Just visiting churches

[Salty]

I just looked at someones profile. The home church was "Just visiting".:tear:

Here is my question. What is a reasonable time to "just visit" until you join a local Baptist church?:1_grouphug:
Salty
PS Yea, I know, maybe he hasn't updated his profile yet.:smilewinkgrin:

 

[Arbo]

":tear:"? Perhaps the individual is looking for a church.

 

[Arbo]

To answer the question about the proper length of time, I'd say that it varies on the individual, the church, and personal leading by the Spirit.

 

[Don]

Especially the "leading of the Spirit." My family was visiting a church for the last four months, but something kept holding me back from outright joining. Last week, they called a meeting to vote out the pastor because some of them don't like his wife. The vote failed, but the situation jolted me to recognize some things that I'd been seeing, but hadn't actually been putting two-and-two together about. Kind of like looking at one of those 3-D picture things? You look, and you look, and then suddenly you actually see the picture?

Visiting another church now. I had previously visited this church, but the pastor kept making references about no one else preaching like they are. Something's changed since I last visited, because in the past 3 weeks, I haven't heard him make those statements. We'll see what happens.

 

[Yeshua1]

I just looked at someones profile. The home church was "Just visiting".:tear:

Here is my question. What is a reasonable time to "just visit" until you join a local Baptist church?:1_grouphug:
Salty
PS Yea, I know, maybe he hasn't updated his profile yet.:smilewinkgrin:

Would say that lenght of time varies, as some would want to join after first visit, others would leave after first!

Would say speak to the pastor, some elders/leaders, check out youth/children services, just to gget overall free, and check statement of beliefs, for you are joining to agree with them, NOT to change them!

 

[Mexdeaf]

I'd say a year is too long.

When we were "burned" by out experience in an IFBx church once, it took us a couple of months to transition to and join a new church, but we spent most of that time in the church we ended up at just checking it out because we were afraid of getting burned again.

 

[HeirofSalvation]

I just looked at someones profile. The home church was "Just visiting".:tear:

Here is my question. What is a reasonable time to "just visit" until you join a local Baptist church?:1_grouphug:
Salty
PS Yea, I know, maybe he hasn't updated his profile yet.:smilewinkgrin:

As regards your Op....I know the feeling. My wife and I are in search of a Church home now, and you know what?? I HATE!! "curch-shopping". We joined a Church a year and a half ago that we were UBER excited about...and now we feel we cannot belong to it.... We left.
We are now searching for a new home church,. I have for years loathed what I called "steeple-chasers".....and, frankly, atm...We ARE "steeple-chasers".

It's painful to not have a church home...when you are committed to the idea of one. I am truly of the opinion that some "un-churched" Baptists need someone to reach out to them. My conscience constrained me from staying in the Church I was at. (This does NOT mean I have any negative things to say about it)...because they are wonderful people doing some good things....

I guess I'm just saying that I understand the tear..when one is without a Church home. That is NOT Christ's plan for us....He wants his sheep in the fold.

 

[jonathanD]

Here is my question. What is a reasonable time to "just visit" until you join a local Baptist church?:1_grouphug:

Depends on how many 9 Marks churches there are in the area. :thumbs:

 

[Tom Butler]

Depends on how many 9 Marks churches there are in the area. :thumbs:

Hmm, that's interesting. I checked out the link you provided and found two Baptist churches within 10 miles who identify with the 9 Marks philosophy. One of the churches identifies itself as Reformed; the other doesn't use the term, but is committed to "Biblical reform" in the church.

Af first, Jonathan, I thought you were sort of kidding. Now, I know you aren't.

I don't know a lot about 9 Marks, but what I have read of it leaves me with a favorable impression. I would certainly look closely at those churches if I were looking for a church home.

 

[jonathanD]

Hmm, that's interesting. I checked out the link you provided and found two Baptist churches within 10 miles who identify with the 9 Marks philosophy. One of the churches identifies itself as Reformed; the other doesn't use the term, but is committed to "Biblical reform" in the church.

Af first, Jonathan, I thought you were sort of kidding. Now, I know you aren't.

I don't know a lot about 9 Marks, but what I have read of it leaves me with a favorable impression. I would certainly look closely at those churches if I were looking for a church home.

I was sort of kidding, but personally, that is where I start when looking for a church.