Finding your denominational home

Have you found your denominational home? I have not and I just don't know why. I grew up Lutheran and when I became a believer I went back to the Lutheran church and then left after a few weeks. I really wanted to get involved there but I could not find myself telling people to trust in their baptism.

From there I was in the Assemblies of God and church of God. 8 years under all of that and today, I don't agree with that. I have been to the Nazarene church and the one I attended is going the way of Joel Osteen. Baptists seemed the closest to me and yet I went to visit one for 4 months, a mega church, and I heard questionable things in it.

I currently go to a Presb and it is the first time I heard of Reformed theology. I don't agree with it either but I stay because they use hymnals and the preaching is very good though I noticed they don't preach on the forgiveness of sins alot.

So I found a little quiz to take to give me an idea of what I may ascribe to. I originally guessed Baptist. It told me Orthodox Quakers and then Free Will Baptist?

I was scratching my head on that one. Truth be told if Lutherans held a few things different I would probably ascribe to Lutheranism. I can't believe baptismal regeneration or infant baptism. I also don't agree that Communion is the literal Blood and Body of Jesus but I have read that it is gnostic to believe that it is anything other then the literal Blood and Body.

So what are your comments? How did you arrive within a denomination?

John

John it certainly is not gnostic to reject the actual presence of Christ on the elements of communion. Safely reject that idea.

Blaine

Sometimes without a church home I feel like an orphan. Do you have a church home?

dolfan

Do you know anything about Gnosticism?

The Presb church I attend is a great church but I find I don't agree with reformed theology. I also don't agree with infant baptism that they practice. I am there for 2 reasons. They use hymnals to sing from and I do analyze the words to see what is being said and the preaching is good though I do recognize that more is said about the Sovereignty of God than forgiveness of sins though the pastor does make an appeal to everyone about repentance.

Reformed theology is what stops me from being a member of the church.

In central FL there must be a lot of nondenominational evangelical churches. Why not try one of them- just read their statement if beliefs first. Most have websites.

Greg

You echo my sentiment. This Presb church is by far the best one I have attended as far as what I hear from the pulpit. I am not hearing alot of the pastors life or how you fit in to the bible like the modern preachers are doing. It is the reason I stay there because I literally takes notes in this church. Pastor will sometimes give out a word from the original language and talk about it briefly and so forth. He even uses one of those old fashioned pulpits like D James Kennedy did. Where you walk up into it with a huge bible on top of it. God is very revered in this church!

Brothers,

Although I understand the factors leading to the establishment of different denominations and that men have had to leave certain expressions of local churches for various reasons throughout history, I am pretty sure that if we dig deep enough, the reasons were fleshly and human.

To me, the very fact that we name a local church / denomination different from another, we are contributing to divisions in Christ's church.
There is one Christ, one Savior, one Lord, one Baptism.

Men are the ones who decided to divide and name and shame etc.

Surely heresy and wrong doctrine etc. can be confronted and dealt with without starting a new denomination?

I know we will probably never visibly reach perfection in this area and most of us, for now, need to take the good with the not so good in the local churches we are attending.
Let us be a force for good, godly and biblically faithful teaching and practice wherever we are.

Blessings,

Unfortunately, it is difficult to "know" a church by its name nowadays. Many of the denominational churches where I live have launched themselves into a moral and doctrinal abyss that is devoid of essential biblical doctrines.

Just this week, one of the congregations was featured in a local newspaper for holding LGBT square dances at the church. Another church in our neighborhood hung up a "Black Lives Matter" vinyl banner last year and hasn't taken it down since (despite, oddly enough, the congregation consisting of primarily Caucasians). Yet another local denominational church has opened up their buildings for Muslim prayers so that they could "take a stand" against Trump's recent immigration moratorium.

I was reading a conversation between some "Christian" people on a message board. They were taking turns lambasting President Trump for "pushing religion" at his inauguration and even in a few speeches. They spoke about how he should be "impeached" -- until one of them mentioned that he was more afraid of Vice President Mike Pence taking over because he is a "religious zealot" who is "more dangerous" because he truly "believes" his faith.

