Leonidus

Few questions about joining a church

1. How do I join a church?
2. Should I go to a church and be seated and listening to preaching?
3. Should I introduce my self to the pastor? After intro what will he do to me?
4. How to build a community through the church?
5. How do I figure out the church that I picked to join a good church? Do I have to ask from GOD?
6. Is there a thing called church manners? What are they?

Pastor Gary

Leonidus, There are no rules set in stone concerning joining a church. Since you have a computer, just GOOGLE the Church Directory in your community. Go through each Christian listing, starting with those that have a website, and see what their Statement Of Faith includes and what their beliefs are. Write down which churches follow closely to your Christian beliefs and make a list of the one's that you would like to get more information about.

Call the Churches on your list during 9 AM to 4 PM weekdays to speak with someone there in person to ask if it would be convenient to make an appointment to speak with a Pastor.

At your meeting and once your introductions are completed, just sit down with the Pastor and discuss your needs to find a church and ask those questions that are important to you. Take notes, because this is an important juncture for you and it is not impolite to do so... just be yourself.

Once you have met with the Pastors at the churches on your list, go over your notes and narrow down the field a little. Then go to each church on your list, for a Sunday service and observe how things are done and the fellowship, teaching and learning involved.

Once you have experienced each different service, you will know which one is right for you.

I'd just like to recommend that you attempt to search out a church that teaches God's Word, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. These churches are rare and may be a treasure if you can locate one in your community. May God lead you in your search and may His blessings be with you as you decide...

__________________
Pastor Gary

Administrative Pastor and
Certified Chaplain Responder -
Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Fluffy

Hey, Leonidus! Just wanted to encourage you in your church hunting! I know it can be a little intimidating, especially if you live in an area with a lot of churches in it. Do you have a particular flavor (denomination) in mind? Or does it matter? What Pastor Gary said about searching websites is a good one. Gives you an idea of what they believe and what they stand for, any programs that you might be interested in jumping into. Of course, teaching the bible and Jesus is absolutely paramount! And the only way to know, is to go! Go try out a few of the ones that interest you. You can visit a church as many times as you like without committing yourself to joining it.
Introducing yourself to the pastor is a new one for me, but I like the idea! Although, some churches are so big, that might be difficult. If you cant get to the pastor, search out any elders.
Question 4 is confusing. Could you elaborate on that a bit?
Asking God about what church to go to is a good thing. Let Him lead you to the one He wants you to go to. He knows the hearts and minds of all people, and He would know which one will bless you and you can be a blessing to.
I know when I was church hunting, I walked into the one I am in now, and I felt a peace I hadnt felt in a while. (I know, dont go by feelings!) So I kept going back again and again, and one day the Lord let me know that this was it. This was home. This particular church, there is no formal "joining". You just become part of the family. And it has blessed me, so much! And I have been told I have been a blessing to them, as well.
As far as church manners. Every church is different. Like some, you cant talk at all until its over. Some are very informal. Some you cant take communion unless you are a member. Let someone know you are new (especially if its a big church) and they should help you out with any questions.
Bless you, Leonidus, for your searching heart! May the Good Lord lead you to just the right church home! One that will bless you and give you an opportunity to be a blessing!

__________________
Be transparent before God, He sees right thru you, anyway!
http://www.likepreciousfaith.org/testimony_val.htm
Please pray for your local emergency responders, daily.

Boanerges

These are a few generalities:

Smaller churches (under 100 members) are intimate and friendly for the most part kind of like a family. Large chuches generally have more resources and outreach activities but you will have to get involoved in a group or ministry to get to really know folks.
All denominations and for that matter non denominal churches too have a particular flavor or view and what all they do is generally colored by that viewpoint.
It is best to find a place where Jesus is lifted up and the Word of God revered. Such a place will generally be charecterized by alot of outreach and a general love of the lost souls. Some are deviod of teaching on the Holy Spirit- make sure He is welcome in the place you call home as all is vain religion without Him. When you find a place you want to call your church home pray about it. If it is right for you you will get a peace deep down in your spirit- you can call it a gut feeling . It is not head knowledge but the draw and leading of the Holy Ghost. I pray you find the center of God's will for your life, Larry.

Leonidus

First of all my appologies for the delay in reply



I think I have a preference. I think I like Pentecostal type church. This is because the first ever sermon I heard from is from the “The City Life Church” from Melbourne Australia. This was given to me by a friend. I’ve downloaded the sermons and listen to them. This is the way I’ve learned about the gospels. I like ‘em.

Then some one here (In this forum) posted the link to another church called “Joy of Faith Christian Center” http://www.jofcc.org. I’ve downloaded all the sermons in it. I believe this is the best sermon website I’ve found. And I listen to it when I need to increase my faith and protection.

So I want to join church like “The City Life Church” or the “Joy of Faith Christian Center”. I’m moving to New Zealand soon to a city called Christchurch.
I want to find a church like those two in Christchurch New Zealand.


Do I have to tell pastor in that church that I’m church hunting?


Community means friends who believes in the same thing…so that we don’t have to argument what denomination is better that what…etc.


I like a church to which I can wear casual clothing…etc easy going type… that not about where is your tie…etc

Boanerges

That's me all over- God is not interested in what I am wearing but looks deeply into my heart. Formality while not necessarily bad can be restricting and distracting for me but for some it is a source of security.
Visit around and pray God will put the right place on your heart. Many blessings and much love in Jesus Name, Larry.

Dusty

I can't really add to all that has been said but to say that God will dirrect your paths if you pray and ask Him

I attend a church where it does not matter what you wear cause every one wears what they like and some are casual and some are formal but in the end .... does it matter .... no cause God looks at the heart of the believer and if we are worshipping in Spirit and in truth that is what matters.

__________________

Trials prove a Christian

Love confirms a Christian

But death crowns a Christian