What would you do?

[IESUwaShu]

- Be me, Classic (Arminian) Baptist, non dispensational
- Moved to a small city with limited options
- Visited or watched sermons of all Christian churches in a 40min radius from home (don't want to travel further as otherwise we wouldn't be able to fellowship during the week)
- Have 1 toddler, so having children for him to be friends with growing up is a major concern

The best options available are:

1 A super Reformed Baptist church (if they ever accepted us as non 1689 Confession believers), very traditional and some liturgy...
2 A few Baptist churches with fluid doctrine among the members, but tiny (like 10-30 members) and all of them elderly...
3 A non denominational church that seems to care about Scriptures, has a good size and mixed age groups... but has a lady pastor that preaches ~once a month...

sigh... help me Lord...

 

[37818]

1 John 5:9-13, If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

 

[Deacon]

Personally, I’d probably keep watching video church

Rob

 

[IESUwaShu]

Personally, I’d probably keep watching video church

Rob

Yeah we mostly watch sermons online for edification, but want a church for fellowship since it's a command too

 

[Van]

I remember the old chestnut about if a church would accept me, I would not want to be a part of.

Since I believe Reformed (TULIP) doctrine is a corruption of actual biblical doctrine, I would not support going to that church.

Nearly all conservative baptists believe only males should exercise leadership within the church, you might consider skipping the days the Lady is teaching from the pulpit. I attended (once only) a service (wedding for a loved one) with a female pastor, but I will not do so again.

I always felt it was my honor to attend the funerals of my friends, especially those who had been lifelong mentors. But if these small church groups cannot offer fellowship with others raising families, I think you should look elsewhere.

I know I had a friend who was like a saint compared to me, but when he had difficulties with his teenagers, I was so encouraged! Terrible, I know.

Regular attendance and fellowship is important in the development of our lives as maturing Christians. We not only serve others, but we learn the grace of letting others serve us. Christianity is a team sport, if we do not hang together, we may hang separately.

So my recommendation, for what it is worth, is to attend the non-denominational church when the female Pastor is not teaching, and keep looking for a bible teaching baptist church with members also raising families.

 

[Baptizo]

If it were me probably option 2. None of these churches are perfect but should still attend every once in a while to have fellowship. Don’t see the age as a con but a pro. If they are older that means they can share their decades of spiritual growth.

 

[Martin Marprelate]

You need to find a local church and make your home there.
As the saying goes, if you ever found a perfect church, you shouldn't go there because it would then be imperfect.