so after <counts> 10 years away from church, I think I might go back....

[Alambil]

to a different church (last one hurt me very badly and I'm not ready to go back there yet...) but hey, God's God, no matter what building you're in, right?!

Yes, why not give it a try. Visit a few churches and see which one is the best fit for you.

Ooh yes, do give it a try! I stopped going in my early 20s and last year decided to go back as wanted my kids to have the chance to decide for themselves about God ad Christianity (which I thought wouldn't happen without them hearing about Him at Sunday school etc). So after thirteen years away I went back, openly admitting that it was mainly for the children's benefit, but God has other plans and within just a few weeks I was starting to feel that I was getting something from it myself. I really enjoyed going, both from the social side but (mainly) from the desire to worship and hear more about God. Totally loved it. And I renewed my relationship with God, which took me by surprise as I thought there was no hope for me as I'd heard it all before and decided it wasn't for me. I'm so, so glad I went back to church.

I really think if you're considering it it's worth giving it a chance.

Do you have a new church in mind?

I'm so sorry you were hurt so badly, LewisFan, it must take a lot of courage to be thinking about going again. Hope you find somewhere warm and welcoming. Have you had a look round and a think about what sort of church you'd like to try out?

Most churches now have websites and they might be worth a browse. I had a bad experience with a church too and when I did decide to go back to a church again I decided to go back to my roots and went to a very, very mainstream church. Personally, it was what I needed until I'd found my feet again. Best wishes with your search.

Yeh I know which one it'll be. I'm considering a local Vineyard branch that I've tried recently and felt very welcome at (and an old friend goes there)