new to town, I was raised Lutheran, but as I get older I seem to be more drawn to non-denominational churches. The last church i was a part of, and absolutely loved was Harvest Church in Billings. Any suggestions???

Thank you

The Unitarian Church is the one you seek.

Can you explain what the Harvest Church's theology is like? That might help us direct you to a church in MC.

Try Grace Bible Church on stower street behind (east of) Walmart. That would be a close match.

I second that. Grace Bible in the place to go. They have great children's programs also!

Grace Bible is going to be the closest match to Harvest.

Grace Bible Church! From what I understand when the pastor is in billings on a sunday he likes to go to Harvest if that helps any

How about the Miles City Wesleyan Church. I was raised Lutheran as well and have found this church, even though it is denominational more to my liking. This is a good Bible believing, Bible teaching church that may be discribed as a conservative Methodist Church. It is located by Garfield School. Please come one and all!

a conservative Methodist Church

I don't know. I prefer my Methodist Church a little more Marxian in nature.

It's a little ethnic, and Miles City may be too small anyways, but is there a Cthulian congregation in town?

I am curious about all of the Lutheran defections? I'd appreciate some insight from those who defected as to why or what needed to be changed?

Why did you defect from the one true and apostolic church?

Richard,

Didn't you hear? The Lutherans voted to allow gay ministers!!! Oh my God, it is the end of days. I left because my particular Lutheran church voted to remove themselves from the ELCA and join some whack-a-doodle organization so that they wouldn't have to deal with icky gay ministers. Some folks in Miles City have left for the same reason. You'll find them at the United Christian Church on Strevell where all are welcome.

Okay, that's your story. What about others?

Breakforth Bible Church is a great church. Meets at 10:30 ~ its on Earling. Very family oriented, very welcoming church.

Sure a lot of fake Christians around.

fake christians?

Anyone else?

It is my understanding that a certain Lutheran minister in Miles City told his congregation in 2004 to vote for George W. Bush. If that isn't a reason to change churches, I don't know what is.

The best thing about non-denominational churches is you don't have to figure out their doctrine and how it differs from the other guy's doctrine and whether you even understand the difference between Methodist and Presbyterian.

Oh, I'd love to get into this but I would be burned at the stake! To Richard Bonine Jr., are you a Lutheran minister? I'm not being nosy. I have an important reason for asking this, before I decide whether or not to answer. Thank you.

Richard, you do know that the Book of Concord is not in line with the Scriptures, don't you?

Yes, klm. If you haven't drawn a line in the sand and declared everyone on your side a true Christian, then you must be on the side opposite me.

Oh, I'd love to get into this but I would be burned at the stake! To Richard Bonine Jr., are you a Lutheran minister? I'm not being nosy. I have an important reason for asking this, before I decide whether or not to answer. Thank you.

No, I am not a Lutheran minister. I have two brothers who are Lutheran Pastors.

Richard, you do know that the Book of Concord is not in line with the Scriptures, don't you?

Gunnar: You have this uncanny way of getting to the heart of an issue. Are you spying on me?

The best thing about non-denominational churches is you don't have to figure out their doctrine and how it differs from the other guy's doctrine and whether you even understand the difference between Methodist and Presbyterian.

That really isn't true. All of us have a system of belief. For some it is the eye color of the pasta monster.

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr. (1/19/2011)]

Everyone knows it's blue.

BUCK- Let me clarify (even though I am not sure why even bother) I say I was raised Lutheran...That being said, I was baptised Lutheran because that was my father denomination, my mother was methodist...neither attended either very often. I went to Sunday school at the Lutheran church because i was made, yet can count on both hands the actual services I attended and even less that my folks attended with me. Once I finished confirmation about 8th grade, I no longer was MADE to go to Sunday school...I chose not to. I attended churches here and there throughout college. I finally TRULY accepted Christ later in life AT A NON DENOMINATIONAL FCA CAMP!!! so does that mean I should automatically chose a denomination right then and there? or go where I am drawn to, services I enjoy, amazing people, all around great atmosphere? You tell me...because i dont pick a denomination I am a fake christian??? I consider myself a Christian...I will not judge ANYONE because of where they choose to worship!!! Shame on you for doing so! You were the kind of person I dreaded as i seeked to learn and hear more, or even where to start learning more about the Word i.e. bible study groups etc...because if we say something wrong and dont give the exact definition/interpretation you are looking for...we are wrong, therefore, not Christians! I read the good book, I try my best to do as the Lord asks me to, and I will continue to do so, and continue to be a Christian!!!

