This is an interesting thread. I am looking for a church to attend for my family.
I grew up Baptist but I saw alot of dividing in the church, people arguing or being gossipy, there were things I never agreed with even as a child, I felt like certain passages were taken and used for beleifs but others were denied. Alot of picking and chosing. Only certain sections of the BIble were used to live by. Finger pointing at other religions about how wrong they beleived. Im not saying all Baptist churches are like this, by any means but I attended 4 and it seemed the same in all. I just felt something was missing. It never felt right for me although I do beleive Jesus dying for our sins. My mother and father are very baptist. Please dont think IM bashing, it just never has fit for me.
Im looking for a church that beleives its okay to take your kids halloweening and it isnt evil.......for me its just a fun day for children to trick or treat and have a good time dressing in fun costumes such as fairies or superman, and its a time to spend together.
Same with Christmas, about Santa Claus, its a fun magical story that makes being a child fun. ANd its ok to participate and its not a sin in the churches beleives. But also the child knowing really why the day is celebrated, that is Jesuses birthday. Because I do beleive that.
Id like to attend a church where what you wear doesnt matter, its that you are there that counts.
I really dont agree with gay relationships, but then again I dont want to judge people. Im certainly not perfect. I have had gay friends and although I didnt beleive in it, I liked the person for many other reasons.
I would really like to find a church where my kids learn about God, Jesus, being good to others and helping. Giving them a good background and having like people to fill close too and congregate with. A place for support and meeting, and extended family.
ANyone have any idea of a church, religion to start? SOmewhere that they teach from the whole bible, a teaching, not just living by certain picked passages? I dont know where to start?

My family is Methodist.

I understand what you are saying... but if you want a church that teaches the WHOLE Bible, straightforward, the real truth, no twists, they are not going to celebrate Halloween. You may find a lot that do, but that doesn't mean the Bible agrees with that.

I was raised Methodist but am closer to Agnostic. While I do pray, simply because I think we need something to believe in to explain why there is so much pain in the world and a hope for a better place in the end, i do question what that place is. Maybe it's because I can understand the theory of evolution better than an all powerful being that would allow all the suffering that we are forced to deal with. I would like to think we will be reunited with all the loved ones we have lost in our lives but, again, I question how that will occur. I will say, tho, that I read the "Left Behind" series of books and was so engrossed in them that I hated for them to end. They did make me reconsider my thinking a bit and boost my hope for a better ending to our lives. I do recomend the series to anyone who likes to read. It is an incredible adventure that explains the "Second Coming" in a way that is believable. Please read them.

Oh me too! My home forum has alot of stupid arguments over religion, I try to stay out of them.


I have been saved since age 10...I am now 26. I was brought up Assembly of God, but when I was 10 my parents had joined a Pentecostal church. I went there until I married my hubby...he wasn't comfortable there, and to tell you the truth...alot of backbiting and such was starting to go on. Since then, I atttend the Assembly of God again...I was Baptized "Jesus Name", and they are "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit", but you know...the have never once said my baptisim was wrong...they are just glad I am there. We don't go all the time, but I believe it takes more than sitting on the pew every time the door is open to be a Christian. Like I said before, the people at my old church were there EVERY service...but that still didn't stop all the things that went on. I believe in God, I pray every day, read my Bible and teach my kids about him...I believe it is what is in your heart that counts, and your actions to the world. I am a Christian...I am not perfect, but I know I am forgiven!!!

I am Jewish as well, and I agree with you .... we are all G-d's children. Does that make my Yorkie Jewish also????

Try a non-denominational or inter-denominational church and see how you like it. Sometimes in church the praise and worship is so good, the preacher does not even have to preach! The Holy Spirit comes down and we have church! I know that in a lot of the non-denominational churches I have been in, they do a special Halloween service for the kids...it still involves costumes and candy but non of the other stuff that is associated with the peagan tradition of halloween...it is a time of fellowship and fun and you know that your kids will be safe. If I were you, I would pray and seek God to find a church...He will answer your prayer and send you where you need to go! I hope you find a place where you will be happy!!!

:) I really didnt mean I wanted to go to a church that celebrated Halloween or Santa Claus. A poor example of what I meant. What I meant was I wanted to attend a congregation that is less judgemental and accepting of individual beliefs. As a child, these celebrations were remembered as good clean fun and magical. But later, in the churches I attended on my own or with my mother and step father, they said it was evil or worshipping pagan idols. I always wondered how a family gathering that made you feel happy, uplifted or special could be evil. SOmething that was special and wholesome to me was made to feel dirty. That is why I used Santa and halloween for an example. I now have my own children and I want them to have a positive experience with going to church and not to feel bad. Im just looking for a positive GOD and bible learning experience with more acceptance of the individual. To learn the goodness of God without the fire and brimstone for believing out of the square. I just wondered if such a congregation exists?
Im certain it does but I just dont know what denomination to start with.

Thank you! I will start there. :thumbup: :)

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If you are looking for a church that believes in teaching the entire Bible that is called.."Full Gospel"...many are even listed in the paper or phone book as such..many Non-demoninational churches are full gospel, as they have broken away from the mainstream to be able to preach the full and complete message. Ask God for guidance, He will not fail to answer you in your search for Him in all His fullness.

Amen!

I just wanted to thank you too Yorkierose. I wasnt sure where to start and the input has been so helpful.

Although not all my prayers have always been answered as I would like them to, or sometimes feeling as if they werent answered at all, I know its not true. All things happen for a reason or in good time. Its a difficult thing to give your power or faith over to something you can not see. But I have had some very good experiences with GOd in my lifetime. I just need a place to worship where I feel the common bond, and my family feels it too. I personally need and want a full Bible teaching and understanding.

I respect others beliefs or faith whether they are like mine or different.

This thread is going a whole lot better than the one on the election results.

Everyone is playing nicely. but I'm sure if we were forced to vote on one religion, it would not go as well.

I haven't looked at that thread...think I'll stay away from it.