Over the last eight years, we've seen people trying to lump churches with traditional biblical stands into the same group as vile hate-mongering groups like the "Westboro Baptist Church" cult. If you believe in the biblical view of marriage, divorce, sexuality, modesty, etc., such people will try to lump you with radical ideologues or hate-filled congregations.

When it comes to fellowship with a local church body, I would definitely pray for the Lord's guidance. Since we are all flawed on this side of the "glass darkly," we won't find a "perfect church." Our very presence might pollute it (if one actually existed). We don't go for indoctrination. We don't go for compliance. We don't go out of some formal compulsion. Rather, we go to encourage and be encouraged. We go to fellowship with others that long to know and walk with Christ Jesus.

...the visible church is not doing very well, is she?

We really need to pay attention to the writings of ministers like AW Tozer. who, although part of a "denomination" was not ruled by this but tried to remain faithful to God and his Word, and His purpose with the church.

Judgement will begin, and has begun, in the house of God.

The tares and the wheat grow up side by side....

Let us pray...

YOU WILL NEVER FIND A PERFECT CHURCH OR PASTOR.

Why? Because neither are you perfect, nor your beliefs. That little nugget took some time to sink into my skull!

Bro, God created us "imperfect" and still loves us knowing this. So if you and I are imperfect, what is the chance of every pastor and preacher also being imperfect?! Yep, 100%?!!

Bro, it's like looking for a spouse, you will never, ever find a perfect spouse but you can find someone you can live with and love all the days of your life!

Find a church and LOVE THEM!!

God bless,
Lisa

This may be a silly question but have you prayed about what church the Lord wants you to offer your gifts, services, thanksgivings and praises up to Him ?
At the end of the day do the few things you dislike/disagree with outweigh all the things you like? If so better to move on sooner than later....

One more thing.... we're in a spiritual war and when we look at it in these terms it helps to remind us of how we are to proceed- for instance in a war zone if a solider gets disconnected from his platoon he is (for the most part) ineffective, however when he is reconnected and his training (gifts) is identified then he can be utilized/mobilized.
So identify your gifts and seek to offer them to Gods glory and the "platoon" or church home will find you in the sense that you will meet with them out in the battle and fellowship will flow from a common purpose which in my experience supersedes semantics of maturity and theology-

Hope that helps and pray your talents are put into service to our King that He may be glorified in all you do:)

The prayer of our Lord in John 17 is for unity:
"That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one." (John 17:21,22) The Apostle Paul says this: "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:13).

Many Denominations were founded in times of revival by men of God that had a revelation of certain truths in the Word of God. However, the same thing that ended many revivals, also choked the life out of these denominations, and that is that man attempted to organize what God had began, and certain truths in the scriptures were emphasized while others were neglected.

Denominations have not brought unity to the Body of Christ, but are the cause of much disunity. "For while one said, I am of Paul (Baptist, Methodist,
etc.); and another, I am of Apollos (Pentecostal, AOG,
etc.); are you not carnal?" (1Cor.3:4)

The dissatisfaction of Christians with the Denominations has resulted in many believers breaking fellowship with other believers and being cut off from the true fellowship within the Body of Christ that the Lord desires for us all. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25).

We should hold fast to the Head and seek the true fellowship of the Body of Christ, that is not an organization but that is a living, breathing organism that is alive, having it's life in Jesus Christ and functioning by the Spirit of God.

As we relocate and leave our home fellowship behind, sadly, we are open to re-enter the world of Sunday brick and mortar churches. This thread is helping me to pray specifically that we will quickly find one or two like minded believing couples that the Lord fastens us to in love within such a "church". Jesus only gave Himself fully to 12 and most fully to only 3 or so it seems. My heart wants to be pliable in the Lord and not proud, but also to be wise in Him and to cut away from the current of the American church. I believe that such a close bond with only a few believers with long lives in the faith will help offset and make small those splinters I find in the eye of the American church and to remove the planks in my own. That is my prayer of "Lord, at least this please, or redirect my prayer to what pleases you."

Fletcher's question would be mine as well. What has God told you about where he wants you to be planted? I firmly believe that God has a local body that He desires to join you to so that you can both grow and contribute.

