Our Church Hunt

Yup, Hubs and I are in search of a new church home. The church we've been going to for the past 4 years just doesn't seem to be a good fit for us at this stage in our life, which is sad... but after lots of prayer and discussion we've decided that we should check out some other places.

Finding a Church is HARD dang it! I did some searches online yesterday, and it's amazing how some churches have websites.. but don't include a phone number. Word to all pastors out there, please include contact info on your website!

We realize that no church is perfect, but there are some basic things we're looking for:

- Bible believing. Teachings are scripturally based, not just morality lessons.
- Close to home. Because early Sunday morning it's just too easy to think about the drive and decide to skip it. Plus we want to meet people who live in our area.
- Excellent children's programs. For obvious reasons. I'd prefer that all people who work there are given background checks.
- Women's Bible Study is something I'd love to be involved with again.
- Flexible service times. We'd love to find a place that also offers an evening service on the weekend as an alternative. That way if Hubs continues to work nights we're able to have that as an option.

Lately we've been thinking that we'd be very interested in finding a church that meets at a school or some other type of leased/rented space. Our reasoning? Our old church started this huge building project, and subsequently preached a lot of sermons on finances... ugh... This to us just seemed like a big waste. There are so many people in need right now... we'd like to find a church that puts their money towards helping others rather than finance a building project. And a church that PURPOSEFULLY decides to lease/rent rather than build would be totally refreshing.

It's interesting to note how we as Americans go about choosing such a thing as a Church. Our Freedom of Religion is so literal here. And there are SO many options it's crazy... many of which believe basically the same thing. I consider myself to be non-denominational, which to me means that it really doesn't matter which denomination I attend as long as it's protestant and somewhat calvinistic. I think a lot of the lines we as humans draw in the sand mean nothing to God. It's not up to me who gets to heaven and who doesn't, so I try not to pass judgment. I know what I believe, but I'm not foolish enough to say that everyone else is wrong. Those decisions are fully God's, thank goodness.