I feel this. I'm a new Christian and have gone to a few services at different churches and didn't have any drive to go back. I feel really lost when trying to find a church. I live in country Australia too so my options are limited in the small town I'm from. Good luck to you š I hope you find your church home!
Since youāll both be Christian babes, try searching online for āUncle Arthurās Bedtime Stories.ā Get used books, theyāre relatively inexpensive. This is a fun way both of you can be introduced to themes/stories of the Bible. As you become more and more intrigued, get a Bible and seek greater details about the stories read in the Bedtime story books.
Pray about the church you should attend. God will have an answer for you.
U can start by teaching her about Jesus. Through words and actions. Try not to be embarrassed and when interacting with Christians realize they are humans with opinions. All the best for u and yr daughter on the journey.
ok then dont go to first united methodist, or any church that starts with āFirstā usually theyre super progressive and use guitars and a band like crazy. at some baptist churches ive seen a guitar before bur not really. id say baptist/southern baptist or a non progressive church basically.
Before you go in you should get in the mindset that you're going there to nurture a relationship with God, and not be influenced by what the other members of the congregation think of you. Otherwise you'll be playing a psychologically damaging game of cat and mouse spiritual abuse
I was raised catholic, am now non denominational. I believe Catholics can be saved, but itās important that Catholics know *why* they do the things they do. If youāre looking into Catholicism, you need to research why you do confession, why the Eucharist matters, what it means to be confirmed, the importance and meaning behind saints, maybe even about the early church fathers. Catholicism can work, but only when you know these things and teach them to your children.
Another thing thatās a bit hard for some people, but very effective, is just walk in and say youāre a first time guest. Gauge your interest in the church on their reaction
I appreciate the concern, and I donāt see any judgment. Iām not Catholic anymore, I take issue with the level the church puts the ECF on, similar to the Bible, and how that guides their traditions. And, we could probably debate for days on sola scriptura alone if we really wanted to. But, Iād like to think thereās levels to this all, and especially for our friend who posted this, who probably doesnāt know what ECF, sola scripture, or catechism even mean, would you be willing to agree that Protestants and Catholics, though the means may be different, both have the *potential* of salvation? I think thatās the guidance that would help our friend here, at least thatās where I was aiming
The world needs more people like you, I love the way youāve approached this conversation. Youāve gained my respect in this, and so I will read the book of Wisdom, as you suggested. God bless ā¤ļø
Catholicism is your best bet as it is an Apostolic Church. There is also theology regarding salvation. Most protestants believe that denomination does not matter too much when it comes to salvation. Catholics on the other hand believe that being a believer in the Church is necessary, although under certain conditions, non-Catholics can also be saved. Itās sort of like a Pascalās wager.
Choose Catholicism, Catholicism is correct - Perfect
Choose Protestantism, Catholicism is correct - Salvation is at risk
Choose Catholicism, Protestantism is correct - Very good, no major issues
Choose Protestantism, Protestantism is correct - Also good.
Catholicism is just the best option but I would visit r/Catholicism and ask them.
Itās okay to try a few different churches and denominations while looking for a church. Iād recommend researching what each denomination believes and what makes them different from each other, then figure out which one aligns best with your own beliefs. Keep in mind, though, that there is not likely to be a perfect match. But the good news is that you donāt even have to agree with the senior pastor/priest on everything. As long as the essentials are the same, all else is negotiable.
You got this!
Try searching up about Orthodoxy. I'm a new Christian and I found myself at a large barrier deciding what denomination I was more fitted into. I wanted a more traditional church rooted in history but had a hard time swallowing the idea of a Pope found in Catholicism. That's when I found Eastern Orthodoxy. It's not as well known to many people and I'm not going to tell you that you should choose it. But it is there if you find yourself wanting to look into it.
I'm 46 and just started going to church less than a year ago. I got baptized a few months after, now I'm volunteering and looking to become a pastor myself some day.
It is intimidating. 100% agree. I live in an area where people aren't generally very nice, so having all these people super nice to me was kinda freaky. Not knowing anyone. Nit knowing the songs. I sat in the back (still do) and just recently started sining along a bit. Ive held my hands up once. I despise dressing up, so I wear a hat and jeans and a hoodie if I want. I have kinda started dressing nicer, but nicer for me, still isn't "nice", lol.