Let me give you a brief testimony. My wife and I were part of a local that had pride and ambition creep in and the work was destroyed. We then spent two years no knowing exactly where we were to be planted. During that time we kept close fellowship with many believers. We held a weekly meeting in our home, and we attended several local churches. One body was a very good place to be planted, but the Lord never told us to commit permanently. So, we spent 6 months in that body, contributing wherever they had work for us to do, encouraging our brothers and sisters, and continuing to grow in the Lord. At the end of the two years, the Lord planted us in a new work that had been going for about two months. We realized that God had a specific place for us, but that place did not exist yet. So, we did what was Biblical, submitted to our brothers and sisters in Christ, continued in fellowship, sought God for His will, and trusted Him to eventually place us where He wanted us to be. It has now been three and a half years, the work we are in is growing as many are being saved, healed, and restored. It is vibrant, healthy, and God is using us in a great way.

Be patient. Continue in fellowship and submission to the body. Seek above all to know God and walk in intimate, daily relationship with Him, and pray that God would show you where He wants to plant you.

Just my take.

DEADn,I understand your frustration.

It would be OK to say that denominations were started by men experiencing revival, if it were true. Sadly I don't think it is. Yes men who experienced a fresh revelation of God and His truth started 'movements' and even had to establish like minded churches where the established ones refused to receive renewal and life. HOWEVER soon after the death of original move of God these 'became denominations' and became the same as all the other dry denominations, which are self protective enclaves to keep out all other views apart from 'their' truth.

The biggest problem I see with all 'denominationalism' is that they have a very tight 'statement of faith', which defines what they will accept as 'truth' and will not allow differences of views. To be a member you have to agree with all 'their' statements. That may well be OK for the absolute fundamentals of God and salvation in Christ, but too often includes the theology of man's understanding presented as absolute fact, e.g. OSAS, Pre-trib, headcovering (or not), etc, etc.

So like you, the only thing left is to either sell out and follow the 'party line' and become a good member, or to fellowship with said church, but never be really be accepted. I chose the later, until something better comes up.

Thanks brother Greg,

Will definitely check it out.

Blessings,

Instead of seeking to be part of a local body of believers, if we keep searching denominations that we will fit into, then we will always be wanderers like Cain. I am not against denominations, but the real thing is to be part of a body of believers not a place where the preaching or singing or doctrines are good. If we keep searching these things then we are cursed to be wanderers.

Look for a fellowship that is focused on leading men to there "Head" and not trying to be the "head" of other men themselves.

Sadly, the majority of this thread and website is about "what can churches do for us?"

But that is the opposite of how the Lord has shown me lately. I haven't gone to church regularly for over 10 years and the Lord finally spoke to me about 3 months ago, "Lisa, you extend love and mercy for everyone..... but pastors." (LOL) We talked a bit but when I got up, I knew I was going back to church. :) And I've gone every Sunday since to a little church near me.

Every single one of us on this website has a deep relationship with the Lord, more so than most - that is why we congregate here. But that is what God's people i(n the church) need to see. We are salt that needs to be spread out AMONG the Christians. :)

My two cents.... God bless,
Lisa

But that is the opposite of how the Lord has shown me lately. I haven't gone to church regularly for over 10 years and the Lord finally spoke to me about 3 months ago, "Lisa, you extend love and mercy for everyone..... but pastors." (LOL) We talked a bit but when I got up, I knew I was going back to church. :) And I've gone every Sunday since to a little church near me.

Lisa, I am very happy for you. God that your relationship with God has lead you to take right decision.

Sadly, the majority of this thread and website is about "what can churches do for us?"

Exactly, most Christians either think, which Church I can attend that helps me to get most out of the messages, songs,even burial ground etc. Or there are other super strong Christians who wants to attend a Church in which they can only offer but not receive. they are too proud to submit and receive from a Church.

Bible compares Church to Body of Christ or even human body. In our body each organs do both offering and also receiving for proper functioning of Body. Hence it is important to be part of a body of Christ in which you can also offer and also receive. Just one dimension is not good enough.

There's no question God would have us to be joined with other believers!

When I hear some believers say I've not been joined with other believers for 10 years, I can't help but think of when I was very young.

