Thank you for your kind words. So many I have spoke with in regards to our search have just “poopoo’ed” us.
We know what we want and we’ll know when we find it. I just thought I would ask so we could find His house sooner, rather than later.
I recommend sermonaudio.com!
Use their “church finder” for your area. Listen to sermons heard at those churches.
If it peaks your curiosity,drop me a line and I’ll share some of my favorites.
I hesitate to label myself, as we were in the military and have attended all kinds of churches. I just know what my heart longed for, and where I found it.
I just kind of scanned your post and have not read all the replies, but have you prayed to the Holy Spirit for guidance? I would just continuously ask our Blessed Lord to lead you where He wants you to go. His way is perfect after all :)
God bless you on your journey, you will be in our prayers.
You are half-way there with that statement. I have traveled much and always trying to find a church where I am at. A good idea is to let people know you are looking for a church...as you have here on FR. Many will share their own and tell you about. You know enough of those who present a counterfeit Christianity to stay away from those. Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, and Scientology are definatly the wrong direction.
When invited by others I watch for God to confirm to me THIS is or not the place to be once I atend ..He has never disappointed me and in fact led very well.
Sometimes I opt to go to a churches Wed. evening bible classes for a first visit. They will recognize immediately a new face.... Less formal... and you usually will find people there who are serious about their faith. You can get a good feel about where they are at by listening to how they interact and respond to the questions and comments made while they do their study.
Then I might go to a Sunday service...and am very observant of how the Pastor preaches...."so goes the Pastor so goes the church". If he's not preaching using God's word, and you're not getting anything from the message given..you might try another church.
Sometimes it might take going to two or three different ones ...but you'll know...you really will.
I rather like Evangelical Free Churches...and Baptists Churches...also Christian Missionary Alliance's. All which have seemed spot on with the gospel and the Pastors preach God's word....
I would say the difference for me has been some Pastors are well equipped to "teach/preach" and they are always my favorite churches to attend. I want to learn so as has been said..."When the student is ready God provides the teacher".
I wish for you the very best and prayerfully you will soon find your "home" church. I am certain God will not disappoint you.
One more thing...in the past few years it has become increasingly more difficult to find a good church for the reasons you have mentioned. So asking the Pastor where the church stands on that issue would be a heads up for me...if any allow the homosexual community a place among them...it is not a place I would go.