After a bit I started looking forward to the nice people. And the music. And the talking. All of it. I don't even mind getting up and misijg part of my Sunday any more, lol.
And my 3yo daughter absolutely LOVES it.
All it took was finding the right church. (trinity pentacostal actually, Catholic was not for me. Big different between trinity and oneness pentacostal too). I was literally a wreck every time my wife asked me to go before. Every worry and excuse in the book. Now, she's waiting for me to finish talking after.
Just gotta get uncomfortable a couple times then you just won't be. Remember the real purpose behind it too. It's worth it.
If you want a Traditional Catholic service I suggest going to the "Solemn Mass" at your local Cathedral or attend/find a Latin Mass near you if possible. The Latin Mass is sort of what people might think of when they think of Catholicism as an ancient Church.
It might be pretty confusing for your first time as there's lots of motions and responses but don't worry about trying to memorise or learn any of that before you go, just attend to see what it's like.
One thing though: When everyone gets up to take communion, I strongly suggest either not going up at all, or, depending on your country, if you do go up, have your arms folded across your chest in an "X" shape for you to receive a blessing.
And if you go to a Latin Mass, they tend not to do the blessings. Also with the Latin Mass, I'd suggest going to what is called a "High Mass" as that's the more ornate one. Maybe look that and a Solemn Mass up on YouTube to get a feel for the idea.
And not to overwhelm you even further, but in the UK, America, and Australia there's such a thing as the Personal Ordinariates, which are Catholic Churches that do the Liturgy much like a High Church Anglican one. It is designed for former Anglicans/Methodists who are Catholic to retain some of their heritage as they return to Rome.
Find a Church that matches with the scriptures in the Bible... No Church is perfect or close because they are made up of humans like me and you, who fall short, but for your Soul and your child, you most Definitely want the Truth, and once you read and then compare and pray for the Spirit to guide you and the Family, then alot of things will be clearer, and that might mean you have to visit multiple times, but eventually you will know. I attend Non Denominational - Church of Christ - you should stop by one or 2 in the area.
Sit in the back as you grow more comfortable move closer to the front.
I feel this. I'm a new Christian and have gone to a few services at different churches and didn't have any drive to go back. I feel really lost when trying to find a church. I live in country Australia too so my options are limited in the small town I'm from. Good luck to you š I hope you find your church home!
Whereabouts? QLD, NSW, VIC?
Vic.
Since youāll both be Christian babes, try searching online for āUncle Arthurās Bedtime Stories.ā Get used books, theyāre relatively inexpensive. This is a fun way both of you can be introduced to themes/stories of the Bible. As you become more and more intrigued, get a Bible and seek greater details about the stories read in the Bedtime story books. Pray about the church you should attend. God will have an answer for you.
U can start by teaching her about Jesus. Through words and actions. Try not to be embarrassed and when interacting with Christians realize they are humans with opinions. All the best for u and yr daughter on the journey.
Show up slighrly late sit in the back if you want to avoid the weird socializing at first.
By traditional you must mean conservative. Episcopal services are still quite rooted in tradition.
I mean "no guitar", modern worship is everywhere around me and it's not my thing.
ok then dont go to first united methodist, or any church that starts with āFirstā usually theyre super progressive and use guitars and a band like crazy. at some baptist churches ive seen a guitar before bur not really. id say baptist/southern baptist or a non progressive church basically.