There's a spider we call a "daddy long leg". Us young boys would catch these spiders and do something very cruel. We would remove their legs from their body. We'd then be entertained by the legs movement apart from the body. The body was just a round ball which looked like a big head.

So, those who are removed from the body and the Head, often remind me of those legs which writhed much, but accomplished nothing.

Just as my spirit needs a body in order to function in this world, so a christian needs a body to function in this world.

Savannah, that was a great illustration. Blessed by your post.

Brother you will find yourself in good company here in this forum.

My story is similar to your own and many here have found it increasingly difficult to find a group of believers that are truly "called out ones", truly the "ekklessia" of Christ.

This is not being judgemental but simply acknowledging that you will know a tree by it's fruit.

The principle I follow is simply where is the Lord leading right now? He has led me very directly to most churches, and none of them matched every area doctrinally, but when the Lord knit me to that particular portion of His Body, there was a work from Him to accomplish and/or be a partaker of.

I personally think many denominations started out as genuine moves of God which created the necessary scaffolding of administrative organization which allowed good government to transpire and carry further what the Holy Spirit was directing. The problem often is that when the Lord moved on they didn't want to tear down the scaffolding. Man often holds God's works with a closed fist instead of with an open hand. Many of these "scaffolds" still resemble the original building but there is nothing of real substance in the wine-skin any longer.

This is not to say that the Lord does not use these vehicles still, He will use whatever He can to bring to salvation, nurture, and grow, but I believe He is doing a new thing... I believe He is bringing the David's out from among the Sauls. Everywhere I turn I hear something similar to your query.

Seek the Lord, He will lead you clearly and grant you His wisdom for where you are at.

You may enjoy Watchman Nee's book "The Normal Christian Church Life". Outstanding Exegesis on what God's Church is meant to be.

~C

Bro Blaine,

I think your right. To equate attending a 'church' once or twice a week with being connected to the body is wrong. In many places there is no real body life. It's the ministers and the ministered unto divide.
I know that's not true everywehere, but far too common.

Intersting video you posted. I thought it was quite a simplistic potrayal, although I generally agreed with what he was saying.

by JFW on 2017/2/27 8:26:17

This may be a silly question but have you prayed about what church the Lord wants you to offer your gifts, services, thanksgivings and praises up to Him ?
At the end of the day do the few things you dislike/disagree with outweigh all the things you like? If so better to move on sooner than later....

One more thing.... we're in a spiritual war and when we look at it in these terms it helps to remind us of how we are to proceed- for instance in a war zone if a solider gets disconnected from his platoon he is (for the most part) ineffective, however when he is reconnected and his training (gifts) is identified then he can be utilized/mobilized.
So identify your gifts and seek to offer them to Gods glory and the "platoon" or church home will find you in the sense that you will meet with them out in the battle and fellowship will flow from a common purpose which in my experience supersedes semantics of maturity and theology-

Hope that helps and pray your talents are put into service to our King that He may be glorified in all you do:)

Now that is a heavy question. I have not prayed about that. I have only allowed my curiosity led me in this regard of finding a church. With this church it came about from reading a book and the author talking about the importance of singing. This is what led me to the church I attend though the author does not go to that church she does attend that denom.

Do the dislikes and disagreements outweigh the likes? To that I would say the dislikes and disagreements out number the likes but the likes weight more then the other. Does that make sense?

I do know that I could not do anything in ministry within this church without being a member. I don't think you can even take communion with out being a member. They push that indirectly. I get that but I still take communion.

Thank you for the advice!

by Heydave on 2017/2/27 10:34:09

DEADn,I understand your frustration.

It would be OK to say that denominations were started by men experiencing revival, if it were true. Sadly I don't think it is. Yes men who experienced a fresh revelation of God and His truth started 'movements' and even had to establish like minded churches where the established ones refused to receive renewal and life. HOWEVER soon after the death of original move of God these 'became denominations' and became the same as all the other dry denominations, which are self protective enclaves to keep out all other views apart from 'their' truth.

The biggest problem I see with all 'denominationalism' is that they have a very tight 'statement of faith', which defines what they will accept as 'truth' and will not allow differences of views. To be a member you have to agree with all 'their' statements. That may well be OK for the absolute fundamentals of God and salvation in Christ, but too often includes the theology of man's understanding presented as absolute fact, e.g. OSAS, Pre-trib, headcovering (or not), etc, etc.

