What does a non-Christian look for in a church experience? I'm curious.
I've recently been trying several churches but still haven't found one to convince me to attend consistently. I am a devout Christian though, so my reasons are almost certainly different than yours.
Hah, good question! So my elevator speech is that my grandfather was a (liberal protestant) minister and then divinity school professor. My parents were not regular churchgoers and I did not grow up going consistently to church, though I did Sunday school sometimes. As an adult, I have not attended any church other than at Christmas. I admire Christianity and Christian history, and I consider myself a cultural Christian, but since I'm a nonexistent churchgoer and a poor believer, I don't feel comfortable saying I'm Christian (it feels like it cheapens the word, if you know what I mean?).
What am I looking for? I'm not entirely sure. Maybe that is the problem. Community would definitely be part of it. But, more than that. One time, as a kid, we were visiting my relatives and attended an old, traditional church with them. It was a small congregation, and the minister gave an amazing sermon. I really enjoyed that.
All of the local churches I have tried out as an adult have just not felt comfortable to me. I read someone once say that many mainstream Protestant churches kind of talk about Jesus as if he were a dreamboat perfect boyfriend. I know tons of people who attend one of the local megachurches with multiple campuses. They have rock music, video streaming, fancy light setups, etc. That just doesn't feel right to me either. (Southern Baptist, but they don't make a big deal out of that--it's almost hidden that that's what they are.)
I know the type of churches you're referring to... they feel like motivational speaking with a religious slant. Very marketing focused to try to draw in a younger, more modern crowd. Large emphasis on music and video production. Much of what they teach is very shallow and the truths they deal in are the same as you might find from any motivational speaker. IMHO very little of substance to be found there.
I recommended checking out Pentacostal churches. I'm not Pentacostal but I've had friends who are and their churches tend to be much more traditional and wholesome. In my experience the people are all very friendly too.
Good luck to you. I hope you can find what you're looking for.
What does a non-Christian look for in a church experience? I'm curious.
I've recently been trying several churches but still haven't found one to convince me to attend consistently. I am a devout Christian though, so my reasons are almost certainly different than yours.
Hah, good question! So my elevator speech is that my grandfather was a (liberal protestant) minister and then divinity school professor. My parents were not regular churchgoers and I did not grow up going consistently to church, though I did Sunday school sometimes. As an adult, I have not attended any church other than at Christmas. I admire Christianity and Christian history, and I consider myself a cultural Christian, but since I'm a nonexistent churchgoer and a poor believer, I don't feel comfortable saying I'm Christian (it feels like it cheapens the word, if you know what I mean?).
What am I looking for? I'm not entirely sure. Maybe that is the problem. Community would definitely be part of it. But, more than that. One time, as a kid, we were visiting my relatives and attended an old, traditional church with them. It was a small congregation, and the minister gave an amazing sermon. I really enjoyed that.
All of the local churches I have tried out as an adult have just not felt comfortable to me. I read someone once say that many mainstream Protestant churches kind of talk about Jesus as if he were a dreamboat perfect boyfriend. I know tons of people who attend one of the local megachurches with multiple campuses. They have rock music, video streaming, fancy light setups, etc. That just doesn't feel right to me either. (Southern Baptist, but they don't make a big deal out of that--it's almost hidden that that's what they are.)
So yeah, I don't know.
I know the type of churches you're referring to... they feel like motivational speaking with a religious slant. Very marketing focused to try to draw in a younger, more modern crowd. Large emphasis on music and video production. Much of what they teach is very shallow and the truths they deal in are the same as you might find from any motivational speaker. IMHO very little of substance to be found there.
I recommended checking out Pentacostal churches. I'm not Pentacostal but I've had friends who are and their churches tend to be much more traditional and wholesome. In my experience the people are all very friendly too.
Good luck to you. I hope you can find what you're looking for.