Going to church for first time ever in UK

[sam2012]

Hi

 

I'm in my mid 20's and would like to go to church. Not so much for the religious side but more to at least see what it's like. I'm also pretty lonely with no friends left in my town and have heard it's a great place to meet people.

 

Just a bit worried as I don't know anyone who goes so would be going alone.

 

Do I just go in and sit down at the back and listen then leave at the end?

 

What kind of aged people go?

 

Any other info anyone could give would be great!

 

Cheers!

[quankanne]

not sure what the congregations are like there, but here in the States, there's a whole slew of religious services you can choose to attend. Most of the time, the folks are friendly and welcoming, so no worry on that end. If I'm by myself and attending Mass at an unfamiliar parish, I usually sit toward the back. However, because the liturgy is the same at every Catholic church across the globe, there's no guessing about sitting, standing, kneeling, etc

 

you might ask around and see where others attend services to get an idea of the "personality" of a particular church, then go from there. Also, check local newspapers for services and other ministries that people are encouraged to attend. A lot of churches offer something for different age groups, from teens and young adults to seniors, divorced or widowed people. It's a great way to get involved. And yeah, meet chicks!

 

a good rule of thumb is to be a polite guest and not do anything disruptive. Observe quietly, see if this is something you feel comfortable doing.

 

enjoy your new adventure, kiddo!

[Eve]

Hi

 

I'm in my mid 20's and would like to go to church. Not so much for the religious side but more to at least see what it's like. I'm also pretty lonely with no friends left in my town and have heard it's a great place to meet people.

 

Just a bit worried as I don't know anyone who goes so would be going alone.

 

Do I just go in and sit down at the back and listen then leave at the end?

 

What kind of aged people go?

 

Any other info anyone could give would be great!

 

Cheers!

 

The age issue may be the biggest thing for you as really it is good to be with peers. In my view, Churches based on a 'Christian Centre' design tend to be where the younger generation go. They are usually new buildings, with bands and lots of multi media. The emphasis usually is on bringing faith to life in terms of concentrating on social and relationship issues within worship.

 

I like the Methodists a lot but would really honestly say that there are few youngsters in the more formal religious settings in the UK, unless you live in a City of course.

 

The usual means of finding out about the Christian faith via Christian Centres is via The Alpha Course. The Alpha course is designed to support new comers in the sense that they can study a topic weekly in order to find out about the origins and practical aspects of the Christian faith. There is usually opportunity for people to be Baptised after completing the course but this in not mandatory, obviously.

 

I am with The Quakers and find that they are wonderfully supportive of their young people. They are stong on social activism and conservation issues and have such a strong stance on experience and integrity being central within faith.

 

Maybe phone up ahead of going to find out the best time to go? Usually there are morning and evening services. Both can be equally as vibrant.

 

Dig out a few numbers and make a few calls. I know religion gets shouted down here but no one will try and indocrinate or harm you.

 

The other way to get involved is via your College or University. There are usually various groups people can join.

 

As for the seating, just sit where you want.

 

I don't know much about The Jehovahs Witnesses, Mormons or Latter Day Saints. I see these more as being cultish or of American influence. So saying I knew a nice couple who were Witnesses a few years back.

 

Take care,

Eve x

[stillafool]

Are you saying you have never attended Church?

 

 

You can actually sit anyplace you like, it doesn't have to be in the back. There are all ages of people who attend Churches so I don't think that should be a problem either. Most big Churches have youth programs as well. Just be friendly and you should have no problem meeting people.

[brokenTom]

I'm also in my 20s and recently started going. I had been to a few times in the past with family or friends, only a handful of times in my life really, but was always scared because it all seemed so exclusive, especially because I didn't believe in what they were saying 100%.

 

I think the thing to do is figure out where you'd fit in best, maybe take some online Relgion tests, then search in your area for an appropriate church. When I found mine (and I was surprised I did because my views are not normal) I was so nervous about attending alone so I decided to call them up to get service times and asked if they welcomed newcomers. They were like "Of course you are welcome, dear!"

 

It is difficult going alone, but it's getting easier. I've been maybe a dozen times now, seeing more and more familiar faces, some say Hi to me and I've opened up a little. It's been really good and I'm slowly building confidence within myself. If you are shy like me you just gotta be patient with yourself, take baby steps.

[BetheButterfly]

Hi

 

I'm in my mid 20's and would like to go to church. Not so much for the religious side but more to at least see what it's like. I'm also pretty lonely with no friends left in my town and have heard it's a great place to meet people.

 

Just a bit worried as I don't know anyone who goes so would be going alone.

 

Do I just go in and sit down at the back and listen then leave at the end?

 

What kind of aged people go?

 

Any other info anyone could give would be great!

 

Cheers!

 

Hello Sam,

 

I think it would be good to research and see if there's a church with a nice sized group of people of your age, who meet for Bible studies or so on. I am not from the UK so I don't know how churches are there, but here in the USA, one thing I absolutely love about going to church is meeting with women in a Ladies Bible study and having fun talking together, worshiping God together, praying for each other together, and supporting each other. I know there are singles groups too, and there are some men Bible study groups as well, but each group is different depending on the people.

 

So, I would encourage you not to just sit in the back and leave, but rather see if there's people your age, and if they are the kind of people who you would enjoy hanging with?

 

When I was single, I went to a wonderful little church with a healthy group in their 20s, and we had so much fun going out for pizza after church and going rafting together and putting on Christmas plays for the kids together, and so on!

 

To sum up my advice, find a vibrant community of Christians your age and see if you like hanging out with them, because church is way more than just about attending, hearing a sermon, and leaving. Church = family connection! Christians believe that Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

Peace and God bless you