So like you, the only thing left is to either sell out and follow the 'party line' and become a good member, or to fellowship with said church, but never be really be accepted. I chose the later, until something better comes up.

The major thing I care about when it comes to the church is that the Gospel is presented and Law and Gospel are properly balance along with good bible systematic preaching. The Presb church does a bit more on the Sovereignty of God aspect and there is a place for that but that has to give way to the forgiveness of sins and I sometimes think 'Sovereignty of God' and 'Doctrines of Grace' get in the way at times.

Funny you should end up at a Presb/reformed church and I at an Indy Baptist church, but experiencing similar (if different) issues and limitations. I go for very similar reasons (i.e.quote: "The major thing I care about when it comes to the church is that the Gospel is presented and Law and Gospel are properly balance along with good bible systematic preaching").

That said I don't think 'preaching' is what the Church should be focused on all the time. It has it's place, but one man preaching to others all the time is just not how the Lord intended His church to be, as I understand the scriptures. Probably a funny thing to say on a website dedicated to 'Sermons'!!

On another note, I wonder that you cannot find a group of believers that are more akin to your views in the USA. Then I remember the times I have visited the USA and looked for a church to visit on a Sunday. Wow it seems you are spoiled for choice when any given city or large town has hundreds of churches listed in every possible denomination (or non-denom)! A year or so back I was in Muskegon, MI on business and wanted to visit a church for fellowship on a Sunday. I looked in advance on the web and found an abundance of every type of church. However when I looked at their websites I struggled to find any one that appealed as 'Christ centred'. They all had their particular 'distinctives' or 'benefits' they were offering. I wanted something that was a 'simple' gathering of believers who just wanted to worship and fellowship in Christ. I did eventually pinpoint a small independent gathering that met in a rented building (around 30 or so folk) and had a nice time of fellowship with them for a couple of hours. What came out of a brief conversation with a couple of folk there was that they were just not interested in all the big church hype and how little of the truth many of the churches there were presenting. they were also quite active in quietly serving in their community in various ways presenting the gospel.

Interesting thread indeed. Let me just share some of my experience.

I have never had to choose church home before going abroad for studies. I always worshipped together with my parents (and I still do when I go home). Our church is part of non-denominational Christian ministry.

So when I left home in 2014, I had to find myself a church in which to worship. It's been a long journey... Back then I did not know much about church history or denominations. At home God taught me many things, there was milk as well as meat... But I did not know what is Baptist, Lutheran or Methodist church (probably even wondered why these churches have such names...). Why some are Pentecostals and others Baptist, I could not really explain. I just needed church, and the name did not really matter.

But... I wanted to go to a church, where Jesus goes! I did not want to be part of a church where the Holy Spirit is absolutely absent! So I prayed... and I was invited at different churches, tried to stay with them for particular time. And when I realised that's not the Lord's will for me, I left. Doctrine for me is important and also fellowship. That means I am not going just to church, listening to a sermon and then going home. But I have fellowship with the brethren (fellowship in the truth!), I am part of their lives, carry their burden and they mine in the Lord.

I often think that it is a big problem when all we know about each other is just the surface... Who knows how do you live out your Christian live everyday? Is there somebody whom you can pour out your heart (in the church)? Is there somebody you can truly call your brother, sister, mother in the Lord?

While I had great difficulties finding church home, the Lord has showed me wonderful things during that time. First, I understood more about the Biblical principle of local churches. Second, I learned to value fellowship. Thirdly, I saw how God Himself provides! I had the priviledge to fellowship with some very devoted brothers and sisters. And sometimes even without organising it.

Just as a short testimony: There was time, when I was deeply disappointed from the state of a particular church. And I was one day travelling home with the public transport. An old man entered the bus and as there was no place for him to sit, I decided to stand up and offer my seat. He agreed. After a while he just said something like: "The pure in heart shall see God." I first ignored him. But my second thought was: "Wait a minute. What did he say? He quoted something from the Bible!" And for the rest of our trip we conversed about the things of Christ. I was so amazed. And I remember God, that He is good and although He does not explain all things, He wants that we obey Him; He cares for us, and is our "very present help in trouble".

