believers, who sharing like beliefs edify each other rather than separating or dividing.It is a place where we can be fed(spiritually) and refueled, when we are depleted! I don’t think emotions should be a part of it; but sadly, many times they are

 

[jmcrae]

]

Church is not a consumer product, that one can purchase It is not even a building; rather it is a Body of believers, who sharing like beliefs edify each other rather than separating or dividing.It is a place where we can be fed(spiritually) and refueled, when we are depleted! I don’t think emotions should be a part of it; but sadly, many times they are

I agree with you completely.

 

[MariaG]

]

Maria: When it comes to serving(Mark 10:45), you can strip away the denominational title! We are all (or should be) united as one Body, serving Jesus! I started in the 1970’s serving homeless people, in an outdoor soup kitchen! I have grown into street ministry(door to door) intersessory prayer, leading worship services, witnessing to and sharing Christ at WalMart, Home Depot, etc., and also at work! Also outreaches for Christ, concerts(prayer teams) and on, and on! The joy one gets from actively participating in any or all of the above activities, is priceless:thumbsup:

We all should be united serving Him! It can bring such joy when one uses the gifts given to us for His glory.

I only made the comment I did, because every catholic I have talked to, says that they don’t get personally involved in ministries outside the church walls; and I have never seen any out at any of our functions, which are open to all Christians, and non-Christians alike:thumbsup:

That can be true. Sometimes Catholic Christians stop trying to do things with other Christians because they get tired of getting slapped in the face when non-Catholics try to “save” the Catholic Christians, and pull us out of the Catholic Church. Some just prefer to do “Catholic” charities and events where they are opening themselves, sharing the love of Christ so they do not have to deal with our separated brethren who do not consider us to be their brothers and sisters in 'Christ.

I always have to tell myself that the servant is never greater than the master. As He was rejected, so will I be. But it still hurts. Alot more when a fellow Christian slaps at you than a non-believer.

Our community has a service for all to come and worship Him with all churches. I stopped going to it for a couple of reasons.

The final community service I attended was held at the Catholic Church, there were very few people except Catholics who showed up. This was in stark contrast to the ones held at Protestant Churches which were packed. One of the pastors, a very good man of the Church of Christ, stood up and said he was there but he could loose his job over his actions. Many of his parish do not consider Catholics to be Christians and refused to go and pray with us. I had always felt the uncomfortableness of others when they learned which Church I attended, but that was just the final straw.

I should push myself to go again because it does give people the wrong impression, like you have (had?) about Catholics, but it is very hard.

It hurts. Alot. Everytime.

Your sister in Christ,
Maria

 

[tweetymom]

]

Church is not a consumer product, that one can purchase It is not even a building; rather it is a Body of believers, who sharing like beliefs edify each other rather than separating or dividing.It is a place where we can be fed(spiritually) and refueled, when we are depleted! I don’t think emotions should be a part of it; but sadly, many times they are

Amen brother and I am proud of you and your ministry.

 

[1beleevr]

Amen brother and I am proud of you and your ministry.

]

Thanks tweetymom; good to hear from you again! I am so blessed and so privileged to be a servant for my Saviour! The problem with many human beings, is that service means"serve us!". I have been away from my ministries, traveling and doing family stuff, but God in His infinite wisdom and faithfulness, gives me opportunities to witness to and pray for those that I encounter in my travels! God bless you, my sister in Christ!

 

[1beleevr]

We all should be united serving Him! It can bring such joy when one uses the gifts given to us for His glory.

That can be true. Sometimes Catholic Christians stop trying to do things with other Christians because they get tired of getting slapped in the face when non-Catholics try to “save” the Catholic Christians, and pull us out of the Catholic Church. Some just prefer to do “Catholic” charities and events where they are opening themselves, sharing the love of Christ so they do not have to deal with our separated brethren who do not consider us to be their brothers and sisters in 'Christ.

I always have to tell myself that the servant is never greater than the master. As He was rejected, so will I be. But it still hurts. Alot more when a fellow Christian slaps at you than a non-believer.

Our community has a service for all to come and worship Him with all churches. I stopped going to it for a couple of reasons.

The final community service I attended was held at the Catholic Church, there were very few people except Catholics who showed up. This was in stark contrast to the ones held at Protestant Churches which were packed. One of the pastors, a very good man of the Church of Christ, stood up and said he was there but he could loose his job over his actions. Many of his parish do not consider Catholics to be Christians and refused to go and pray with us. I had always felt the uncomfortableness of others when they learned which Church I attended, but that was just the final straw.

I should push myself to go again because it does give people the wrong impression, like you have (had?) about Catholics, but it is very hard.

It hurts. Alot. Everytime.

Your sister in Christ,
Maria

]

I know exactly what you’re talking about! I left my former church, because the pastor was bashing other religions from the pulpit, and politicizing his sermons! If I want politics, I’ll watch CNN, and if I want preaching and teaching, I’ll go to church! And it’s sad that Christians can’t meet and pray with each other, and for each other, because of differences in doctrine! And Jesus showed us how to be a servant; telling us to emulate Him in serving our fellow man, swallowing our pride and doing something for someone without expecting anything in return! Just keep your focus on Him, and put aside your feelings when someone tries to persecute you! Your brother in Christ, 1beleevr

 

[Through_Him]

We all should be united serving Him! It can bring such joy when one uses the gifts given to us for His glory.

