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Is trial and error ok? - 9/1/2009 1:38:53 PM
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cposey
Posts: 302
Joined: 8/20/2009
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I am currently looking for a church for me and my family to attend. I've learned the hard way of doing things my way and don't want that again. So here is my struggle. I only want my footsteps to be directed by God. But how do I find a church other than by trial and error. This kinda seems contradictory to the way God operates.
Would really appreciate your opinions
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RE: Is trial and error ok? - 9/1/2009 3:13:42 PM
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SteveyP
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Hi Cposey,
Great question. Trial and error, or church shopping, is a peculiar thing. Most people I've known who have been through it were looking for something to satisfied their felt, or perceived, need. Hardly ever did they talk about being able to fully join in with the worship at whatever church.
With that being said, the last 3 churches I've been a part of (because of moving) each one I started attending because of a friend I highly respected and with whom I had a good honest relationship recommended their church. So, start with a friend you highly respect that is a follower of Christ and go to his or her church. And go several times and ask the pastor questions. Give churches and parishoners a chance. Just as important, ask yourself if your family can fully worship at the church. 
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RE: Is trial and error ok? - 9/2/2009 12:54:48 AM
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OneJohn410
Posts: 1434
Joined: 6/1/2008
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It sounds like whether you like it or not, you have to make that call for your entire family. I don't understand how you can not do that your own way (the hard way).
If you are traditionally a denominational person in your faith, then knowing what the stances are of each 'branch' of that faith tree are will help.
What about asking everyone in the family for some written input you can look back on? Just as specific as they care to make it. Read over all of that and pray about it each time you visit a church yourself.
What does your family do in the interim? Are they watching church on TV? Or home church activities?
You might ask at each church office if there's a welcoming team as part of the congregation. Perhaps a meeiting with someone there would equate to three or four visits solo. No one will say hey, you aren't going to like us, so just stay away! 
_____________________________
"Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, 'Oh that Thou wouldst bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that Thy hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldst keep me from harm, that it might not pain me!' And God granted him what he requested."
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RE: Is trial and error ok? - 9/2/2009 11:45:08 AM
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cposey
Posts: 302
Joined: 8/20/2009
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quote:
ORIGINAL: OneJohn410
It sounds like whether you like it or not, you have to make that call for your entire family. I don't understand how you can not do that your own way (the hard way).
If you are traditionally a denominational person in your faith, then knowing what the stances are of each 'branch' of that faith tree are will help.
What about asking everyone in the family for some written input you can look back on? Just as specific as they care to make it. Read over all of that and pray about it each time you visit a church yourself.
What does your family do in the interim? Are they watching church on TV? Or home church activities?
You might ask at each church office if there's a welcoming team as part of the congregation. Perhaps a meeiting with someone there would equate to three or four visits solo. No one will say hey, you aren't going to like us, so just stay away!
i guess as far as the hard way i mean in the past I've tried to use my own wisdom in making decisions. Now I've learned that if i wait on God, He will direct my steps.
As far as my family it is just my wife and 10 month old. We currently are doing a bible study with ourselves, attending another bible study, praying together and worship together.
What my concern is I know what I desire in a church, but I want to make sure that I am going where God desires me to go.
Was thinking that trying out different churches was kinda like putting the cart before the horse
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RE: Is trial and error ok? - 9/2/2009 10:30:46 PM
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jn1010lf
Posts: 493
Joined: 4/20/2005
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Hello cposey
This may sound strange but the kind of church you need depends on what you yourself believe. For instance, if you believe in speaking in tongues, you wouldn't want to get too involved in a church that teaches against it.
If you believe that God performs miracles today, such as healing, deliverance or raising people from the dead, you wouldn't want to get too involved in one that teaches that those thing passed away when the last apostle died.
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RE: Is trial and error ok? - 9/3/2009 7:37:54 AM
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cposey
Posts: 302
Joined: 8/20/2009
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jn1010lf
Hello cposey
This may sound strange but the kind of church you need depends on what you yourself believe. For instance, if you believe in speaking in tongues, you wouldn't want to get too involved in a church that teaches against it.
If you believe that God performs miracles today, such as healing, deliverance or raising people from the dead, you wouldn't want to get too involved in one that teaches that those thing passed away when the last apostle died.
I understand your point. But I really have felt that church is not a place for me, but a place where God can use me. I can get past doctrinal differences.
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