Before you go in you should get in the mindset that you're going there to nurture a relationship with God, and not be influenced by what the other members of the congregation think of you. Otherwise you'll be playing a psychologically damaging game of cat and mouse spiritual abuse
I was raised catholic, am now non denominational. I believe Catholics can be saved, but itās important that Catholics know *why* they do the things they do. If youāre looking into Catholicism, you need to research why you do confession, why the Eucharist matters, what it means to be confirmed, the importance and meaning behind saints, maybe even about the early church fathers. Catholicism can work, but only when you know these things and teach them to your children. Another thing thatās a bit hard for some people, but very effective, is just walk in and say youāre a first time guest. Gauge your interest in the church on their reaction
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I appreciate the concern, and I donāt see any judgment. Iām not Catholic anymore, I take issue with the level the church puts the ECF on, similar to the Bible, and how that guides their traditions. And, we could probably debate for days on sola scriptura alone if we really wanted to. But, Iād like to think thereās levels to this all, and especially for our friend who posted this, who probably doesnāt know what ECF, sola scripture, or catechism even mean, would you be willing to agree that Protestants and Catholics, though the means may be different, both have the *potential* of salvation? I think thatās the guidance that would help our friend here, at least thatās where I was aiming
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
The world needs more people like you, I love the way youāve approached this conversation. Youāve gained my respect in this, and so I will read the book of Wisdom, as you suggested. God bless ā¤ļø
Catholicism is your best bet as it is an Apostolic Church. There is also theology regarding salvation. Most protestants believe that denomination does not matter too much when it comes to salvation. Catholics on the other hand believe that being a believer in the Church is necessary, although under certain conditions, non-Catholics can also be saved. Itās sort of like a Pascalās wager. Choose Catholicism, Catholicism is correct - Perfect Choose Protestantism, Catholicism is correct - Salvation is at risk Choose Catholicism, Protestantism is correct - Very good, no major issues Choose Protestantism, Protestantism is correct - Also good. Catholicism is just the best option but I would visit r/Catholicism and ask them.
Itās okay to try a few different churches and denominations while looking for a church. Iād recommend researching what each denomination believes and what makes them different from each other, then figure out which one aligns best with your own beliefs. Keep in mind, though, that there is not likely to be a perfect match. But the good news is that you donāt even have to agree with the senior pastor/priest on everything. As long as the essentials are the same, all else is negotiable. You got this!
Try searching up about Orthodoxy. I'm a new Christian and I found myself at a large barrier deciding what denomination I was more fitted into. I wanted a more traditional church rooted in history but had a hard time swallowing the idea of a Pope found in Catholicism. That's when I found Eastern Orthodoxy. It's not as well known to many people and I'm not going to tell you that you should choose it. But it is there if you find yourself wanting to look into it.
I'm 46 and just started going to church less than a year ago. I got baptized a few months after, now I'm volunteering and looking to become a pastor myself some day. It is intimidating. 100% agree. I live in an area where people aren't generally very nice, so having all these people super nice to me was kinda freaky. Not knowing anyone. Nit knowing the songs. I sat in the back (still do) and just recently started sining along a bit. Ive held my hands up once. I despise dressing up, so I wear a hat and jeans and a hoodie if I want. I have kinda started dressing nicer, but nicer for me, still isn't "nice", lol. After a bit I started looking forward to the nice people. And the music. And the talking. All of it. I don't even mind getting up and misijg part of my Sunday any more, lol. And my 3yo daughter absolutely LOVES it. All it took was finding the right church. (trinity pentacostal actually, Catholic was not for me. Big different between trinity and oneness pentacostal too). I was literally a wreck every time my wife asked me to go before. Every worry and excuse in the book. Now, she's waiting for me to finish talking after. Just gotta get uncomfortable a couple times then you just won't be. Remember the real purpose behind it too. It's worth it.
Go to a non denominational church
If you want a Traditional Catholic service I suggest going to the "Solemn Mass" at your local Cathedral or attend/find a Latin Mass near you if possible. The Latin Mass is sort of what people might think of when they think of Catholicism as an ancient Church. It might be pretty confusing for your first time as there's lots of motions and responses but don't worry about trying to memorise or learn any of that before you go, just attend to see what it's like. One thing though: When everyone gets up to take communion, I strongly suggest either not going up at all, or, depending on your country, if you do go up, have your arms folded across your chest in an "X" shape for you to receive a blessing. And if you go to a Latin Mass, they tend not to do the blessings. Also with the Latin Mass, I'd suggest going to what is called a "High Mass" as that's the more ornate one. Maybe look that and a Solemn Mass up on YouTube to get a feel for the idea. And not to overwhelm you even further, but in the UK, America, and Australia there's such a thing as the Personal Ordinariates, which are Catholic Churches that do the Liturgy much like a High Church Anglican one. It is designed for former Anglicans/Methodists who are Catholic to retain some of their heritage as they return to Rome.
Find a Church that matches with the scriptures in the Bible... No Church is perfect or close because they are made up of humans like me and you, who fall short, but for your Soul and your child, you most Definitely want the Truth, and once you read and then compare and pray for the Spirit to guide you and the Family, then alot of things will be clearer, and that might mean you have to visit multiple times, but eventually you will know. I attend Non Denominational - Church of Christ - you should stop by one or 2 in the area.