Church studies

[MrsSusieP]

I haven't been christened, but the older I get and the more I travel to visit the beautiful churches around the world I am starting to question a faith, something I have not really been interested in. I get a very special feeling when I walk into a church. A couple of questions. How can I learn more about the church. Can I just rock up? I would like to get a little more study before making the decision to maybe being baptised. Also, is it possible to be baptised at my old age of 46?

Yes, you can just rock up.

You should know what you are getting into before getting baptised - perhaps an Alpha course, or similar. I would say at least a year in church.

You can get baptised on your deathbed. There is no time limit. If you know that this is the life for you, then go for it. You can be baptised and confirmed at the same time and become a full member of the church.

I am the same. I work in a religious environment and although would have said I was agnostic, I find it very spiritual to be in a church. I also have a cross in my office and sometimes just “chat” to Him, just in case he is up there 😊

I also find I am more interested in Churches.

I would not jump in though with a baptism. There are so many different churches and communities out there, I would want to try a few before settling on one to attend. My work is catholic which is probably too strict for my liking (and slightly sexist - sorry mr Pope), but we have a United Reform church in my village which has a woman vicar and she is lovely.

I also think I would enjoy attending a gospel church with lots of clapping and singing 😊

There’s no rush to get get baptised. Make sure you know what it is you bro eve and that you know all you can about baptism before jumping in.

Have a bit of a nosy at some nearby churches and go along to a few services. You might try a few before you find the one you want to stay at or you might find it first try.

If you’re wanting to do some more learning etc I can recommend Malcolm Duncan and Jeff Lucas for podcasts and YouTube videos. There’s loads of amazing preachers out there but those two are my favourites.

Enjoy this process you’re on. I’m excited for you!

As others have said.
Yes, you can visit any Church, or you can attend any Church as regularly as you like for as long as you like. There is no barrier of 'membership' to attending a Church service, or series of Church services.
There is no age limit to being baptised, but equally there is no need to be baptised in order to attend Church.
All Churches are different - try different ones, see where you are comfortable.

Wow! Such a response! Thank you all so much. I have learnt so much already. I didn't know I could go to a service without first committing to a church, or the fact I can be baptised even on my deathbed.
I too find myself talking to him when I enter a church. I was lucky enough to visit the Vatican and cried where the feeling was so strong and I have never been religious or even thought about having a faith. I feel like I belong somehow. I will look at the YouTube videos and look at the Alpha course. Thank you all for your help. 😊

Churches should be quite happy for you to turn up to see what they are like without committing to it, some people turn up to a church and like it so much they stay without trying others, whereas other people try out a few before making a choice. Different churches express their Christianity in different ways so find one where you feel comfortable, whether that be a very traditional service or a very relaxed contemporary service.

Catholics believe Jesus is physically present in their churches when the Body and Blood - what was previously bread and wine before consecration - is present in the Tabernacle. There will be a light by the Tabernacle indicating the presence of Jesus. This may be why you experience an intense presence of God in a Catholic church such as St. Peter's in Vatican city.

I work for a church. Just turn up. People will probably chat to you and ask if you’re local or if you’ve moved to the area and you can just say you’re trying out a few churches. That’s totally fine.

You can also ask for someone from the staff to meet you for a coffee to answer questions. I do this all the time, it’s really normal.

To find out more about the Catholic community you can join the RCIA - Rite of Christian Intiation for Adults that most parishes offer. They have a class/welcoming group meeting each week which explains Catholic beliefs and where you can ask all the questions you want. You can choose to enter the church or just take part in the Inquirers where you can just be purely there as an explorer and intrigued questioner as long (or as little) as you want.

You can of course attend any Catholic mass or service whenever you like. Communion is reserved for members of the church because we believe it is the actual Body and Blood of Christ (like the Orthodox).

• Initiation!

Do an alpha course. Or you can look it up on line/YouTube.

I changed from Roman Catholic to Anglican. It's very friendly with no pressure...
good luck on your journey.