Christianity is most certainly not a single religion. Many different churches are described as part of the Christian faith but there are in fact vast differences between some of the churches. There are literally thousands of churches, each with a few or many congregations. Some are distrusted all over the world and some are very powerful organizations indeed. However, many people are not members of formal churches but rather opt for a non denominational church.
Most congregations form part of a specific religion. In this way the Church of England, for example, will have many congregations but they are all governed by a central management body. The policies of all the congregations are the same and the doctrine of the congregation is decided centrally. Independent congregations, like the many that can be found in Denver CO do not adhere to a central governing body. Each such congregation makes its own decisions regarding policy and the day to day management of the congregation.
There has been a noticeable move from formal denominations to independent congregations all over the world. Religious experts ascribe this move to the fact that people are growing tired of the inability of the formal churches to cater to the needs of their members. Former members say that the formal denominations do not take modern circumstances and lifestyles into consideration. They want to worship in less formal places.
Another reason why many people prefer to join independent congregations is because they feel alienated and marginalized by the formal religions. Gay people, for example, are not accepted in many denominations or strenuous efforts are made to heal them and to convince them that their lifestyle will lead to eternal punishment in hell. Such people find acceptance in alternative religious structures where they are not judges so harshly.
Theologians warn that Christians are often blinded by the fact that the churches they choose to join do not preach or practice a balanced religion. They focus on those issues that people want to hear and conveniently ignore issues such as sin and Satan. They also argue that formal churches have spent many years and much study in developing their doctrines and policies according to the Word of God.
Some independent churches have proven to be nothing but scams used to enrich the leaders of the congregation. They entice people to join their congregations with lofty promises of earthly and heavenly rewards. Most of these operators are extremely slick. They are excellent orators and strangely enough, people believe them. Christians should show common sense and follow their own inner convictions when looking for a place of worship.
Looking for a congregation to join can be difficult and time consuming. It may be wise to attend services at a variety of congregations. It is also advisable to ask the pastor or other leaders of the congregation to explain their policies and focus. It may even be beneficial to chat to some of the existing members and to ask about their experiences.
Christians do not necessarily want to abandon their religion. They want to worship and they want to practice their faith. However, they need a spiritual home that caters for modern people and modern pressures. Many Christians are tired of the formal religious structures.
Most congregations form part of a specific religion. In this way the Church of England, for example, will have many congregations but they are all governed by a central management body. The policies of all the congregations are the same and the doctrine of the congregation is decided centrally. Independent congregations, like the many that can be found in Denver CO do not adhere to a central governing body. Each such congregation makes its own decisions regarding policy and the day to day management of the congregation.
There has been a noticeable move from formal denominations to independent congregations all over the world. Religious experts ascribe this move to the fact that people are growing tired of the inability of the formal churches to cater to the needs of their members. Former members say that the formal denominations do not take modern circumstances and lifestyles into consideration. They want to worship in less formal places.
Another reason why many people prefer to join independent congregations is because they feel alienated and marginalized by the formal religions. Gay people, for example, are not accepted in many denominations or strenuous efforts are made to heal them and to convince them that their lifestyle will lead to eternal punishment in hell. Such people find acceptance in alternative religious structures where they are not judges so harshly.
Theologians warn that Christians are often blinded by the fact that the churches they choose to join do not preach or practice a balanced religion. They focus on those issues that people want to hear and conveniently ignore issues such as sin and Satan. They also argue that formal churches have spent many years and much study in developing their doctrines and policies according to the Word of God.
Some independent churches have proven to be nothing but scams used to enrich the leaders of the congregation. They entice people to join their congregations with lofty promises of earthly and heavenly rewards. Most of these operators are extremely slick. They are excellent orators and strangely enough, people believe them. Christians should show common sense and follow their own inner convictions when looking for a place of worship.
Looking for a congregation to join can be difficult and time consuming. It may be wise to attend services at a variety of congregations. It is also advisable to ask the pastor or other leaders of the congregation to explain their policies and focus. It may even be beneficial to chat to some of the existing members and to ask about their experiences.
Christians do not necessarily want to abandon their religion. They want to worship and they want to practice their faith. However, they need a spiritual home that caters for modern people and modern pressures. Many Christians are tired of the formal religious structures.
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