As I've moved up to Jacksonville, two key decisions lay in front of me (that is if you do not include everything to do with school, job, etc. :]). What campus ministry should I attend? (and) What church should I get involved with? Both are very hard decisions.
On the topic of campus ministries, I am looking for one that is open, accepting, nice, and one that will meet a few guidelines (among which include sound doctrine and a discipleship program). I have so far only visited one group: Access218. I kind of already feel apart of this group for multiple reasons. I went to the Community Night on Wednesday and it was good. Not quite what I was hoping for/would have liked. But it's still a great group. I am definitely going to be attending the A218 again though. I also am going to check out BCM, InterVarsity, Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), and maybe a few others. So if you think of it, I'd love prayer for a decision in this area!
Probably the harder of the two decisions is finding a church. It'll be hard and that's not because there are only a few churches...no Jax is full of churches! There are so many; it's just finding the "right" one. So I have had the oppurtunity to check out CrossRoads. It is a United Methodist Church and the home church of A218. After attending it for two weeks I have made observations (well really after the first week I had formed opinions). It is definitely more charismatic than Circle and is on a whole quite different. That does not mean I don't like it. When I'm looking for a church the foremost thing will be the teaching. If it is not sound than I will not be able to respect the leadership and thus should not become a member (because my end goal in finding a church will be someday becoming a member). After attending CrossRoads for two weeks here are a few of my observations: the worship is not my style and I have a few objections with the teaching. Though I know people there are now and want to at least get to know them better!
In my guidelines for finding a church some of you might be like, "Well it's not all about the worship style?" or "Maybe people just didn't see you, etc.?" And I can be ok with not fulfilling the two first things in a church :) However, if the teaching is not sound than I will not be able to respect that church's authority.
With that said, I am going to continue on my search for a church!
I'd appreciate much prayer in this area because I want to find the church that God wants me at...not that certain church that meets my needs, but that church that God has chosen a seat in for Matthew to fill to fulfill His will!
5 comments:
I'll be praying for you as you continue your search for your spot!
Keep us updated! :)
I'll be praying for you, Matt. Ty is also searching for a church in TN. No easy task! I DO recommend going to web pages and searching their doctrinal statements. Might save you some time. =)
Praying you find that seat with your name on it!
Though I've never had to church hunt, I imagine it can be a discouraging and daunting task. Persevere! :)
I'll be praying for you. I also asked my friend for the name of the church that she loved so much there. . . .
Thank you all so much! Much prayer is indeed needed and coveted!
Thanks Phyllis, I'd love to check it out!
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