Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: mike@turing.cs.unm.edu (Michael I. Bushnell) Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re: Choosing a local church Message-ID: Date: 5 Jun 90 04:25:02 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: University of No Money, Albuquerque, New Mexico Lines: 59 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu Christ Redmond did raise an interesting point. I'm a Presbyterian, and I seriously doubt that I'd join a different denomination, but his comment about "which local church?" is a good one. Here's the criteria I'd use: Location: Location is important, but not too much. I need a church that I can get to conveniently enough to participate. I don't want to have to say "I can't do XXX, because it's too much of a pain to get there". But, within that limit, I don't care too much where the church is. The church I currently am a member of is in the middle of a rather crime ridden, lower middle class neighborhood, and I have absoulutely no intention of automatically avoiding such churches in the future on that basis. Size: Surprisingly, this never mattered too much to me. I'm pretty interested usually in "doing things" for the church, and that is certainly a lot easier in a small church. But there are benefits on both sides. I think I could be comfortable with any size church, and I don't think size is too much of a qualifier. Music: I love music. But then, worship is not an excuse for performance. I'd have to say that the music is important, but the penitence of the musicians is more important. If I think they are genuine, that is far more important than far better music being performed during the service. As for what kinds of music, I really don't care. As long as it doesn't get in the way of the service. Preaching: It would be very important for me to talk with the pastor before joining *any* church. I just want to be sure that I understand the theological climate of the church. I'd want to ask some hard questions and also just scope out the situation. Pastoral care: The above conference also provides a good indication of the pastoral care available. It's certainly important. Age profile: Doesn't matter too much to me, as long as I can be respected for who I am independent of age. I want myself and any friends I might bring to feel welcome. Midweek activities: Any that aren't there can be started. Isn't a problem. Sunday School: Same as midweek activities. -mib -- Michael I. Bushnell \ This above all; to thine own self be true LIBERTE, EGALITE, FRATERNITE \ And it must follow, as the night the day, mike@unmvax.cs.unm.edu /\ Thou canst not be false to any man. CARPE DIEM / \ Farewell: my blessing season this in thee!