While the Hebrews ten Commandments above remind Christians to always try to gather with fellow Christians, new Christians and long-time practitioners can find themselves mystified about finding the correct church. This is because the choices that are made in a new church are not the same choices that have been made at churches over the years. This short article will provide some useful advice for selecting a Christian church.
Most people will agree that there are three main types of Christian denominations in the world today. The three categories include Roman Catholics, Lutherans and Baptists. Each of these three major denominations has a strong contingent of followers. However, there are several minor church groups which have become strong enough to be considered viable Christian denominations.
Probably the most common type of Christian church is the Roman Catholic Church. This denomination believes that salvation is by grace through the work of Christ. They also believe that salvation is accomplished at the funeral service on the last Sunday of the year. The main service includes an elaborate funeral with music and a rosary necklace for burial.
Some of the smaller Christian churches that do not follow the Roman Catholic faith have a set schedule for daily worship. Often times the Sunday morning service will begin with a general prayer, followed by a 10 minute meal. In most cases a worship team will be present, consisting of two or three persons who represent the three different perspectives of the church: those who are active in worship and those who are more instrumental in teaching and sharing the faith.
Another important aspect of selecting a Christian church is determining which denomination is most significant to you. This is often determined by a specific church background that has influenced your overall spiritual journey. Some denominations emphasize submission and obedience, while others teach submission to God through fear. These are just two of the many different perspectives that you can explore when deciding which church is most meaningful to you. It is important to note that these perspectives are not always related to a particular church history. A general explanation might include the following:
A common characteristic of most churches is their ability to grow in size. While it may be tempting to simply find the largest church that is available, it is suggested that choosing to shop around first to find the appropriate church size for you and your congregation. If the church you are considering is too small, it will make finding sponsors difficult. In addition, a small church may not be able to accommodate all of its members. Additionally, the growing numbers of congregations can affect the amount of funds available for the entire church, as well as the overall quality of services.
A helpful aspect of finding a church is finding a resource that allows you to search for a prospective church online. Many churches allow you to access a list of churches online from a central location, providing an easy means of finding a church that is suited to your needs. In addition, some websites offer a list of prospective synagogues, chapels, and other church buildings so that you can easily search for a church that meets all of your needs. You can also look for a resource that provides reviews of different pastors so that you can choose a leader who will best meet your needs.
When you begin your church shopping, it is important to look beyond the location and size of the church to examine the personalities of the pastor and the overall leadership of the church. It is important to feel comfortable with your pastor and with the overall direction of the church so that you are prepared to provide your services when called upon. You should also consider service times and convenient location for worship.