I currently attend a non-denominational Christian church. I've been attending said church off and on for about 10 years. I've started feeling uncomfortable there the last few years. It is a very large church with numerous locations. It's the kind of church that feels like a concert on Sundays. My unease is that I have never heard the pastors (both male and female) preach raw truth from God's word. I feel like every service is a like a positive pep talk. It's definitely always a sugar-coated, feel-good message. I met someone about a year or so ago that is a Reformed Christian (Calvinist)...I told him what church I attend and he looked it up and listened to a few sermons online. He was quick to tell me that the pastor of my church was a prosperity preacher. I've always considered the likes of Joel Osteen to be a prosperity preacher, but not my pastor...until I really started listening. He was absolutely right.
In addition, and not to get political, but our church is definitely divided when it comes to politics. I feel like anyone following the Word of God should know what is right and what is wrong (homosexuality, abortion, etc). I believe that our church is divided, because the pastors are not discussing these topics and preaching the truth from the Bible. I feel like our church is too busy trying to be entertaining and politically correct. I also know many members who are unmarried and cohabiting with their partners (to name just one example of on-going sin in the church). I just sense that sin is running rampant there and everyone just turns a blind eye.
I don't think the church I attend is all bad. I have heard a few good sermons and have met some truly wonderful people there. But I just don't feel like it is the best church for my young son and I to hear God's Word on Sundays.
Any way, my point is I want to find a new church. I was raised non-denomination Christian, so I don't really know anything else. Although I will say my pastor in the church I grew up in was NOT like my current church. He was truly a man of God and I had much respect for him. So I know not all non-denominational churches are "bad." But with so many denominations, I'm having a hard time deciding on the right one to choose. How does anyone know that their church is teaching truth? There are so many denominations, interpretations, opinions, etc.
I think I've narrowed down my core beliefs to be most aligned with Southern Baptist, and will actually be attending a small Southern Baptist church in my town this weekend to check it out. I read their "what we believe" page and I agreed with everything they wrote...including that marriage is between a man and a woman, that transgenderism is a sin, and that pastors and elders should be men who meet specific requirements set forth in the Bible. Being that I am currently a member of a church that seems to have openly adopted feminism (and I don't think they discuss anything controversial on their website, such as the definition of Biblical marriage, etc), this was refreshing to see. But I'm curious about Reformed Christianity as well...although there are a few things regarding their beliefs that I'm not sure I agree with. How do you all decide what church to attend? How do you know that their teachings are perfectly aligned with the Bible and being interpreted correctly? Is Southern Baptist a good denomination to be a part of?
I honestly get anxiety trying to sift through all the interpretations, opinions, etc regarding the Bible. I just want to hear TRUTH when I attend church. I want to a attend a church that honors God.
