I want a Bible teaching Church. I believe in the Triune God. I believe salvation comes from Jesus Christ and that faith and baptism are evidence of a "rebirth" in Jesus Christ and works are evidence of faith. Afterlife is really kind of unimportant. I believe it will be the happiest and most wonderful thing we can imagine and beyond. God promises that we will experience joy. I think the role of the Church is to act as Christlike individuals as specified in Galatians 5:22-23. We are to demonstrate the changing power of Christ and His love. The behaviors I have seen from Evangelicals have been completely against this scripture. So I will not accept that they show true Christ like conversion and love. They can claim to be Christian and born again and saved but their behavior is that of one who isn't. I will not be that person. As for the Bible I believe the Bible is the word of God. I love my Bible and I use it daily. It is a nourishment to my soul and reminds me of Christ's love for us and how we should love others. I want the Church to welcome new people and show them Christ's love. That is what I want. I expect them to teach the Bible, offer sacrament, and a church family! There should be love and welcoming. Showing others that we love and follow Christ here. I have seen Baptist churches do this and some Charismatic churches. I believe charismatic churches are following the adversary when they practice certain "gifts" and I think they challenge God when it gets to the extremes of snake handling etc. And as far as what I will do for the church, well I expect to serve others. Show the Christ's love. Help those who are in need and any other activity I am able to help with! I'm happy to be involved and offer all I have to help in any way I am able. I'm not sure what other specifics I can offer organgrinder. I like Lutheran churches but around here we only have Evangelical Lutheran churches. We have Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, Nazarene, Quaker, Non Denominational, one mega Church close by, LDS, Greek Orthodox, and a few other small town churches. What denomination do you think has a good grasp of the truth? I know you will say not Mormon or JW. What do you say about the others?
I am partial to non or interdenominational churches. I attend one and it is a mage church here in northern Idaho. Our mission-- to reach the world for Jesus one person at a time and live life ijn small groups to establish relationships to grow.
we have baptism every week and they are celebrated. We have communion every week and coming from a Roman Catholic background I find that very scriptural. The church is elder run and there are evangelicals, charismatics and non-charismatics on the elder board. There are no conflicts because it isn't a central issue to salvation.
The Bible is the sole rule of faith and serving and meeting needs in our community is a big deal. Lots of ministries to help folks including those who struggle with alcohol and drugs, pornography, etc. Unlike many mega churches, our pastor drive a Toyota from the mid 2000s. No six figure salary. His preaching lectern is made from deer antlers. The word is preached even if it steps on toes. There is no ambivalence on sexual morality or acceptance of a non-Biblical marriage despite what the U.S. Supreme Court legalized.
People were free to wear or not wear masks during COVID, and no shame or finger pointing for those who did or didn't. we had 600 men and a men's breakfast in March. The previous month it was at 175.
Do we do everything I like. No. Is the pastor human and make mistakes and irritating towards folks at times. Yes, by his own admission which is followed up with repentance and forgiveness. I have never seen a more transparent pastor or pastoral staff. We realize we are all broken and need Jesus every single moment. I miss liturgical seasons because I think they are meaningful. we don't do them. I can celebrate those at home.
You will find in every church-- the one I attend included-- folks who are just attending because it is culturally acceptable or because there is a good program for the kids. You will see folks trying to make business deals because they are good church going folks. You will see folks who may be just plain nasty because they are hurting and haven't figured out to get help or even want help. You will find folks who are critical of everything from the style of worship music to what the pastor wears on Sunday morning. Lots of folks have a critical spirit, looking at the outward appearances but missing what is really going on in the spiritual real.
Don't get caught up in that.
Try your non-denominational church, and not just once or twice. Try it for two months and see what happens. And it is not the pastor's job to "feed" you. You are responsible for feeding yourself with the written word of God every day. Do not look for the perfect or near perfect church before getting involved. However, get involved. Concentrate on the positive, especially the important doctrines as Theo pointed out. The rest take in stride. My wife and I did that when we became involved with our church. We both felt more "comfortable" in another church (charismatic) that checked all OUR boxes. God had other ideas and told us no, ...I want you over here. It was the right move as God was in the midst of it.
Did that mean the other church was "bad" or had rotten fruit? No. It just wasn't where God wanted us.