As for me, I am now part of a local church in the city where I live. But I am still seeking God's will about this matter. And according to Ephesians 2:10 What are the good works God has appointed me to walk in?

Pray about it, John. Denominations for me are not that important but rather "is the Lord in it?"

"But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel." (Jeremiah 7:12)

God has no contract with any denomination, I believe. He is with us, as long as we are with Him. So if any church drifts and does not repent, (denominational or non-denominational) there comes a time when this house "is left empty", without God. So "seek ye first the kingdom of God", seek first God and He will show to you, to me, to everyone His dwelling place!

God bless you!

Sister Esther, your experience is very similar to my wife. My wife was raised in a local Church in India where presence of God and fellowship with believers was very prominent. But when she came to USA, she had no idea how churches here has degraded. After visiting few of them, she realized the value of local fellowship and how safe she was in a local Church in India. God showed her similar things as he showed you as well.

But... I wanted to go to a church, where Jesus goes! I did not want to be part of a church where the Holy Spirit is absolutely absent! So I prayed... and I was invited at different churches, tried to stay with them for particular time. And when I realised that's not the Lord's will for me, I left. Doctrine for me is important and also fellowship. That means I am not going just to church, listening to a sermon and then going home. But I have fellowship with the brethren (fellowship in the truth!), I am part of their lives, carry their burden and they mine in the Lord.

I am really happy that there are at least few like you in this forum who really know what to look for in a Church.

My advice would be to look for a church that has solid doctrine, is focused on evangelism and missions, and has opportunities for you to be involved and be in community with other believers. My personal opinion is that you should not seek a church that has all of you personal preferences (uses hymnals, certain version of the bible, traditional services, contemporary services, or whatever) I don't mean to imply that you are doing that just wanted to caution you. Pray for God to direct you to a faith family and don't write them off strictly because they don't meet your "style" of worship or what have you. I am not a fan of denominations. I am an Assembly of God minister mainly because I was raised in an AG church. I love my church not because it is AG or because the worship and speakers are a certain style. In fact it is much more traditional than I would prefer. But I attended the church and now work at the church because it is obvious that God is moving here. When the Holy Spirit is present I couldn't care less if we are singing I'll Fly Away or the latest song from Hillsong. You want to be a part of a healthy thriving community of faith.

My advice would be to look for a church that has solid doctrine, is focused on evangelism and missions, and has opportunities for you to be involved and be in community with other believers. My personal opinion is that you should not seek a church that has all of you personal preferences (uses hymnals, certain version of the bible, traditional services, contemporary services, or whatever) I don't mean to imply that you are doing that just wanted to caution you. Pray for God to direct you to a faith family and don't write them off strictly because they don't meet your "style" of worship or what have you. I am not a fan of denominations. I am an Assembly of God minister mainly because I was raised in an AG church. I love my church not because it is AG or because the worship and speakers are a certain style. In fact it is much more traditional than I would prefer. But I attended the church and now work at the church because it is obvious that God is moving here. When the Holy Spirit is present I couldn't care less if we are singing I'll Fly Away or the latest song from Hillsong. You want to be a part of a healthy thriving community of faith.
[\\quote]

This is what I have actually done. I was in the AoG after my salvation for about 8 years before I walked away from God. God slowly called me back to Him and a few years ago I had an incident happened to me that caused me to stand at attention and mature if the faith. It was the instruction to watch out for seduction.

As a result of this I eventually had to leave a nazarene church I went to. It was a cross between Joel Osteen and Rick Warren. Then I went to a baptist church for 4 months til I began to hear things from the pulpit that were not biblical. i.e. We need to take the fight to satan and plead the Blood of Jesus against him. That is not biblical but it sounds good. I also emailed the church regarding the worship and never got a good answer.

Where I currently am is a result of reading a book in which a lady talked about the importance of what singing and worship should be. I wanted to find out who does that and that is where I went and it is a Presb church and reformed.

The baptist church does some evangelism in some areas BUT you have to be a member of the church in order to do that.