Christian - but which sect?

[Mumsthewordssshhh]

Where to start?

Both my parents were brought up Roman Catholic but didn’t have me baptised/confirmed, thinking I should be free to choose my own religion.

I went to a school which had Christian values - assemblies with hymns and prayers.

I would say I have Christian beliefs, but don’t know enough about the differences between different sects to even say myself what ‘type’ of Christian I am. How does one figure that out? Does it matter? Would I be welcome in some churches and not others?

On top of that my husband is Jewish (but not religious at all - an atheist if you will) and our son has not been brought up in a particular faith but does go to a Jewish primary school - that being the best primary school choice we had. Not sure whether to introduce him to church or whether, like my parents, to leave him be to make his own choices.

Im sure you would be more than welcome to visit or "try out" different branches of Christianity, by virtue of attending services and perhaps other non-church-service groups. You may find you're naturally drawn to one or other. I have many friends members of local Baptist churches, but plain old Church of Scotland is more my bag 😂.

Equally, you may find differences between 2 churches of the same denomination. You may feel more at home in one building, or in the company of one clergy than another.

Our services pretty much always have a children's address for about 10 minutes, a recent one involved searching for fluffy (toy!) sheep hidden in the congregation, so a dozen young kids running around looking for said sheep. It's fun, I think it's a great way of introducing a message in a simple way. But I know others aren't fans, think it's too informal or "fun", would prefer it to be more old-fashioned Presbyterian 😜

Does it matter to you, or is it just a point of curiosity? I don't ask this pointedly, it's just your answer will probably guide useful responses.

Currently, I would say you weren't part of any kind of Christian 'sect'. You've grown up in a predominantly Christian culture which will have coloured the way you approach lots of things, but that's the case for lots of people with no particular religious affiliation.

If you're wanting to explore belief, that's a different question, and as Christianity is an evangelistic religion, you'll be very welcome at most any church to explore what you believe. Think about what 'speaks' to you about Christianity, and don't feel bound by any one person's advice.

There are churches that are very modern in style, music and general approach. There are others that are quiet and traditional. Some are very friendly, some let you have your own space. Best thing to do if you are curious, is go along to some different services in different churches and just see what goes on without feeling under any obligation to join in.

I personally find it much more healthy to just be a Christian. When we have moved around we have just found the nearest church that we feel at home in. Currently we go to a big loud church that meets in a converted warehouse because the kids love it. When they are off our hands we may attend something a bit smaller and quieter. Following Jesus and His teachings is the important bit. Maybe find somewhere advertising an Alpha course as that will be an informal way to get to know others before Sunday mornings.

Thanks for the responses. I think what has actually made me question what ‘type’ of Christian I am is because I’m looking at potential schools for my son (secondary as he’s at a state primary). And there are all sorts of requirements - some are Roman Catholic, some C of E etc. Indeed the C of E one gives different points to applicants depending on whether they are C of E or other branch of Christian faith.

Maybe I should do as you suggest - try out a few different churches and see which I inately feel most comfortable belonging to. I used to go to church on ocassion as a child and enjoyed it, and have always gone to a Xmas service - just not a regular church goer and never had cause before to think which sect I most felt comfortable with.