[qs mom]

I was in your shoes about a year ago. I was raised Catholic, but it 'just wasn't doing it for me' anymore.

God will lead you to where you should be. I thought of Church surfing, but never got around to it.

I stumbled across a new story on a local news channel's website. The story was about Angel Food Ministry, a food program nationwide for those that need a hand up. This is a program that as a single mom, I really needed. ONe Sunday morning, my son and I with order form in hand drove to the Church. The sign on the door stated that if you are early for Angel Food, come up to the Church to enjoy the music and listen to the message. I brought my son up. We sat in the back, he played with some cars. We are still going to that Church.

It's Baptist Church and we attend the contemporary service. The music is really what drew me in. The pastor's message is down to earth, relating to today, drawing the paralells from biblical times to current times.

God lead me to this Church by that simple news story. God lead me to adopt through a newpaper ad about an adoption information meeting being held on my birthday - and I never read the paper, but I did that day.

God will use a way to lead you to wear you should be. Be open to the hints.

[adoptnky]

I grew up in the United Church of Christ and DH was raised Lutheran. When we got married, we attended 35 different churches/denominations trying to find one that we both liked. It almost got comical at one point in time. Whenever I liked a church, he didn't and vice versa. (although there were times we were both in agreement that we didn't like it!!)

We eventually found a small Methodist church that we both love.

Good luck with your search - I've been there!!

Kim

[kimbo1]

Originally Posted by LivvysMommy

Hi Maura,

The "missing piece" you're searching for is not in a "religion". It is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Religion is man's way of trying to be "good enough" to merit God's favor. God sacrificing his only son was His way of reaching down to us and the only responsibility we have is to trust, believe and accept Jesus without all the external laws & trappings that man has come up with over the centuries to make accessibility to God almost impossible. God wants all of us to have a close, personal relationship with him. Jesus is the answer.

You want to find a Bible believing, Bible teaching church. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me and I would be happy to help you.

God bless you.

AMEN! I agree......your relationship with Jesus is what really matters!

:hug:

& Praying for you as you continue your search!

[connorsmommy1999]

I wish I could post this anonymously because it's just SO hokey...but...

I "found" the right denomination for from an online quiz.

Do a google search for "beliefomatic" and you'll find a quiz that runs you through all the major beliefs...you click your answers and it gives you a rating of how you "match" to various religions.

I know, I know...it sounds like a big fat joke but it seriously is how I found my church! I did a lot of seeking on my own, a lot of research (I have shelves of books!) and found what I was looking for in a 2 minute quiz!

you should try it out...maybe there is a religion that matches your beliefs but you just dont know it.

here is a link:
Beliefnet: Belief-O-Matic, Religion Beliefs, What Religion Am I Quiz -- Beliefnet.com

[connorsmommy1999]

I just went back and read all the posts and wanted to throw this out there:

I go to an Eastern Orthodox church now. We have a LOT of Catholic converts (including my husband and I) --it's really amazing to me how many of our members left the Catholic church and converted to Orthodoxy.
Most people havent even heard of it, or if they have they think it's strange because of the name, but it might be something that's worth looking into if you like the beauty of the Mass, the traditions, etc of the Catholic church but have issues with the dogma/doctrine of it.

Our services are similiar....but we dont have the Pope ---and therefore dont have all the "rules" that have been instituted by all the Popes over the years and it seems like many of those rules and changes are what many of our ex-Catholics have a hard time with.




Good luck in your search! and seriously...try the beliefomatic! I had never heard of the Eastern Orthodox faith before I took the quiz but it rated me at a 100% match so I had to look into it.....and now I've totally found my home!

[SKL]

Originally Posted by connorsmommy1999

I wish I could post this anonymously because it's just SO hokey...but...

I "found" the right denomination for from an online quiz.

Do a google search for "beliefomatic" and you'll find a quiz that runs you through all the major beliefs...you click your answers and it gives you a rating of how you "match" to various religions.

I know, I know...it sounds like a big fat joke but it seriously is how I found my church! I did a lot of seeking on my own, a lot of research (I have shelves of books!) and found what I was looking for in a 2 minute quiz!

you should try it out...maybe there is a religion that matches your beliefs but you just dont know it.

here is a link:
Beliefnet: Belief-O-Matic, Religion Beliefs, What Religion Am I Quiz -- Beliefnet.com

Apparently I am a Buddhist. My parents will be surprised.

Very cool survey.

[shelbydog]

I grew up Catholic, with 2 very strict Catholic parents. My mother was a Catholic NUN before she met my Dad - seriously! Then she quit the convent before her final vows - she just couldn't do it. Six months later she met my Dad. They still go to church every week, and my Mom plays the organ at least weekly.

By college, I rebelled against the Catholic religion. My husband is Episcopal, and I love the Episcopal church - everything about it. Probably similar to Lutheran - they stress kindness, and relationship with God. Great people and community. You may want to visit an Episcopal church. Good luck

[jemmawag]

I am right here with you! My family has been going through the same thing. My oldest ds was in catholic school until 4 yrs ago. Since then we all have pretty much stopped going to church. Things happened that we were in total disagreement with and we were completely turned off. We have discussed seeking other churches but are procrastinating. For fun I took the survey, came up Mormon. Interesting because when I was in my early 20's I attended with a friend and I really enjoyed the church but the time commitment was hard for me to adjust to. I really want a church with a great kids program and strong community service. I was raised catholic and married methodist. Best of luck in your search.

