Featured The Possibility of Moving On

The common mind set is about finding a church that suits ones self rather than seeking one that suits God. The kind that suits God is superior to those who do not suit Him. However, that kind will not think of themselves superior although they will think of their beleif system superior to false ones and won't be shy about teaching that. The truth is always superior to error and those who know the truth are often charged with claiming to be superior to others - not because they claim it about themselves but claim it about the truth they contend for over that which opposes that same truth.

 

That whole area is rich.....er, rich with possibilities....big churches, small ones. Look around and take your time doing it. View it as an opportunity.

 

The fact that you are considering these two groups declares that you don't understand the true gospel of grace or the first step of obedience which is water baptism because if you did they would not even be a consideration as both pervert the gospel of Jesus Christ in regard to baptism alone.

 

IN DC it is highly likely you will find the liberal church your looking for.

 

Both of these are good, although personally I couldn't be a part of the very conservative and very liberal Friends.

The Nazarenes might be a good fit - unless you like an occasional glass of wine.

The Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) has several congregations in and around the D.C. area.

Best wishes on finding a church.

 

Of course coming from one liberal to another!

 

Check out the Church of the Saviour.

 

Of course coming from a false accuser.

Anybody to the left of you is a liberal in your eyes -- which includes almost everybody.

 

Michael, you can be a nice person, but your theology is horrible and obnoxious in the sight of God. Yes, I will always be an accuser of Satan's teachings. Teaching comes from only one of two sources - the spirit or error or the spirit of truth and yours comes from the former not the latter.

 

And what you have just said is an egregious lie and should be grounds to ban you from the forum, but I bet you won't even get a warning.

You are a false accuser and the most self-righteous person I have ever encountered. There is something in you I like, but not this.

I'll have to suspend the argument for a while, as I have papers to grade. No break for me this week.

 

Mark Deavers church in DC right?

 

Not a single solitary word I spoke had any tinge of untruth but every syllable can be fully substantiated by what is in black and white already posted on this forum.

And no, I won't get an infraction because the moderators don't give infractions for simply stating the truth.

However, on a personal note, don't work too hard or maybe you have to work hard so that you can enjoy thanksgiving.

 

My advice, having moved a lot in my life:

1. Pray. God will be faithful and lead you to the church He has for you.
2. Know what you believe and why. This can cut down on your search list a lot as it helps avoid churches where obvious disagreement can occur.
3. Make 3 visits per church. Unless you find a huge red flag on the first visit plan on 3 visits per church. That helps get a better feel for the church. I have visited churches and ended up being there for a guest speaker or special service. Those did not show me much.
4. Meet the pastor. If you find one you are leaning towards make an appointment to meet with the pastor. I prefer meeting over pie and coffee. This is a time when you can ask direct questions about the issues important to you.


Pray, and pray some more. Talk to your bride. Pray some more.

We should desire a church where the pure Word is taught and no verse is ignored. We need good food for good spiritual health. We should also desire a church where we can serve. God have us gifts to minister to others. This is another spiritual health issue.

 

I would recommend AM main service visits, as well as Sunday school. Find out what curriculum they use in SS and other small groups, if applicable.

I have had a pastor and his wife in our home. I have also met at a restaurant with just the pastor. There is no reason to not be flexible on this. The point is to spend that time together to get to know the pastor a bit and to learn about the church. This is generally when I have found out where major needs are in the church and you can discuss how you may be able to serve. Remember this is a time where the pastor gets to know you as well.

 

Suggest you take your time in selecting a church. About 30 years ago, we moved from Maryland to Southern Virginia. At that time we did not consider a Baptist church because of the I'm right, you're wrong attitude in the Maryland Baptist churches in our area. So we attended a church of another denomination for about 12 years. When a new pastor came and made significant changes in that church, we looked for another church. We ended up in a Baptist church which we knew a lot about, that did not have the narrow Baptist attitude that you talk about. Yes, there are some laymen there that have the narrow attitude you talk about, but they are not in the leadership. We have been in this Baptist church for about 20 years.

Since you had the negative experience in the Baptist church, I would be careful about going to another Baptist church. In my experience, I would consider a Christian Missionary Alliance Church as a prospect. They preach the Gospel, but are not as narrow about others as some Baptists are.

I have found that most practical differences in doctrine among denominations is only a matter of definitions and terminology, so the denomination is not important to me.