What type of church, or denomination, do you attend?

I have always been amused how people profess to be "beleivers", and then separate themselves into various churches / denominations. Out of curiosity, what type of church, or denomination, do you attend? What do you particulary like about your church?

As for me, I left the Presbyterian Church (PCA) in 10/06, and now attend a non-denominational church. I thoroughly enjoy my new church, where our worship service is a true celebration of God's grace in our lives.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sara on July 26, 2007 at 8:49pm

Actually, Travis, I am switching places with you. I was going to a non-denominational church, but I missed the traditions and reverency from my childhood so I am now trying out a Presbyterian church in my area.

Permalink Reply by Travis Grubbs on July 28, 2007 at 5:27am

Hi Sara:

I left my local PCA church over a disagreement over church doctrine in 10/06. While discussing this issue, my Elder asked me if my health problems (I was diagnosed with Type 2 in 5/06) were affecting my judgement.

Permalink Reply by Sara on July 31, 2007 at 7:43pm

I love how the fallen nature of people is just as evident in the leadership of churches!

Like one asking if maybe I was still diabetic because I did not pray for healing hard enough!

Permalink Reply by beetis on August 22, 2007 at 6:02pm

I was a Plymoth (Plymouth, Plymeth?) Bretheran. I left because my church said that calling God "Father" was sexist, so we could refer to him neither as a male nor a female...so I left. and so did everyone else in the church :D.... It wasn't every Plymouth Bretheran Church, just that one. So now I'm going to an American Baptist Church, and I LOVE IT!!! It's a very layed back environment, but once a month the Southern Baptists come to our church from across town and sing us some their songs. Now thats fun :D! I'm only sixteen, and I'm just getting into my faith, even though I was baptized in 2003. Plus, I'm just wondering, and I have no problems with Catholics, but what do some of you think about the Pope saying the Protestants aren't Christians? I literally threw my clicker at the T.V. Anyone else have thoughts?

Permalink Reply by Travis Grubbs on August 22, 2007 at 6:39pm

I was not aware of the Pope's comments, but there are a lot of people that feel that Catholics are not Christians, call them idpol worshippers, etc. I now of one Cathlolic that calls himself an "Evangelical Catholic" and differentiates himself from his Catholic brethern. I am fine with Catholics. Maybe one day the Pope will accept me.

Permalink Reply by Katrina on August 23, 2007 at 11:43am

Beetis,

I think it's great that you are getting into your faith. I was baptized in the Baptist church when I was six, way before I really knew what being "saved" was. My church is also laid back and I think that contributes to everyone learning about God and themselves at their own pace.

I didn't hear about what the Pope said, but that is interesting. I don't know any Protestants, but I am in the belief that if you believe Jesus died for your sins and you strive to be more Christ-like each day, you are saved and a Christian.

Permalink Reply by beetis on August 26, 2007 at 12:06pm

i think you're mistaken. A Protestant is any denomination not of the catholic belief. ie: Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc etc....but yeah the pope said that protestants aren't Christians because we can't trace our bishops back to the orignal church, and claimed we arent true christians because we don't recognize the saints and mary as important figures in the church...pfff

Permalink Reply by Daena on August 26, 2007 at 6:54pm

Beetis, I think it's great that you are getting into your faith. You sound a lot like me - I was raised in Sunday School but never really became a Christian till I was in secondary school. And I only started to get serious about God about three years ago, after I went on a short mission trip to Thailand.

I don't agree with the Pope's statement becase the Bible clearly says that all we have to do to be a Christian is to believe that Jesus died and rose for us! And many Christians who are not just 'Sunday Christians' do strive to be like Him every day of their lives. And for that fact I think Catholics are Christians, though I know some people who don't necessarily agree with me.

Permalink Reply by Bobby on November 23, 2008 at 6:01am

You are right, Beetis, the name Protestant originated with those believers who broke away from the Church of Rome along with Martin Luther, and they were called "Protesters of the Faith." Hence the name Protestant. If you attend any other church than the Roman Catholic Church, you are by proxy, a Protester, or Protestant.
Also, the "original" church was not Catholic-no disrespect to our Catholic brothers and sisters-it was simply the New Testament church that was started by Jesus Himself. He trained His disciples for three and a half years, and when He ascended to Heaven, they continued the work He started. Their beliefs were very different from the Roman Catholics which didn't arise until later. The "bishops" of the early New Testament church were Peter, and James, and John, and Matthew, and Mark, and Paul, and Silas, and the list goes on. I find no evidence in God's Word that even implies they were of the Catholic persuasion, because as of yet there was no such thing as a Catholic. Also, as far as Mary is concerned, when Gabriel appeared to Mary and informed her that she would conceive a baby by the power of the Holy Spirit, he simply said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:28. The only thing this implies is that she was obviously a Godly woman, and God chose her because of her character. The Bible does not say we should worship Mary--she was only a Godly woman chosen by God for a very special task. No human being who has ever lived is worhty of the worship that belongs to God alone.
Now.... Having said all that, I believe personally that there will be people from all religions and all walks of life that will be saved in God's coming Kingdom--people who live up to every bit of the light God has given them, including Catholics--I just choose to use the Bible as my only rule of faith. I am a preacher by profession, and tell people all the time, "Don't just believe what I tell you from the pulpit. Be like the Bereans. Go home and study the Word of God daily, and see for yourself if what I am telling you is the truth."
The Bible and the Bible only, should be the motto of every Christian!

Permalink Reply by Barbie on December 5, 2008 at 11:20am

I believe you are mostly true in what you say, but, I can add one thing. The first true church off from Christ where you mentioned some of the disciples by name were all Jews. So the first true Believers were Jews (all twelve disciples). The church of Rome was an apostate group (meaning Catholics). Have you ever noticed the whole proocess of catholic worship? They parallel every "act" of their worship after the Jewish faith. From the gown and "cap" down through the bowing at the throne that stands before them. Their "idols" came the closest to perverting true worship of God. God spoke many things about idol worship in His Word and the Pope and all of his orderly followers do not obey what is commanded of them in the Holy Scriptures. Many of these same commands are given to us in the Old Testament and the New Testament and even Believers aren't listening to them. The celebration of "Easter" and "Christmas" are two of the pagan events. (There may be more!)

Permalink Reply by Christina Luis on December 10, 2008 at 8:47am

Wow, I was going to join and say I was Catholic (actually converted) but now I am heistant. My Husband is a Cradle Catholic and I wanted to go to church, its the only way I could get him to start attending church again. I actually feel that I have never been more accepted anywhere in my life. How is it that Catholics worship Idols? I have never seen any idols, other than the crucifix. There are statues of Mary and Jesus, but we do not "worship" them. Maybe I am not understanding. I am not here to quote the bible and or argue. Just kinda wanted to point out that its kinda bashing a religion with these statements. I think that everyone could point out that there are faults in every religion.

Permalink Reply by Linda Gauvin-Miller on April 6, 2009 at 11:32am

Well, here too C. Luis....I too am Catholic...also joined the Charismatic Renewal within the Church....and thought, sheesh...who among you will cast the first stone? We do NOT worship Mary, we ask her to pray for US...we do not worship idols.....but, if this site is meant to DEFEND your faith...then perhaps I made a mistake!...I believe that if you worship Christ, then you ARE a Christian. Christ is my Saviour and THE ONLY WAY. Charismatics praise and worship with raised hands. We have received gifts of the Spirit....many praise in tongues...some prophecy...discern...have images. I always look forward to our prayer groups...I come away with such peace. And our Word IS the Bible....which I read. But I do not bash other faiths...we all worship in different ways. Praise be the the ONE God...who accepts unconditionally.