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Post by WhatChurch on Sept 8, 2007 3:20:51 GMT -5
Just wondering if anyone would like to share what church they meet with and what they like about it? Or why they go there?
Or if you don't meet with any particular group what you do for worship and/or fellowship?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2007 6:02:22 GMT -5
I attend a little home church in a town quite distant to my own. It is small, unpretentious and tries to keep to the nature and spirit of the churches in the New Testament. Its members are all close and there are no personal or doctrinal divisions. My parents and grandparents attended the same church, respecting the same doctrine. We use their same bible. We partake of the bread and wine each week. We are edified with the reminder of the saving blood of Christ, and of the Living Bread which came down from heaven, which shows us what manner of living is acceptable to the Father.
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Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Sept 8, 2007 9:35:10 GMT -5
We attend a fairly large church in the area. We didn't chose it because it was large. We started going there when we left meetings and still wanted to fellowship with others. My husband had attended it when it was a much smaller church and so, we felt it would be a good place to start our search for a new place to fellowship, worship, and praise.
Once there, God really spoke to our hearts. It's very family oriented, really helps all the members get involved in some way or another, and really reaches out to the community as well. We're all encouraged to minister to others and taught how through example, bible studies, etc. It's been an amazing experience so far. The church as a whole puts a lot of emphasis on children, because they realize how important it is to raise them with knowledge, faith, support, and love in Christ. Therefore, there is a lot of help, support, and encouragement for parents available in doing this job well.
It's the "village" mentality- working together as one big family, and I really, really, really love that. Everything they do, all the bible studies, all the sermons has biblical support. Nothing contradictory. The pastors are not afraid to approach or attack those tough subjects head-on- and I appreciate that as well.
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Post by DianeH on Sept 8, 2007 10:46:57 GMT -5
Alex and I attend a large church and we have never heard such good, sincere preaching and the love can be felt so deeply. Alex loves the youth group and really drags me to church. I cry when the preacher preaches because I have never, ever heard the Bible expressed so clearly. This is truly a man of God. The members are sincere and the love and joy in their hearts can be felt throughout the whole congregation.
Diane
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Post by DianeH on Sept 8, 2007 10:48:57 GMT -5
Also, no hesitation on answering any questions or no hiding of history or anything.
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Post by las logged out on Sept 8, 2007 11:16:03 GMT -5
I attend a little home church in a town quite distant to my own. It is small, unpretentious and tries to keep to the nature and spirit of the churches in the New Testament. Its members are all close and there are no personal or doctrinal divisions. My parents and grandparents attended the same church, respecting the same doctrine. We use their same bible. We partake of the bread and wine each week. We are edified with the reminder of the saving blood of Christ, and of the Living Bread which came down from heaven, which shows us what manner of living is acceptable to the Father. And of course everyone is encouraged to read the secret sect book also right Bert
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Post by Scott Ross on Sept 8, 2007 11:17:16 GMT -5
This is what I posted on another thread: Here is some information concerning the church I attend. I dredged it up from an old post of mine. As you may notice, it began just 10 years earlier than the 'truth'. How Did the C&MA Come to Be? A Brief History The Christian and Missionary Alliance began as a deeper life and missionary movement initiated by Dr. Albert B. Simpson in 1887 to mobilize the underutilized lay forces and resources of the churches to "take the whole Bible to the whole world." He believed that a life completely yielded to Christ was one in which service to Christ would be of paramount importance. A person controlled by the Holy Spirit has no choice but to be involved in bringing the Good News to others, either as an overseas missionary or as a missionary at home. The founder was reluctant to establish churches, preferring to call together Christians with a vision to evangelize the world but who remained in their local churches. However, the Christ-centered emphasis in teaching and the priority on missions made many people unwelcome in their denominations, causing them to form groups that for years were called "branches," not churches. By the mid-1970s, it became clear that The Alliance was a denomination in all but name, so with revised bylaws and constitution that reality was formalized in 1974. It also shares much of the same terminology as you can see by the following: Our Vision: The Christian and Missionary Alliance will be a movement of Great Commission Christians who are glorifying God by building Christ's Church worldwide. To achieve this vision, a strategy has been developed that consists of six components. The resources of the C&MA are focused on these strategic initiatives: 1. Develop Healthy Local Churches 2. Identify Workers for the Harvest 3. Train Called Workers 4. Multiply Churches in the United States 5. Multiply Churches Worldwide 6. Establish a Strong Support Base There is also a very public doctrinal statement which you can read at: www.cmalliance.org/whoweare/doctrine.jspOur particular church in Oak Grove was part of what was called the Easter 100 (I think that was it....) The goal was to establish 100 new congregations. Our church began meeting in a rented hall, and also in a rented warehouse. Once enough funding was generated a church was constructed by the members. The church holds about 100 people or so. Just some info on how another church handled becoming a denomination................ Scott xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx I also checked out the Constance Free Church. I enjoyed what was preached, but it is a really large church. What do I enjoy most about the Alliance church? I guess the fact that the pastor also rides a motorcycle. (ha...just joking) I like the fact that they preach what is in the bible. Sermons are about how we are saved by grace through our faith, and that Jesus died for our sins. Our pastor (or an elder when the pastor is absent) doesn't add to the bible and neither does he take away from the bible. There are folks that show up in their 'Sunday best', and there are people who show up in shorts and a Twins shirt (or a Vikings shirt during football season). Whether I show up in my leathers on my motorcycle, or whether I come dressed in slacks and dress shirt the pastor (I'll call him Keith.......'cause that's his name) is just as happy to see me. He loves seeing everyone who comes to church. He doesn't see or care what we wear on the outside, but he difinitely cares about what we 'wear' inside. Another thing that I like is that it is a rather small and humble church. Much more intimate than a larger church. Thanks for asking.... Scott
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Post by las logged out on Sept 8, 2007 11:17:22 GMT -5
Also, no hesitation on answering any questions or no hiding of history or anything. I'm staying home and going to hang on to my wallet good day?
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Post by Brad Lewis on Sept 8, 2007 21:43:24 GMT -5
Are smaller churches more humble? What is the new definition of humble nowadays? Is your church better than mine? What happened to the Church that Jesus is building? Are smaller churches more intimate? Some workers are very intimate with kids. Some things to think about. Brad
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Post by Scott Ross on Sept 8, 2007 23:04:26 GMT -5
Hi Brad, Are smaller churches more humble?
My church fits this definition: 1. Marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful. 2. Showing deferential or submissive respect: a humble apology. 3. Low in rank, quality, or station; unpretentious or lowly: a humble cottage. What is the new definition of humble nowadays?
Not sure what you mean by new definition. Is your church better than mine?
Not that I know. What happened to the Church that Jesus is building?It's still going strong where I worship. Are smaller churches more intimate?
Some would probably fit into some of these definitions: 1. Marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity. 2. Relating to or indicative of one's deepest nature: intimate prayers. 3. Essential; innermost: the intimate structure of matter. 4. Marked by informality and privacy. Some workers are very intimate with kids.
Some monkeys are very intimate with bananas. Some things to think about.Okay, I've thought about them. Scott
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Post by Deleted on Sept 9, 2007 5:27:28 GMT -5
quote - "And of course everyone is encouraged to read the secret sect book also right Bert"
No, Las, I don't think anyone in my district would have even heard of such a book. But then again, none have read Darwin's historic "Orgin of Species" either.
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Post by happy on Sept 9, 2007 9:01:42 GMT -5
We attend a medium sized church. I don't like big churches because I'm not a big crowd person. I like the intimacy of small group, so does my family. Plus, in small towns, there aren't large churches!!
My favorite part of the church is our interactive Bible studies. I have learned so much. I love the discussion and the study of traditions of Bible times. The Bible makes so much more sense with an understanding of the Old Testament. I also like our prayers in Bible study where we pray for specific needs of those we study with. The two hours fly by and I can't wait for the next one.
I also love the music. It moves me so often and touches my heart.
I like being accepted as a sister by my verbal profession of Jesus being my Lord and Savior. I am not judged "hearty" or "weak" by dresscode etc.
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Post by las logged out on Sept 9, 2007 11:22:31 GMT -5
The word"church" has got to be one of the most abused words there is? Church means people not bldgs
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Post by Scott Ross on Sept 9, 2007 14:37:51 GMT -5
Hi Lloyd, Here is the definition of church: 1 : a building for public and especially Christian worship 2 : the clergy or officialdom of a religious body 3 often capitalized : a body or organization of religious believers: as a : the whole body of Christians I think you are just looking at #3. In that case we all belong to the Church. (the body of Christ) Scott
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