ECT Finding a church

J

Jahdal

New member
Okay, I did a quick search but couldn't find this (I wasn't about to read through every single post title to see if this had already been discussed). I think I mentioned this before but it's been so long that I just can't remember, so I'm saying this again and I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself or someone else.

What do you do if you can't find that one church where you like everything about it? For example, I was raised Conservative Mennonite (CM) and enjoy the A-Capella and plainness of the church. The problem comes is the doctrine. There are some things I just don't believe (I won't get into it because this thread isn't about doctrine). On the other hand, I've been attending a "non-denominational" church (it's in quotes because they say they're non-denominational but their services hover between Pentecostal and Baptist (which it would be seeing most of the congregation came from Pentecostal backgrounds)). Now, I'm not a fan of the worship but I like the people and the preaching (to a point but I'm not going to get into that either), and I agree more with their doctrine than I do with CM (again, up to a point). What I'd like to find is a church that has the CM worship but not such sticklers about some doctrine (okay so it is about some doctrine). Such as women wearing head-coverings, dresses, etc. But also marriage after divorce, joining the military, among other things.

So, my question is, does anyone know of a kind of church like this? I've gone to almost every church here in the city (for years I went to a Conservative Mennonite church a mile away) and settled on the non-denominational. I like the pastor, I can see God's spirit in him. He loves the Lord and does his best for the congregation God has brought to him but the worship is hard for me to sit through. Does anyone know of one?

Okay, I'll stop there :)
 
ebenz47037

ebenz47037

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Jahdal said:
Okay, I did a quick search but couldn't find this (I wasn't about to read through every single post title to see if this had already been discussed). I think I mentioned this before but it's been so long that I just can't remember, so I'm saying this again and I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself or someone else.

What do you do if you can't find that one church where you like everything about it? For example, I was raised Conservative Mennonite (CM) and enjoy the A-Capella and plainness of the church. The problem comes is the doctrine. There are some things I just don't believe (I won't get into it because this thread isn't about doctrine). On the other hand, I've been attending a "non-denominational" church (it's in quotes because they say they're non-denominational but their services hover between Pentecostal and Baptist (which it would be seeing most of the congregation came from Pentecostal backgrounds)). Now, I'm not a fan of the worship but I like the people and the preaching (to a point but I'm not going to get into that either), and I agree more with their doctrine than I do with CM (again, up to a point). What I'd like to find is a church that has the CM worship but not such sticklers about some doctrine (okay so it is about some doctrine). Such as women wearing head-coverings, dresses, etc. But also marriage after divorce, joining the military, among other things.

So, my question is, does anyone know of a kind of church like this? I've gone to almost every church here in the city (for years I went to a Conservative Mennonite church a mile away) and settled on the non-denominational. I like the pastor, I can see God's spirit in him. He loves the Lord and does his best for the congregation God has brought to him but the worship is hard for me to sit through. Does anyone know of one?

Okay, I'll stop there :)
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I've never found a church that I agreed with 100 percent. Right now, I go to an Assembly of God church. It's the closest that I've found to what I believe. Personally, I believe that all Christian churches hold a piece of the truth. We will put it all together when we sit at Christ's feet with Him as our sole Teacher.
 
serpentdove

serpentdove

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Jahdal said:
"What do you do if you can't find that one church where you like everything about it?"
Click to expand...
Do they preach and teach the word? That's what's important. :poly:

Jahdal said:
...The problem comes is the doctrine.
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You could be stuck on one doctrine (like many TOL members) or you could pray for your pastor. That's what he needs. I don't agree with my pastor on all things.

"One man asked the pastor, 'How many active members do you have in your church?'

He said, 'They're all active. Half are building us up and the other half are tearing us down.'" ~ Adrian Rogers


Jahdal said:
"...I've been attending a "non-denominational" church (it's in quotes because they say they're non-denominational but their services hover between Pentecostal and Baptist...)]."
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Pentecostals don't know their bible and Baptists don't have the spirit.

"It's easier to cool down a zealot than it is to warm up a corpse." ~ Adrian Rogers
 
J

Jahdal

New member
serpentdove said:
Do they preach and teach the word? That's what's important. :poly:
Click to expand...

I get that. But all churches preach the word. Just look at Nihilo's post:

Nihilo said:
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformed_Presbyterian_Church_of_North_America

"Our musical praise employs God’s Word only, thus making use of the divinely inspired Book of Psalms of the Bible. In keeping with the New Testament Church’s directive for heart worship, we sing without the aid of musical instruments."
http://reformedpresbyterian.org/convictions
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Every church is a Bible believing, God fearing church.

Also, Conservative Mennonite Pastor's are pretty stubborn. Even after I pointed out the words of Jesus about giving a certificate of divorce for fornication he still refused to budge. I talked to most of the church members who told me, in low voices, that there are some cases where divorce should be allowed. The problem is they come out of a background where the elder is never questioned and the people who do question the elders are almost shamed (as I was).

*sigh* thanks for all your help though.
 
I

Interplanner

Well-known member
It might be good not to try to attend one for a while, but get 'references' on them all. Ie, find out where people go and what it is like. Then you may warm to something.

Today it is very common to find those that sound like they are preaching the Word because there will be a sound-byte sermon with several verses sprinkled through it. But the material will be just for private use, it will not be subversive to our culture. It will not seriously stick with one paragraph until everything there has been clearly unpacked.