That can be true. Sometimes Catholic Christians stop trying to do things with other Christians because they get tired of getting slapped in the face when non-Catholics try to “save” the Catholic Christians, and pull us out of the Catholic Church. Some just prefer to do “Catholic” charities and events where they are opening themselves, sharing the love of Christ so they do not have to deal with our separated brethren who do not consider us to be their brothers and sisters in 'Christ.

I always have to tell myself that the servant is never greater than the master. As He was rejected, so will I be. But it still hurts. Alot more when a fellow Christian slaps at you than a non-believer.

Our community has a service for all to come and worship Him with all churches. I stopped going to it for a couple of reasons.

The final community service I attended was held at the Catholic Church, there were very few people except Catholics who showed up. This was in stark contrast to the ones held at Protestant Churches which were packed. One of the pastors, a very good man of the Church of Christ, stood up and said he was there but he could loose his job over his actions. Many of his parish do not consider Catholics to be Christians and refused to go and pray with us. I had always felt the uncomfortableness of others when they learned which Church I attended, but that was just the final straw.

I should push myself to go again because it does give people the wrong impression, like you have (had?) about Catholics, but it is very hard.

It hurts. Alot. Everytime.

Your sister in Christ,
Maria

I feel the same way this has happened to me.

 

[MariaG]

]

I know exactly what you’re talking about! I left my former church, because the pastor was bashing other religions from the pulpit, and politicizing his sermons! If I want politics, I’ll watch CNN, and if I want preaching and teaching, I’ll go to church! And it’s sad that Christians can’t meet and pray with each other, and for each other, because of differences in doctrine! And Jesus showed us how to be a servant; telling us to emulate Him in serving our fellow man, swallowing our pride and doing something for someone without expecting anything in return! Just keep your focus on Him, and put aside your feelings when someone tries to persecute you! Your brother in Christ, 1beleevr

Thank you.

Your sister in Christ,
Maria

 

[MariaG]

I feel the same way this has happened to me.

Pray. Breathe. Repeat after me. The servant is never greater than the master. Repeat.

Of Course I haven’t gone to a community prayer for a while, but I think I now have a goal for this next year

Now if I can just impliment my own advice

 

[1beleevr]

Pray. Breathe. Repeat after me. The servant is never greater than the master. Repeat.

Of Course I haven’t gone to a community prayer for a while, but I think I now have a goal for this next year

Now if I can just impliment my own advice

]

I pray that you will realize your goal:thumbsup: The title of this thread asks how we non-denoms pick a church, and it made me think about denominatons and religious sects in general. Was talking with a friend at work about denominations and their differences. I said,"not to be rude, but I really do not concern myself with what denomination a person aligns himself/herself with. A person is not defined by what religious title they claim, but rather who they are in Christ. I believe this is how God sees you! He does not see Mormon, catholic, Baptist, etc., rather He sees your heart! So don’t get too wrapped up in having the name of a denomination in front of your name!

 

[Xavierlives]

]

I pray that you will realize your goal:thumbsup: The title of this thread asks how we non-denoms pick a church, and it made me think about denominatons and religious sects in general. Was talking with a friend at work about denominations and their differences. I said,"not to be rude, but I really do not concern myself with what denomination a person aligns himself/herself with. A person is not defined by what religious title they claim, but rather who they are in Christ. I believe this is how God sees you! He does not see Mormon, catholic, Baptist, etc., rather He sees your heart! So don’t get too wrapped up in having the name of a denomination in front of your name!

He sees you as saved or not. I think there will be plenty of Catholics and Baptists and a wide variety of “denominations” in heaven. Other religions are another subject.

 

[tweetymom]

Xavierlives:
He sees you as saved or not. I think there will be plenty of Catholics and Baptists and a wide variety of “denominations” in heaven. Other religions are another subject.

And aren’t we glad Jesus looks on our hearts and not the name on the door of the Church we attend? And if we don’t take Jesus with us when we go to Church the name on the door isn’t going to matter.

 

[izoid]

Non-Denominational is actually Non-Denominational Denomination just like the Methodist denomination, Presbyterian denomination, Baptist denomination, etc. When the church doesn’t belong to specific big group, they are called the non-denominational denomination church. Most of these churches are quite big in size. I have been to some of these non-denominational denomination churches and I don’t really like it.

Non-Denominational churches are by definition, not affiliated with any denomination. They are indepentdant churches that choose not to affiliate with other churches under the guise of a denomination. I think you have them confused with some other form of church.

 

[Xavierlives]

Non-Denominational churches are by definition, not affiliated with any denomination. They are indepentdant churches that choose not to affiliate with other churches under the guise of a denomination. I think you have them confused with some other form of church.

I think what he is saying is that non-demonination churches are gravitating to a psuedo-denomination by having similar beliefs. The problem is, by definition, they don’t have to conform to any one standard.

 

[izoid]

I think what he is saying is that non-demonination churches are gravitating to a psuedo-denomination by having similar beliefs. The problem is, by definition, they don’t have to conform to any one standard.

My experience has been that these non-denominationals can run the gamut in theological belief. From charismatic to hyper Calvinist. I do agree that their autonomy can become quite problematic.

 

[1beleevr]

Xavierlives:
He sees you as saved or not. I think there will be plenty of Catholics and Baptists and a wide variety of “denominations” in heaven. Other religions are another subject.]

As for myself, personally, I don’t believe there will be denominations in Heaven; no need:thumbsup:All who are in Christ, cloaked in His righteousness, will be as one family, saints forever praising and worshipping God! What would be the point of having a religious title in eternity?