Attending a church of a different denomination

[MaryLane93]

I really want to attend regularly but it's very far away (my church) and I often can't attend. There's not much for my kids, either. I have found a church which shares similar beliefs (but not the same) and one which is slightly less similar but better for my kids. I'm not sure if I should go to a church that's a different denomination for the convenience and social aspect? I will continue going to my church when I can as well. My faith will not change, just my church. I do like aspects of both the other churches, so thought I'd try both? Feels like church shopping and not sure how I feel about that ethically, but it's not just for me it's for my kids too and want to find a fit that's right for them. Can you attend more than one church and more than one denomination? They are come from the same core place, and I would love the opportunity to be part of a local church community, not just the one that fits my faith better but also one that fits our lives too. The church I currently attend is the faith I was born into and bought up in, so I am curious about other branches of Christianity too because I have not got much experience with them.

[Aph413]

Well my mother was raised Anglican but attends a Methodist church as it's closer and had much more of a community to it. She's been going for over 40 years and still classes herself as Anglican and not Methodist so I see no issue. As long as at it's core it's the same values you believe in. You can attend as many or as few churches as you wish in my opinion.

[MaryLane93]

@Aph413

The thing I struggle with is that they share the values/beliefs that are important to me (like faith through action and personal relationship with God) but some have views I struggle with regarding divorce, LGBTQ issues, and abortion/contraception. I am probably just very liberal, but my Christian faith is also important.

[PurBal]

These days I identify as an Anglican and the spectrum of belief within that denomination often astounds me (in a good way). But I had an ecumenical upbringing spending time across a few denominations because, like your situation, the youth support wasn't great in our local CofE church. FWIW my 2 brothers had the same upbringing and we represent 3 denominations. Fortunately faith in Christ and the Church does not belong to one expression of faith!

My only concern (as a liberal) would be what your children are being taught about social issues. A close friend of mine recently got married and I sat with one of her ultra conservative friends. He literally (yes literally) told me that by supporting marriage equality in the church I supported paedophilia and the abuse of children. I was horrified! He didn't support women's ministry either.

I guess it is about finding a balance and an authentic expression of church.

[MaryLane93]

@PurBal

Yes women's role and ministry is one of those issues for me. I think I probably need to go to the place that's nearest my faith. But it will not be as "fun" for the kids. They do have a crèche, though, and Sunday school activities.

[ZenNudist]

Go to the church you and your dc enjoy. It will make it easier to keep dc involved in church.

My friend's family attend methodist church regularly and Catholic church ("real" to my friends husband) less regularly. The eldest 13 now enjoys the methodist church more even though he goes to Catholic school.

[headinhands]

In reality when you take the whole congregation of each church you will have as much in common with both. Within any church there would be a massive spread of beliefs but they're only focussing on certain doctrine.

[PrincessSarene]

How old are your kids? If they’re quite young, then I think choosing to go to a church that keeps them more engaged is a good call. But as they get older I would think about the sort of teaching you want them to experience and maybe adjust church attendance accordingly. I’m lucky in that I’ve found a church that aligns with my beliefs and has excellent babies/children/youth provision. I’ve moved towns but still choose to go to that church (as do quite a few other members of the congregation).

[vdbfamily]

I have been to lots of denominations over the years. When you are aChristian it simply means you are aChrist follower. I personally think it is unhealthy to think of yourself as aBaptist or an Anglican etc. The body of Christ is all of us, we should be' one' and of I moved somewhere new I would look for the nearest fellowship where we as a family felt welcomed. There will be bits of theology that you disagree with at any church and a decent leadership team would be happy to discuss this. Many churches will teach that same sex sexualities relationships are not biblical but at the same time will be wrestling with how to be inclusive, loving and welcoming to all so whilst a very hard balance to reach, My priority would to be seeing kindness and acceptance of all people, whatever their lifestyle. We go to a church which has traditional teaching as such but it is so diverse. There are lots of cultures represented, they support those with disabilities, they have purchased 3 houses to house and support homeless people, they do debt counseling and marriage and parenting courses. I do not agree 100% with everything but that church does not exist.
If going local means you would get there more often then give it ago and see how you get on.

[MaryLane93]

I think maybe I should lay aside my deeper theological concerns for now, and find the place that we can have the other things that are important. And maybe go to a couple of different services to see which seems like the best fit. They are only young and we can have open conversation as they get older. They are at catholic school so I guess they are already exposed to a similar but different religion.

[speakout]

My mother attends both a Baptist and a Mormon church.
She finds no problem worshipping in both churches.
Also double dose of social events for her too, musical evenings, christmas lunches, guest speakers etc.

Works fine for her!

[MaryLane93]

@speakout sounds both hectic and fun!

[Babdoc]

I’m Church of Scotland, OP, but when I visit my English family I happily attend either Methodist or C of E services. And back home in Scotland, I have switched churches twice over the years because I didn’t like the new minister and found a much better one in a different village.
Churches vary so much, even within the same denomination. It makes sense to attend the one you feel most at home in.
I’m sure God doesn’t have tantrums, deciding that He disapproves of the minor technical differences in each sect that worships Him!
God reached out in love to all of us, through His suffering and sacrifice as Christ. I’m sure He welcomes you and your DC, whichever building you’re sitting in and whatever style of prayer you use. Focus on the bigger picture - your loving relationship with God - rather than the details of worship style.