I would encourage you to try it more. Usually a church with the background you describe would not require you to tithe (or other such practices) to participate. DH and I go to a very large church, but we a part of a "small group" of 6 couples and our ever increasing kid count and we don't know what we would do without that community. From being there with a meal when a baby is born to support after the death in the family, our group has become very close over the years. If community is what you are after, there is probably a great opportunity for it at that church.
I go to a tiny (like 10 family church) we are Lutheran, but I feel if it is like a Baptist church they wouldn't make you do any of the things you're concerned about. I really love going to church, and the people there are a good support system. A nice way to meet friends. If you feel good about it, go. If you don't keep searching for a church that fits your needs
I think you're already set, but just wanted to add that the trend for most churches around here is to be welcoming and let you be as involved as you want and trust God to speak to you/challenge you about taking the harder steps of faith (whether it's tithing or attending membership classes or being baptized, etc) on His own timeline.
Like PPs have said, I'd keep going. From what you said, it seems like they are really accepting and genuinely want you there. If they start being pushy, back away if you want. I'm Baptist & our church is really small (like less than 50 ppl on Sunday morning). It was the church DH grew up in & we love it. Everyone is so kind & supportive & we love them like family.
Also, idk if this is a regional thing or what, but no one has ever said anything to us about tithing or giving money to the church. I mean I'm sure it's been talked about in a sermon or something, but never to us specifically.
I still go to the church I grew up in, and it's a miss sized church. I love that it really feels like an extended family and I imagine a smaller church would even more so. If you like the church I say keep going, see if it's a good fit for you and your family. And, regarding tithing, I doubt anyone would judge you for not tithing at a church you barely started attending. I grew up in the church and had a hard time tithing regularly up until a few years ago.
We recently found a very open Lutheran church. It was important to us that we went somewhere that didn't get caught up in rules and interpreting bible versus 100% literal all the time. I ended up googling gay friendly churches to find that because I figured if they were in that camp then it was the kind of place we would be ok with too. So far we like it although there are times when I cringe at some of the things said but I think that's because o came from a church that was very superficial and judge mental and any hint of that I am very sensitive to. We are going to continue to stick it out and see what happens!
Just wanted to add my two cents. I was also raised Catholic and when DD#1 was born my husband (not Catholic) began attending a Catholic Church, but as DD got a bit older we never felt comfortable there. (1 year olds are difficult to keep silent and still for an hour), so we began shopping for a new church that fit our family. We went to a small church we liked for a couple months, but there was no nursery program during service so I was missing over half of the message. We went to the largest church in our area to see if it was a good fit. And I still can't believe I love it. I had no idea how unsatisfied spiritually I was in my Catholic Church until I found I church that gave me what I was craving. So my , long winded point, I get your resistance in finding a new church and moving away from the comfort of the Catholic mass routine, but I hope that the change is as spiritually fulfilling as mine has been.
Also, I have been attending a MOPS group since I was pregnant with DD#1, and am now on our steering committee. It has been amazing. The women I have met help me to be s better mother. I encourage everyone to find a MOPS group in their area that meets at s time you can attend.
I really appreciate all of your input. Choosing a place of worship feels like a big, adult decision, more so since having LO. There's also a big part of me that doesn't know if I'm ready to move on from what I know (being Catholic). I know the chances of DH joining me are greater with this church, but it's still unknown territory for me. I might have more questions about etiquette, etc. in the future.
I totally agree with you, especially the bolded part. It is a very big decision because what your child is exposed to in church can impact them for the rest of their life, ya know?
I think you're already set, but just wanted to add that the trend for most churches around here is to be welcoming and let you be as involved as you want and trust God to speak to you/challenge you about taking the harder steps of faith (whether it's tithing or attending membership classes or being baptized, etc) on His own timeline.
Do any of you ladies do MOPS?
I was just sharing with DH this weekend my frustration that our church does not have anything for working moms outside of weekend services. I don't think I have ever been to a church that had mom activities at a time other than mid morning weekdays.
2jelplus1, the pastor's wife is also a MOPS leader. So, is it not just for moms with preschoolers? Or does preschoolers refer to anyone not in school yet? Guess I should ask her what the "rules" are. Have you gone?
Driving by from teething induced madness. I started MOPS while pregnant, liked it a lot. There is a one time fee that goes towards the int'l organization and they offer childcare for about 16 sessions over 7 months or you can keep infants with you, at least at our church. . I think MOPS is very encouraging and there are great older women mentors sharing wisdom.
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