Which Church

[just_George]

I have never thought of myself as a religious person but have always believed in God and tried to live a moral life- according to Jesus I suppose.
I have been thankful and prayed but just quietly by myself, Is that still ok?
My life has gone through a great change and I found the only person that was really there was God,I hope that dosen't sound too new age christian,and I would like to give church a go- but which one?
Is catholic too structured and am I too old? what is baptist or methodist?

[hellywelly4]

If that has given you comfort, then it is lovely. I have always gone to Anglican churches, and more recently Methodist. I should go to a selection, and just sit quietly and see how you feel. If you feel comfortable and the people are friendly, then give that one a go. There isn't any right or wrong, because they all serve the same religion, it's just that some congregations can be more friendly than others. I haven't any experience of Baptist church, but have
friends who attend one locally who are lovely caring people.
Your relationship with God is private between you and Him, and you are lucky to have it. Wherever you do, don't get into an argument about religion on here, as it seems to bring out the worst in some people!!

[Clanad]

Just to add to what hellywelly4 has offerred... I grew up in the Baptist church here in the U.S., of which there are literally dozens of varieties, but the main thing about the Baptist denomination anywhere in the world is that they don't recognize any "overseers"... that is, every church is an island unto itself. Granted many form loosley knit organizations, such as the Southern Baptists, but it's really only a method for the individual to benefit from like-minded brothers and sisters. Baptists are the world's best at getting people saved... their message is centered on salvation. Unfortunately, they sometimes don't appear to know hat to do with the newly baprized congregant after that... by that I mean they aren't the world's best teacher's of the Word beyond salvation. My family and I moved on to a more Charismatic group but still have many friends and loved ones in the Baptist church's... you couldn't go wrong! Some of the best Christian music anywhere comes from the Baptists, by the way...

[Tilly2]

I would give all the different churches in your area a go. Then, you would know which one you feel most comfortable, and affiliated, with.

[Cloverjo]

How about Quakers? I think it's all about finding your own peace with God - or not. You can just sit and think your own thoughts without being preached to or sermonised, while still feeling your connection with your God.

[benhilton]

I agree with all the others George - go to all the various churches in your locality and see how you feel and how well you are received . I don't think any of them will turn you away .

[naomi24]

Initially I had no intention of posting on this thread…..but really!

//Baptists are the world's best at getting people saved...//

What utter bull!!

Do carry on.

[Answerprancer]

The great outdoors, the forest, tranquility in the wilderness. Why lock your God up in a box? Get out there and do your praying/meditation al fresco!

[jomifl]

The shortest posts here seem to give the best advice ...I am of course completely un-biased being an atheist and having no preference for any kind of church.

[Old_Geezer]

Just try them out and see which you like best. I'd suggest adding a Spiritualist one to the list. They claim to give evidence for you to consider, which is more than many; and are a fairly broad group.

[Theland]

Any BIBLE BELIEVING church that does not add to or take away from the Word of God.

[jourdain2]

I was half-way through a long answer when it disappeared!

Main thrust was - there is nothing wrong at all in just praying quietly by oneself and sorting out one's relationship with God that way. :)

Churches are a bit different, you simply need to find one which suits you and your approach. We were lucky. I was Baptised C of E (and that's a broad church!!!) but was raised Methodist. OH has been in various incarnations of C of E (including The Church in Wales, which is its own ).

In France, the C of E had a huge parish (size of Wales) so hard to be a churchgoer. We have both been through (separately) life-changing events such as widowing, marital abuse and divorce. Somehow, God was always there for me - it turned out to be the same for OH after losing his beloved wife. We each got on with it quietly, like you.

We moved to our village in March this year. On Palm Sunday there was a procession from the village green to the local church (C of E) we joined in at the end. We have been made so welcome, it is hard to explain how comfortable and happy we both feel. C of E politics are not me and I often disagree with the statements from high-up, but locally is it us, a community of like-minded souls, building and working within the village.

Baptists and Methodists are offshoots of the C of E. I was baptised C of E, but raised Methodist (you are not supposed to drink alchohol if Methodist, but it's loosely applied in most places). Baptists do the 'total immersion' baptism (they have a portable tub). But it's not about bits like that, it's about where you feel comfortable talking to God.

However old you are, you are not too old! Honestly, just relax. If you wandered into our church on a Sunday you would be welcomed, given a cup of tea and a bun after the service, chatted to - and probably asked if you could sing and would like to join the choir!!! (We're a voice or two short.) :o)

[Khandro]

George; You can be a Christian without setting foot inside a church of course. William Blake's entire life's works of painting and poetry showed complete dedication to Christianity, but he totally rejected the organization of religion.
If you feel the need to interact with others who may be like minded, there are better sites on the internet than this one which though it goes under the subject heading of Religion and Spirituality it is mostly atheist dominated and confrontational.

[birdie1971]

Khandro - "... You can be a Christian without setting foot inside a church..."

I think the Catholic Church would have something to say about that!

[birdie1971]

Khandro - "... there are better sites on the internet than this one which though it goes under the subject heading of Religion and Spirituality it is mostly atheist dominated and confrontational."

Yes, but that's why we all keep coming back though isn't it? If all someone wants is an echo chamber so they only hear precisely what they want to hear then I would agree that AB probably isn't the place to hang out.

[birdie1971]

just_George - "... I have been thankful and prayed but just quietly by myself, Is that still ok? ..."

Of course it is. Don't be fooled into thinking that in order to lead a fulfilling spiritual life you need to subscribe to one of the "official" religions. I am good friends with a number of people who are very spiritual but who don't ever go to church nor do they subscribe to the idea of organised religion.

Before you make a choice like that, do some research on the internet, have a good think and ask yourself if you really need an organised religion.

[Cloverjo]

Please don't bother with a Spiritualist church. I went to one because I wanted to believe in a realm beyond our physical Earth. They are full of *^***. ( I put my own asterisks there).

[wildwood]

If you have been happy with your belief sofar, would it be really necessary to join an official movement and hitch yourself to the 'we are right and you are wrong' brigade?

[goodlife]

George@ Most true believers are concerned about the crisis presently experienced by the Church.
Their reactions differ, however, according to the type of believer you happen to be. With some, God comes first and their church is merely a means used to worship him. With others, their church has become an end in itself, taking priority over God and his Word, the Bible.
Where do you stand? In your own heart and mind, which comes first—your church or God? (Luke 6:45)

[naomi24]

//Where do you stand?//

If he has any sense, he'll continue to stand alone.