What denomination are you?

I go to a non-denominational Bible church.

 

First and foremost, I am a Christian. I am a Christian because I have accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord, not because I grew up in church, had Christian parents, or am a member of a certain denomination.

Now, I am Southern Baptist, (though not feminist ), but do not think any less of those in other denominations. As long as Jesus is your Savior, that's what matters! There are certain SBC doctrines that I ahdere to strongly, and those that I don't necessarily agree with. But, all in all, I think the SBC has very biblical views.

BTW, dancing is not a sin in the Baptist Faith and Message or anything, just an old school thought from the church beginnings. In Ecclesiates, the Bible says there is a time to dance!

 

When I went to Evangel ('96 - '99), an Assemblies of God University, our Lifestyle Covenant that we had to sign (and would be expelled for breaking) stated that we would not do four things: smoke, drink alcohol, have premarital sex, or dance.

*sings "one of these things is not like the others..." *

 

LOL!!

 

My dad was Catholic, Mom was Methodist. I attended a Catholic church (without Mom!) until 2nd grade, when we went to Bible School at the Baptist church with friends. Then Mom talked Dad into "visiting" there with her. Well, he stuck it out (went every Sunday for 6 years before becoming a Christian!), so I grew up in an American Baptist church. In college, I attended a Assembly of God church (they had a Deaf ministry!) my first year, and a Southern Baptist church my second, while attending Oral Roberts. Transfered schools and got involved in a Church of Christ/Christian Church campus ministry. Came home and joined a General Baptist Conference church. Now DH and I attend a non-denominational, charismatic church that ministers in the Inner City.

Becky, I NEVER would have thought of you as a Southern Baptist!!!

As far as what a "Baptist" is like, there's so many DIFFERENT Baptists! I think the only thing they have in common is their belief in total immersion!

 

I was raised SBC, as was dh--though they just went to services for several years and we went to everything all the time! We do not have a church home now because we got out of going during college/moving around and now we are back and forth so many weekends. We try to go with dh's grandfather (he is Mennonite, but he goes to a Methodist church) or my family (SBC), but I am not sure what we will end up with when we settle down and find out OWN place. I don't think dh wants to go to a big church like we both grew up in, but maybe a little Baptist one he would be okay with.

 

I'm Southern Baptist generations back. I don't "drink, dance, smoke, cuss, or chew - or run with those who do." LOL That's an Old School Baptist saying; and, no, it's not actually part of the Baptist message---- just conservative tradition at play.

And for those who don't know what 'chew' means, that's a reference to 'chewing tobacco.'

 

We belong to a Bible church. I'd consider ourselves non-denominational Christians, don't know what the "pc" term would be.

 

Aww, Jackie! You still love me though, right??

Actually, I didn't plan to attend the church we joined. I called all the churches in our area when I wanted to find a church. Only one pastor called me back- the former pastor of where we belong now. Kevin was supposedly ADHD back then, and I wanted him to see the church and be somewhat familiar with it before we went, so I called around. That's how I became Southern Baptist. My joke about being a feminist one was in the same league as the joke about Jeannie getting in the White House, although I really do believe women can and should be called as ministers. The church across the street just got a new, female pastor, and I bet she's not even 30 yet! She bought cookies from us, and we had no idea she was the new pastor. She asked if we lived around town and we told her yes, and told her what street. She told us she was just hired as the new pastor of the church on that street. I hope she does well, and I hope her youth brings good, new ideas there.

 

Becky, I agree with you, I always tell my dd's they can be and do anything they want, it doesn't make any different if they are female or not.

Not to hijakck the thread but while we are talking on this subject about what women.

My youngest told me a few years back and she was serious. Mommy I can never be a policeman I told her no but you can be a policewomen she looked really serious at me and said no I can't. I said why do you say that, I told you that you can be anything you want to be. She said I don't like coffee and I don't like donuts she was serious too. LOL

 

Yes, Becky, I STILL love you!!! (My aunt is a retired Methodist minister, BTW).

