TTL how do you balance that Christianity isn't just about going to Church on Sunday morning but rather being a Christian all week long and praying for chances to be a Christian more than just on Sunday morning?

 

I really struggle with getting that message across to my children and while I want them to be at church on Sunday mornings, don't want to hold it up as the essential part of their faith.

 

Sorry, lbbc, I just saw this. I'm not sure exactly what you are asking, but I will try and answer the best I can. To us, attending church at least once a week IS an essential part of our Christianity. That being said, we try and live Christian lives all week long. We practice empathy, niceness, sympathy, kindness, etc in every aspect of our lives, including with each other. Yes, my kids fight and argue, but "meanness" is never permitted. You can be mad at each other, but you CANNOT be ugly to each other--there is a difference. It starts within the family and extends to others.

 

For an example, you will not see my son slam his baseball helmet after striking out or me standing in the stands screaming at the ump, then all of us loading up and heading to church. We don't think that attending Mass on the weekend makes up for an otherwise un-Godly way of life. I wouldn't ever want anyone to look at me or my family and say "if that is an example of Catholics, then thank God I'm not one." We try and live our lives as good examples all the time, sometimes easier said than done.

Thats harsh.

 

In the church I attend, everyone is genuinely friendly and outgoing. I am very happy to see new faces and I always introduce myself and welcome them. I enjoy the opportunity to let the visitor know we are happy they have chosen to worship with us on that day. It isn't a pretentious act, it is just who I am. And I am not the exception either.

 

We attend a church that averages around 100 in attendance on Sunday morning, so visitors are easy to spot (target ). We are in a very rural area, though, which might be a big part of the difference between our congregation and one in a more urban setting.

It may sound harsh, but it's the truth, in many cases. I've been to churches where they were welcoming. That's one thing; but when strangers come up to you and impose themselves on you, it makes most people quite uncomfortable. Maybe it's a cutural thing; but where I'm from, people are cordial and friendly, but they mind their own business.

Birds, that was a good one, "You don't have a clue" was stating the fact of the routine of Baptist Church and my process and not knowing the makeup of my family. I respect Hots concern, but he makes sound like I'm in a bidding war for a church, and I also read some nicer comments from him.

 

Maybe I need to keep this closer to the vest and not share any of this, but when I get PMs of folks praying for me, I need them folks, so I'm glad I have done this and.....It might take a couple of years. :popcorn:

 

Tonites a church nite but we have soccer practice, and the coach allows my kid to leave early for Church, I'll go home and study my brackets.

I'm not sure what you mean by "impose themselves on you" BF.

 

I don't want to be molested or asked a bunch of invading personal questions, but I do like to be made to feel welcome and I don't mind introductions or being asked to fill out a visitor card, etc.

 

The only reason I responded was in your original post, the part I bolded, sounded like you thought anyone who made a familial effort towards visitors were just being pretentious and wanting to fake righteousness. I probably took what you were saying the wrong way.

Nothing new to add, still visiting Churches and asking a lot of questions. Would love to get it down to 3/4 four and spend time this way, but also want to be patient and where Jesus wants to use us.

One of the Churches Pastor/Deacon want to come by and visit. (Today) Like I said earlier its hard to talk after a worship service and ask questions.

 

We have found at least three Churches that we are interested in, and I'm telling folks this might take up a year in my search. I am having fun meeting people.

 

We are wanting to serve and find how God wants us to.

People, this is gonna take a while, I just can't find the right fit where God wants us. If I could combine several factors. I also make calls daily asking questions to Churches.

Been three months since I posted about our search. Still visiting. We went out of range miles wise to visit a Church some friends go to. We really liked it, very good preacher/nice building/softball field/Gym/. Sunday School plenty to chose from. Our 13 year old knew some kids from his school.

 

Its a 20 minute drive one way on a Sunday Morning. Thats not bad, but if you add sunday nite/wednesday nites/Bible studies/Youth activities, it could add up. We need to think about this one. We will visit again.

 

The preacher is from Athens Alabama. That is about 15 miles from where I was raised and still have lots of my Family. He saw my Bama Polo and said "Oh No! A Bama Fan! I replied pretty loud, "Lets get everyone over here and lets pray for the Preacher!" He was real nice.

 

 

Could this be a sign from the LORD?

Edited August 15, 201016 yr by Alabama Larry
Spel

The two churches that we enjoy the most the preachers are from Alabama/Georgia and are huge Auburn Fans! Now, if we join one of these will I be a thorn in their sides...of course not. I'll go door to door with them.

We are still looking. One major Church in our area had the preacher leave so we might wait and see who the LORD brings to this Church.

 

The Church with the Auburn preacher is one we are still visiting.