Choosing a new church....Help!

[RoseOfSharon]

Hello all!

I'm new here and new to the Universal line of thinking.  I've been absorbing info from the various forums and articles.  I was saved 7 years ago and have been attending a bible believing church with a mostly Calvinist view point.  Even though our church touts a "non legalistic" practice, I have been seeing some rather legalistic threads that are subtle on the surface.  Although I have some issues with certain pastors at my church (we have many) I have made great and lasting friendships and I'm quite involved in various ministries. 

Coming from a Catholic upbringing, this church was a refreshing departure from what I remember about Catholic services as a kid.  I love the praise aspect of my church as the contemporary music truly does move me to worship the Lord.  This church is growing steadily (we have a weekend attendance of around 5000) and has many wonderful ministries.

My question is this.....how do I find a church that follows the type of Universalism that I've seen represented here?  What type of questions should I ask while I'm searching?  Do these churches come in all sizes?  Oddly enough, I love a bigger church.  The ministry choices are almost endless.

I really appreciate any thoughts on this topic.

:icon_flower:

[shibboleth]

Hello RoseOfSharon.....You do know that your universalist perpective is totally at odds with the Calvanist churches beliefs? I used to be a calvanist until I saw how much legalism was there. They claim salvation is all God's work, yet tell you to keep the 10 commandments and try to live a godly life. Nothing wrong with that, but it seems like everyone is trying to do the right thing in their own power an ability. Anyway, that was the way I saw the calvanist church.

You asked about finding a church that follows the type of Universalism that you see represented here. Well, you've found that church. PTL, the church is in the Greek eklesia and means a gathering together of those of like mind. It has nothing to do with meetings, agendas, Sunday school, Sunday worship service etc. It's a meeting together with Christ in heavenly places. I can send you more information if you want to look at it a little more. You may not find a church assembly that believes in UR. I haven't and I've been a universalist for over 5 years. But, don't let that bring you down, you may live close to a body of believers and the Lord might bring you to them. Or, He may just take you out of organized church so you can study on your own as He did to me and many others.

There are a lot of people here who have been where you are at now. Just find someone you can connect with and PM them to build a friendship with. PM me if you like. God bless. :HeartThrob:

[willieH]

willieH: Hi RoseOfSharon...  :welcome: to Tentmaker...

So sorry to break the bad news to you... but if one seeks TRUTH, then one has stepped upon the road which is SEPARATED from FALLACY...

It is observed by some to be the entry into the WILDERNESS... CHRIST was, for all intent and purpose, all alone... and when you truly JOIN Him in His TRUTH... you shall find the rejection from the ones which you Love as did HE... and the price you pay IN that sorrow, is that you have finally entered the RACE and into His rest...

We all feel as do you... I attended Salvation Army for 20yrs... and to me, the TRUTH was more important that the SALVATION ARMY...  even though, in my heart I miss them, and love them, ...I cannot be part of their efforts of FALLACY...

I do not judge them... I pray for them... but MANY are CALLED, but FEW are Chosen, Rose... you have been both CALLED and CHOSEN... and it is a road which encounters the REPROACH and ridicule from those you LOVE... (Heb 13:12-13)

Welcome to the Wilderness OUTSIDE the "camp/gate"

There are few church groups which teach the Universal Reconciliation which you are coming to know... You might find one near you, but don't count on it, they are FEW...

peace...  :Peace:  ...and welcome to TM...

...willieH  :icon_king:

[RoseOfSharon]

Yes, Shibboleth, I know that the universalist perspective is at odds with the Calvinist view point.  Hence, my search for a new church!

I used to love going to church every Sunday.  I like the experience of corporate worship.  Lately though, I've had a heavy heart every Saturday knowing that I didn't want to go on Sunday.  The Holy Spirit obviously lead me to this site and I'm grateful.  But now I want to find people in my area that I can have a more personal discussion with about Universalism.  I'm just eager to learn more!  And yes....I've been spending hours looking through the different forums and trying to absorb it all.

I've always studied on my own throughout my 7 year walk, but I do love the social aspect of being with a group of like minded believers.  I know I'll maintain many of my friendships that I've developed with my fellow church goers, but even that need for social contact isn't enough to place me in those seats for the sermon now.

I suppose this will just be the start of my new quest.  In the meantime, I'm very grateful to all of you for your kind words and advice.

:icon_flower:

[firstborn888]

Hi there,
  It can be difficult to find a Christian universalist church at all - much less a large one. There are a few springing up though, and a few that have been around for a long time. The CUA (Christian Universalist Association) has a few Churches joining - you can find a list on this site:

http://www.christianuniversalist.org/ 

Where are you located?

blessings,

- Byron