When did you know your church was the right fit for you?
I’ve been looking for a new church home for most of the year. Where I live, there are hundreds of churches. The task of where to start was a bit daunting. So I have to say I sat quite a few Sundays out. I watched television broadcasts and even attended church “online.” Neither was quite the same as going to a physical church.
To jumpstart my search, I decided to go back to my roots a bit. The first church I ever joined was an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Methodists are very orderly and it many cases very traditional. I wasn’t sure if this was what I wanted in a church home after spending a number of years attending a non-denominational church. I can say every AME church I’ve visited, there is a sense of comfort in knowing the order of service.
There has been a church I’ve attended three Sunday’s in a row now and I’m already feeling at home. There are few things I really like:
- The pastor is female. That’s definitely different for me.
- She is a bible-teaching pastor. A pastor who studies is important.
- The congregation is really friendly. I’ve visited churches where even the ushers weren’t very welcoming.
- The church is about growth and serving the community. I really don’t enjoy churches who seem to collect money only for the building fund.
Last Sunday as I was leaving, the pastor asked me my name. Today, we actually talked. Her reaching out and and today’s sermon on “Lukewarm Religion” (Revelations 3:14-22) were big for me. So, it appears I may be getting close to the end of my search.
I’m definitely not a pew sitter. I’ve always worked in the church whether in Sunday School or Women’s Ministry, so I’m looking to get back on track after a year of intense transitions.
When did you know your church was the right fit for you?
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I can truly relate to what you’re facing. It took me almost four years to find a physical church with a similar flavor to what I had when I resided in the Midwest. Everybody needs to be careful on whose spiritual table you eat from. Just like in the natural you can’t eat everybody’s food. I grew up with women ministering the gospel and women in the pastoral role. That’s one thing I like about the Word of God – he’s no respecter of person. He will utilize anyone who is willing to preach the good news. If you remember Jesus used a woman to “start a revival/preach” when the woman at the well told the community “come see a man”. Anyway, I found a church that I’ve been going to and I appreciate the rightly divided word, the fresh revelation and the warmth that exudes in the congregation. I appreciate your post – keep blogging!
Hey Tabitha!
Thanks for stopping by. I’m definitely digging the teaching and community service efforts of this pastor.
I saw your book trailer for Part 2 on Facebook. Very nice! I’m looking forward to the read.
Ty,
Are you in the Columbia, SC area? If so then I suggest Francis Burns UMC. The pastor is Dr. Thomas J. Bowman. He was my pastor here in Greer for 16 years.
I don’t know the “flavor” of the church family as I’ve never visited, but I do know that Dr. and Mrs. Bowman go out of there way to make you feel like family. I miss them tremendously.
Even if you don’t join, they are great people to know.
I am! Thanks for the tip, Zaria.
I’m growing more comfortable with the churches I’ve attending. Kind of down to two that I’m going back and forth with now.