And, even though Marylyn now goes to a non-denominational church, I first met her when she was still in high school and attending the Baptist church!

But, as I think has been said before, it's not so much the DENOMINATION. We are saved, regardless of WHERE we attend, because of Christ's sacrifice for us, and our acceptance of that sacrifice.

 

Very well said!

 

hahahaha.. that is too funny!!! I'm glad I wasn't drinking something.. because my computer would have felt the wrath!

Meanwhile.. back at the ranch...

I was baptized nondenominational. I have attended a huge variety of churches. From each I have pulled what I believe and pushed away what I didn't feel was right. I am now simply a Christian who believes my own thing. I know that doesn't make sense, but there was a post a while ago where I spilled it all... and I'm not gonna do it again..lol.

 

Oh Kris...you dd is too funny!!!

Oh and amen Jackie...saved is saved!

 

Amen to Jackie.

Glad that sixcloar posted about dancing a la the baptists.

ROFL Kris!

And, a sidenote back to Becky and the feminist thing.... I totally agree that women can/should be called to ministry including preaching. I would not, on the other hand, ever in a million years call myself a feminist. :lol: Maybe that's why I laughed at your original statement? Anyway. I'm definately of the Proverbs 31, submit to your husband camp. Just a note.

And now I may go find crazymama's post. LOL I'm in that camp with you - pull away what God lays on my heart as right with each church/denomination, and push away what He does not. So now I believe "my own thing" and that is why we seem to best fit in with a non-denominational congregation.

PS - in addition to all of that I said before, my husband was raised and confirmed in the United Church of Christ. (Which, in case you don't realize and it took me a while to do so, is different from the "regular" Church of Christ. LOL) It's almost like a traditional, conservative baptist church with catholic-like ceremonies and religiosity.

SOrry. I make up words, and that one just seemed to fit. LOL

 

Lol, DaLynn- I'll wave to you from the other camp! Maybe I'll share some S'Mores with ya one night?

 

Why are there so many variations within some denominations? To me, it parallels all the laws the religious leaders imposed back in the day. Our former pastor once said if he was standing beside all the volumes, they'd be waist high on him- and he was at least 6ft.

 

I love s'mores!

And, this is just my guess on variations within denominations, but....
Take the baptists. There are a wealth of variations there, even within the SBC.

They do all believe a basic outline of things, crucial to Christianity.
In addition, they believe most of the same things as far as doctrine goes... but may differ on one or two things.
Worship, for instance. There are congregations that only sing from the hymnal with piano and maybe organ accompanyment. There are congregations that refuse to use instruments, like the Church of Christ. There are congregations that enjoy the use of drums and maybe a guitar or two with their hymns. Then there are those who enjoy contemporary music, some of what you hear on the Christian radio stations. And then there are still some who include the lifting of hands and dancing in the isles. Just depends on what church you go to, and the people there.


Just as several of us have mentioned pulling a little of this and a little of that from several denominations, you'll have people that feel a slightly different way from the rest within any denomination. Some are more legalistic with doing things a certain way... such as the Church of Christ, or the Catholic Church. Some are a little more lenient.
The Baptists have a pretty wide range simply because, I think anyway, the "rules" for "being a Baptist" are general enough to include for a range of interpretation on little detail matters. That is, in part, part of being Baptist at all. Being saved is being saved, and the rest won't keep us out of or get us into heaven. It's details, and often God leads different people in different ways. Doesn't mean worship without a piano is wrong. Doesn't mean worship with guitars and drums is wrong either. Just goes to the heart of the people and how they feel led to do things.

Did any of that even make any sense? LOL

 

But boy, can even just guitars and drums during worship cause a stink! We have a youth praise band now, and some of the older folks do not like it at all. Someone even called it devil music. Some left over it, but returned later. It's wild, all the layers that get tossed on...

 

I agree. Details. Isn't going to get us into - or keep us out of - heaven. Goodness gracious. What would Jesus do??
LOL