Finding a New Church Home: My Journey and Concerns

[Intrepid_Chef]

Not too long ago, I posted that I was thinking of moving on. It is now confirmed that I am to do so. I went to my old church not long ago, and never felt so uncomfortable in my "comfort zone" in all my life!

So far I have visited 2 churches:

• Church 1 is a Vineyard church, with good worship and teaching. They are VERY small, though, and some ministries have gone by the wayside for this reason.

• Church 2 is a non-denominational church with a lot of freedom in worship, which is a major selling point for me. Also, they have outreaches including some that are near and dear to my heart's cry. But I have concerns about their teachings, and their possibly somewhat nebulous ties to a fallen evangelist.

One friend who I respect is very concerned about the teaching offered there, and another friend who I also respect is THERE.

I would like to be in my new church by the end of the year.

Right now, I'm not sure where I'll be this Sunday ...

 

[khergatt]

Not sure where in Ohio you are, so I can't recommend anything!

Pray. You will know when you've found your "home."

We recently changed churches and we knew from the minute we walked through the door that we were home. It just felt right. We absolutely love it and our kids are being fed and we are truly blessed!!

I'll be praying for you!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I'm in Akron. I'd go as far south as North Canton, which is where I went this last time.I firmly believe you need to visit a church at least twice to know whether it's "home" or not ...

 

[khergatt]

I completely agree with visiting it at least twice! My hubby and I didn't decide this was "home" until we had been there a little over a month. We both knew it, but we decided not to try any other churches at that point. We had actually known of this church and had been there a few times over the years because I directed a local community children's choir and we had our concerts there.

I will pray that God sends you where you need to be!!

 

[pcchefjane]

You definitely want to be cautious about a church that is not teaching what you believe! Too many people want to be "comfortable" listening to the Pastor and not challenged...which is probably the reason you are not content there. You may need to keep searching, Sister! Keeping you in my prayers!

 

[raebates]

When we were searching for a church home, the pastor at one church told us, "You'll know when you find it. It may take a few visits, but once you find it, you'll know that you know." He was right. He's also now our pastor.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Well, today was interesting. I visted a church started by a former associate pastor of my soon-to-be former church.

It is even smaller than the other church I mentioned and a few of the people there are friends from the old congregation.

One person there recently left my old church for this one. She mentioned something about leaving and I said her comment made "boatloads of sense." She said she had been hesitant to say anything because I was there that day .. I said I had been increasingly uncomfortable in my comfort zone.

I have to go back to my old church next Sunday ... I have not officially "left" yet ... but it may be my last Sunday there.

The thing is, the people there are all dear friends and I think they are assuming I am coming there ... I told them I am not sure what God wants ...we'll see.

 

[raebates]

If they're good friends, they'll understand that you might not be drawn to the same church. Good friends I made at the church we used to attend are now attending with various local congregations. We're still close. We just don't attend in the same places.