And yes, very few will practice the marriage declarations as they should. To back way up (culturally), do you know of any who really reflect the de-pressurized sexuality of I Cor 7--that a person's ministry not their sexual fulfillment is paramount? I'm all for romance and enjoyment, but it is our culture, not the Spirit of God, that has so many people making mistaken decisions here. And when I read the line about 'there is so much immorality' I often think he meant 'there are so many RUMORS of immorality' that generate a completely diluted morality, so it is best to be married for our public's or community's sake, and because married people, generally, are better cared for and happier than singles. In today's mass internet media, there is also the rumor of pornography for any single person, so that rumor keeps diluting our standards as well. Being married is a way to be transparent about that.
 
serpentdove

serpentdove

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Jahdal said:
...Even after I pointed out the words of Jesus about giving a certificate of divorce for fornication he still refused to budge. I talked to most of the church members who told me, in low voices, that there are some cases where divorce should be allowed. The problem is they come out of a background where the elder is never questioned and the people who do question the elders are almost shamed (as I was).
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You're looking for a church to compromise on so-called divorce?

Are you looking for a bar :banana: or a church? Mt 19:8 :straight:

See:

Divorce & Re marriage: A Position Paper by John Piper
 
J

Jahdal

New member
serpentdove said:
You're looking for a church to compromise on so-called divorce?
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No no no, I don't agree with someone who just divorces for piddly reasons. I think a couple should try to work things out. But if one of them just doesn't want to try and they divorce the other because they're "in love" with someone else then they should be allowed to go. Or if they're in an abusive relationship.

I also find that those who like to quote 19:8 fail to keep reading on to 19:9. Jesus allows it, argue with Him.
 
J

Jahdal

New member
Interplanner said:
... de-pressurized sexuality of I Cor 7--that a person's ministry not their sexual fulfillment is paramount?
Click to expand...

I'm pretty certain of my place in the body so I believe I'm open enough to allow Him to use me for whatever He needs (even if I don't like it :) )

I'm all for romance and enjoyment, but it is our culture, not the Spirit of God, that has so many people making mistaken decisions here. And when I read the line about 'there is so much immorality' I often think he meant 'there are so many RUMORS of immorality' that generate a completely diluted morality, so it is best to be married for our public's or community's sake, and because married people, generally, are better cared for and happier than singles. In today's mass internet media, there is also the rumor of pornography for any single person, so that rumor keeps diluting our standards as well. Being married is a way to be transparent about that.
Click to expand...

I don't watch porn but I agree with you. :cheers:

Can I ask, are you married?
 
dodge

dodge

New member
Nihilo said:
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformed_Presbyterian_Church_of_North_America

"Our musical praise employs God’s Word only, thus making use of the divinely inspired Book of Psalms of the Bible. In keeping with the New Testament Church’s directive for heart worship, we sing without the aid of musical instruments."
http://reformedpresbyterian.org/convictions
Click to expand...

If it wasn't for the traditions that contradict scripture, and the idolatry you might have a point.
 
serpentdove

serpentdove

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Jahdal said:
No no no, I don't agree with someone who just divorces for piddly reasons. I think a couple should try to work things out. But if one of them just doesn't want to try and they divorce the other because they're "in love" with someone else then they should be allowed to go...
Click to expand...

Divorce occurred during the betrothal period. If he found out, for example, that she was a dirty ho
stripper.gif
(not pure) then he could give her a bill of so-called divorce due to bait and switch prior to marriage. What is occurring today in Sodom aka America is not what God intended (Jer 16:2). :banana:

See:

Divorce & Re marriage: A Position Paper by John Piper
 
L

Lazy afternoon

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"One man asked the pastor, 'How many active members do you have in your church?'

He said, 'They're all active. Half are building us up and the other half are tearing us down.'" ~ Adrian Rogers

:first:
 
L

Lazy afternoon

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Jahdal said:
Okay, I did a quick search but couldn't find this (I wasn't about to read through every single post title to see if this had already been discussed). I think I mentioned this before but it's been so long that I just can't remember, so I'm saying this again and I'm sorry if I'm repeating myself or someone else.

What do you do if you can't find that one church where you like everything about it? For example, I was raised Conservative Mennonite (CM) and enjoy the A-Capella and plainness of the church. The problem comes is the doctrine. There are some things I just don't believe (I won't get into it because this thread isn't about doctrine). On the other hand, I've been attending a "non-denominational" church (it's in quotes because they say they're non-denominational but their services hover between Pentecostal and Baptist (which it would be seeing most of the congregation came from Pentecostal backgrounds)). Now, I'm not a fan of the worship but I like the people and the preaching (to a point but I'm not going to get into that either), and I agree more with their doctrine than I do with CM (again, up to a point). What I'd like to find is a church that has the CM worship but not such sticklers about some doctrine (okay so it is about some doctrine). Such as women wearing head-coverings, dresses, etc. But also marriage after divorce, joining the military, among other things.

So, my question is, does anyone know of a kind of church like this? I've gone to almost every church here in the city (for years I went to a Conservative Mennonite church a mile away) and settled on the non-denominational. I like the pastor, I can see God's spirit in him. He loves the Lord and does his best for the congregation God has brought to him but the worship is hard for me to sit through. Does anyone know of one?

Okay, I'll stop there :)
Click to expand...

I go where the Lord leads and is for me, which means I get into some strange company as He did.

LA
 
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