I'm looking into churches in my area and I can't decide what to do. I don't know what denomination is the right one for me.
Today I went to a Baptist church where a friend attends, but it just doesn't seem to fit me. I'd never been to a baptist service before. It was very different from any church I've been to - not that I've been to very many. I've been to a Catholic church a couple of times - didn't do anything for me. Went to a Lutheran church - the only thing I remember is that there is indeed a hell (no, not the service,or the church) - The preacher seemed to be fixated on the hell and the devil (who are we worshiping here?) For years I went to a Congregational church that seemed to fit, but I can't find one in my area...u.c.c....n.a.c.c....n.a.c.c.c. hell (oops!) I don't know! I think it was nacc, but the closest is 45 minutes away. I'm not going that far.
Anyway, back to my visit to the Baptist church. There were many things I appreciated - the traditional hymns, the chorus, the friendliness of this congregation and the spiritedness (is that a word?) or energy. I also like the fact that they have three services a week - two sunday and one wednesday (Haven't found this in any other churches in the area).
But, and this is a big but, they were very loud! I'm fine with lots of 'amens' and stuff like that but I'm highly sensitive to loud noises. It's not that it hurts my ears - it's that it scares me. In one song there was some added phrase (something like 'praise God') that the people shouted. After this I was on the verge of tears and wanted to run out. If I hadn't known anyone there I would definitely have left.
And the pastor was very standoff-ish. I went up to him after the evening service to ask him about church docterine and he didn't seem interested in talking to me at all. He just asked for my address - said he didn't have anything there are the church? What?!?!? He didn't even offer to sit down and talk to me. I don't think I like him much at all. I can't help but think it was because I'm a woman.
And I was surprised that there was no mention of lent, no invocation, no Lord's prayer, and I thought it odd (maybe just different) that sometimes we would stand for readings/singing and sometimes we wouldn't. I guess I need something more traditional? Or more structures? I'm not sure these are the right words. Do you know what I mean?
Last Wednesday I felt the need to go, but I put it off. I saw my friend yesterday and she told me to come today. It was supposed to snow so I decided to wait on the weather. If it was good I'd go, if not I'd stay home. Does anyone believe in signs? There was no snow when I got up this morning so it was 'Hi-Ho Hi-ho it's off to church I go.'
The message was pretty meaningful as well - another sign? The pastor talked about Paul in prison and how he turned to God and asked, 'Lord, what wilt thou have me do?' (I'm not sure if these were the exact words - but you get the point) It's the exact question I'm asking.
Lord, what wilt thou have me do?
So, what do I believe?
God
Trinity
Apostles' creed
open communion (at least once a month)
NIV Bible - or at least choice
religious tolerance
pro life
women's equality
What I question:
predestination
inerrancy of the Bible (maybe? I'm confused on this one)
perseverance once saved
end times
KJV only doctrine
Lord, What wilt thou have me do?
I also worry about too many little rules. I play cards on Friday nights - is that illegal? Dancing? Games? Tatoos (yes, I want a tatoo)? Alcohol (in moderation)? Swearing? I don't want to be condemned to hell because I chew gum while playing cards - for nickles - does this count as gambling? See what I mean? Where does it end?
I'm leaning towards Methodist churches. I thought maybe I would start with nondenominational, but it just seems too open. I need some kind of framework to start from - some basic tenants that I can look to to decide if I should even try it.
Lord, What wilt thou have me do?
Does anyone have any good websites for denominational comparisons? Any suggestions?
OH, and can you tell me, is it OK for me to write/highlight in my Bible?????