Finding a new church home

[JohnP]

My wife and I need to find a new church. Anyone have advice how you have done this (without getting into advising me on any particular denomination - just in general)? My choices are somewhat limited - I live in a fairly rural area and I don't want to drive too far to go to church. There really isn't much in the way of non-denominationals around me. My wife tried the one that is closest to us and they were a bit of a hippie church (no malice intended toward hippies). You know, wearing shorts and flip flops, sitting cross-legged in the aisle during the service, etc. The other one by us puts on more of a rock concert than a church service (I'm not against contemporary services, this one just happens to be focusing on drawing in the young, and it really is hard rock). Just not our style as a middle aged couple.

That leaves the denominations. There are several denominations that I will not attend, because they have embraced a sinful lifestyle, and even ordain those living in sin now (i.e. homosexuality). We really enjoyed attending the Salvation Army church services on Sunday, but we don't live anywhere near one anymore. We really do want to go to church though, preferably a vibrant, healthy one, that preaches the word of God. What's a person to do?

What have others done? Do you just pick a different church every week for 4 or 5 weeks and "shop" several different churches to see if one clicks with you? Our neighbors don't attend church, and I can't ask relatives about their churches, because they all live too far away to go to their church. As I read what I am typing, I realize it sounds like I am making excuses, but I really don't want to attend a church 30 miles away, nor one that embraces sin as mentioned above. Oh, and by the way, yes, I have prayed about this, and will continue doing so.

 

[Travis]

Advice:

Lots of prayer.

And, don't rule out the fact that the Lord may not have a "church" for you to attend. You might find fellowship elsewhere.

Blessings,

Travis

 

[Brad Huber]

Perhaps you should start a home church and invite others.

 

[JohnP]

Perhaps you should start a home church and invite others.

I know people who have done that and it worked wonderfully for them, but God has not led me to that point, yet, anyway. I am not versed enough in the Word of God at this point in my walk with Him to be teaching others, but rather looking to be taught.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Hello Brother John.
I can relate to what you're going through. One thought to keep in mind. Somebody once wrote, that if you ever find the perfect church. The minute you enter it. It will no longer be perfect. Then again you don't want to attend one that is deficient in not only reading the word of God, but applying it as well. Continue to pray, and God will provide you and your wife a home church.

Until God leads you to a church that you can call home once again. You should try an on-line one. Sounds a bit off beat, and it didn't come to mind until I found a rather large church that broadcast their services to other satellite churches. You might even be able to send the signal to your TV. This option may allow you to still attend church while at home, minus the fellowship. At least until one becomes available.

Hope this helps a little.
God Bless.
YBIC
C4E
<><
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings,

Having chewed this over a little, I'd probably reword it if I was in your shoes. (I've got my own and thankfully they fit me and due to their size I don't get too many wanting to wear them!

A new church home.
I'd probably start at seeing the church part as it is according to the LORD (I pray I'm correct) and see church as being as much home as we'll get here, as we seek a continuing city ; Hebrews 13:12-14
12 Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.
13 Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach.
14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

So, from there I'd go back to seeing that I and whoever else in my vicinity were, like me, those who put their trust in the LORD, are the Church. Remembering too that church is a word we use too loosely as the word we really mean is better understood as 'gathering together, congregation /assembly and fellowship in the Faith of Christ in my local area.
For me, that focuses me more towards what I am really looking for. The service part is, debatable? It's the who and where united in the why, with bonds of the Spirit, that is the Church that is 'home'.

So while it can be said as 'new', it isn't really, but is a continuation of what the LORD has renewed already.

It might be said that that's all the same as what you said but for me it helps me focus and seek what it really is that I really want and places me more correctly where I am already and from there it becomes a matter of trusting He Who is the Head of the Body, Who is the Life of the members of each local assembly.

Of course we say we do trust Him so that doesn't change the fact that we are looking for an new church home BUT if you can refocus and see that our trusting then refocuses and we are no longer trusting Him so much as for but because we know that He knows and we are already members and we rest again, assured, trusting Him.
The looking ceases and instead the waiting upon Him (a magnificent study to dive into while you wait - waiting upon the LORD) begins.

Meanwhile, whenever you meet with other believers wherever you meet with them (two or three of you is better than none meeting together), do not forsake that meeting spending it idly and wasting it with worldly chatter. You might meet as you do, down the street, as in an unplanned by you meeting while you're out somewhere or you might meet somewhere where you've planned it, like a typical church meeting or perhaps through inviting someone around to fellowship.

So from there, may I ask if you know anyone yet who you know is a fellow Christian? Touch base with them.
You don't have to plan a 'formal meeting' but remember that it is the gathering together in and for fellowship that you're really after and is important. Be it a couple of you or a couple of dozen, the informal is the better choice.

Some are happy and excited about meeting someone other than the normal weekend formal 'church' meetings, or, as well as.

It's definitely harder as time goes by to congregate somewhere that isn't corrupted in one way or another.

A way to meet and get in touch can also be by going to Bible studies. You can go to a few different ones, too. Usually more relaxed and homely / homemade.

Now, I have to say to you that your excuse,
I am not versed enough in the Word of God at this point in my walk with Him to be teaching others, but rather looking to be taught.
is a little, feeble? (I say this in love! and you can say the same to me, too!)
Brother, who or Who qualifies you? I understand that you are Christian, yes? So, you are qualified already, to meet and fellowship and share the Word and break bread and love.
The LORD is the Teacher and any real teaching is only ever from Him. Our part is simple. If you're not home, you're not home but if you are, you are!
I fully understand what you're saying regarding teaching and being taught but assembling together is a lot more than being taught.
I learn constantly - no. I'll reword that, I'm taught constantly. I'm a slow learner!!! But the LORD is kind and His Love is eternal.

It's about the reassessing and refocusing, John.

Did you know that the LORD knows what He wants you to learn and He knows about those you fellowship and meet with and He's teaching before you meet as well and also after, our part is to listen and learn. He is also able to give a teacher amongst the fellowship.

Does this all sound a bit strange? Or is it perhaps something you know about but are perhaps still learning?

Remember too, those you meet with are people too! (Preferably brothers / fellowship believers who are real about trusting the LORD.)

Regarding the 'hippie' lot. There might be one or two who would really 'dig' fellowship with someone like you. Being a retired hippie, I know that it's possible to mix and enjoy mixing with 'non-hippies'!

Finally, I know your question well. Remember I have my own shoes (not very hippie of me, I know) and I have to wear them. I know what it's like 'trying to find a new church home'.

Psalm 130:5. I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope.

Bless you ....><>

 

[JohnP]

Greetings,

Having chewed this over a little, I'd probably reword it if I was in your shoes. (I've got my own and thankfully they fit me and due to their size I don't get too many wanting to wear them!

I didn't quote your whole post, but I want to thank you sincerely for giving me this well thought out response. I really do appreciate it. I will take time to read over this carefully. Thank you again!

(figures a hippie would be the one to give me the right response! LOL - hope you know I'm just teasing!)