[Hadley2]

I was going to plug UUism although we try to avoid proselytizing.

Instead, I'm going to plug the belief-o-matic. This was an amazing quiz and there was only one question that I quibbled with as it seemed to presuppose a certain kind of belief, and even that one most people would not see/diagree with the underlying assumption. Other than that, it seemed to be a truly unbiased, neutral, and logical way of sorting through personal beliefs (what we think) and faith (what we feel).

Take this quiz, and you'll definitely find an answer to which tradition fits you best--more importantly, if you take the time, it will get you thinking about what it is you really do think and feel about some things, not just a reflection of beliefs you have been brought up to assume to be true.

Once you know your tradition, you will be able to scout a congregation that has the right "flavor."

[Lumpkin]

How do you know which Religion to belong to? The only way that I know is to do your research, and pray faithfully and often about what you see, hear, feel, want, need, etc and the answer will come to you. Will it be easy? Surely not, as it will take work, lots of effort, and may be emotionally tiring to keep doing your diligent effort, but the personal growth and the relationship you build with God will be worth it in the end.

[2Russians1Guat]

There are truths in this world. 2+2=4. Now, I can believe that 2+2=3, but I would be wrong. There is one way to Heaven, and that is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ-"I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."(John 14:6). The Bible says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"(Romans 3:23). The Bible also says "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord". Romans 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved". There are many different religions out there. Some claim Jesus as the one and only way. If you are one of those religions--then that's one you need to be. If your religion says there is some other way, then you need to keep looking.
I would challenge you to read the Bible and Pray for the right church.

Jason

[LDC]

I would sugggest trying different churches until you find one that fits your family. My father and brother are Episcopal priests and I went several years without going to church. Then when our kids came along I decided that we should start going to church. My husband grew up Catholic but never went to church any more. There are only a handful of Episcopal churches in our town and I didn't want to go to my dad's old church and I didn't want to go to my brother's church so we tried a couple of others and found one that worked for us and we have been going ever since. Yesterday my son got a birthday card from our parish and he thought that was just the greatest thing. It's very family oriented and they have welcomed us from the first day we stepped in the door. Good luck on your search I hope that you can find what you are looking for.

Lisa
mom to Carlos & Sophia

[Slatond10]

Not catholic but have been attending "non-demonational" churches for the past 13-15 yrs. The first was North Point Comm Church in Atlanta... and I only tell you that because the ones I have attended are also MEGA churches which may not be your taste either.

However, my DD LOVES CHURCH @ 3! They have so much to offer for little ones in activities and even more as they get older. I am amazed @ what she is learning and the fact that she LOVES to go! Not to mention that the services are so inspirational and challenging for me !!!!

Good luck in your search!

[angelkisses0102]

Interesting thread.

DH and I were both raised Catholic (I even went to Catholic schools) but in the past few years fell very far away from the Catholic Churh..for many reasons. Almost two years ago we met neighbors who moved in across the street from us...and began to talk about religion, Faith, God in general. They had scouted a few local churches and found one they loved. Last November they really started to share about the church, the pastor, the beliefs of the church and about forming a relationship with God.

This was at the lowest point in our marriage...we were not living together at that point. We were interested but never followed through. Then early this year one Sunday morning after a terrible fight with DH...I gathered the kdis up and we went to a 'Christian' church. I truly felt there was a reason, God's reason, for me to attend this particular service. I was beyond moved, loved every aspect of this service and felt as if the pastor was speaking directly to me. DH followed me a few weeks later and to say we have been blessed since this is an understatement.

This church is VERY contemporary...live band, lots of props, lighting effects, big screens, etc. The energy is unbelievable...but the message and mission ofthe church is what has us ALL totally involved. And our pastor is perfect for us...we still feel like he is talking directly to us each and every week. DH loves it, the kids love it and we are all highly involved. We are developing a relationship with God and finally learning and reading the Bible daily.

Oh, the Christian affliation...Southern Baptist...never in my wildest dreams would this Catholic raised girl even thought about attending a Baptist church. One of the mottos of our church is 'No perfect people allowed.' Yup we fit right in.

So my advice...open your heart, mind and soul and 'try out' some local churches...talk to members and see why they are attracted to the particular church. For some reason, the vast majority of people joining our church are former Catholics.

Good luck and allow God to lead you down your path. As our pastor says...each church offers something for everyone...as long as it is a Christian church...the actual 'flavor' (demnomination) of the church doesn't matter.

[JanCA]

Out of curiosity, went to the quiz, and it placed me right where I've been attending: Mainline to Liberal Protestant. Although the "Mainline to Liberal" part is a wide range, I'm so glad we found a place were we feel we're with like-minded people who feel a real connection with our creator. I'd advise to talk over the issue with people in your area who you respect and like and find out their thoughts on becoming a part of the worshipping communities near you.