My question is this: Why do people feel they must choose a denomination, to classify themselves into a parochial, sectarian belief system compiled by the often erroneous mortal man? The sermons they profess are written to bind one to their particular sect, saying it is the only true religion. Why give your innermost, most precious, sacred self over to "parrot" the teachings of another? Why not stand with your own personal devotion, your own thoughts and feelings? The answers you seek are all within your own soul.
If you REALLY, REALLY want communication with God, in the deepest, most reverent, most respectful devotion and opening of the soul's heart; this should be done alone, one on one, you and God. If you desire to meet nice people who love God and potato salad, in an enjoyable atmosphere and service, yes, by all means, look around in varied churches to find where you are most comfortable. Unified praises to God, in number is a wonderful thing. Anytime churches or religions keep the idea of God in the minds of man, is a wonderful thing.
Personally, (this is my own feeling), I value freedom and individualism so dearly, (and what is more important than freedom of individual THOUGHT), I could never understand how a person, most particularly a WOMAN, could subject herself to a belief system or religious doctrine where the patriachal societies would not let a female hold a priesthood or even deliver a sermon. Does your church ask you to obey and serve the church and your husband, quietly, meekly and absolutly, without question? Does your chuch answer you spiritual questions with, "Only God knows" or "That is not for us to ask or know"?

Cheryl & Kim: I appreciate your honesty.

I will never understand the connection between religion and belief. The site, Freedom From Religion Foundation professes to be made up of atheists and agnostics but the basic tenant should apply to all who draw lines in the sand and take sides, right or wrong, black and white, war and peace, your side or my side.

Shouldn't religion be a unifying force. It seems so divisive. I overhear cafe conversations that just make me want to puke. I suspect that we are all connected whether we like it or not.

http://www.ffrf.org/

The phish are biting.

Tucker, You are correct. We are all in the same boat! I looked up the website and had to laugh. Now there's an organization to tell you what NOT to believe? This is just as harmful as the archaic religions. There IS a distinction between religion and spirituality. Religion is based on fear. If one does not affiliate himself with and organized religion, he is labeled an atheist or agnostic. Yes, I believe there is a little kink in their path, but I respect them, because at least they question instead of following as mindless sheep. The agnostic is probably closer to God than the Christian.
It takes strength and courage to stand up and question thousands of years of religion and repression. Some of these religious precepts date from a time of incredible ignorance, cruelty and inhumanities. Yet, You cling to these indoctrinations for fear if they are stripped away for what they are, you couldn't stand alone. All I'm saying is: You have your own mind, your own heart, your own soul. You are spiritual! Why, when you can commune directly with God and FEEL GOD, would you prefer to take the long path? Be careful before accepting things as the truth. A man of the cloth is just as fallible as the man walking down the street.

"Yet, You cling to these indoctrinations for fear if they are stripped away for what they are, you couldn't stand alone."

The 'god' we know -vs- the 'God' we don't?

I agree with Cynthia A. Breakforth Bible Church is family based, non-denomonitalchurch.

When I was very young I was watching a street comedian one summer day with a crowd of about 120 people when one of those guys with the big 15' signs that said something like "You are all sinners and you are all going to hell" came up behind the group and began to rant and rave about the end of the world and our fates in hell. The comedian let the guy shout for a few minutes and when he stopped to catch his breath the comedian said "Well, if there are going to be A**Holes like that in Heaven, I am not too sure that's where I want to go!" At that the crowd laughed and the zealot with the big sign slunk away and after he left the Comedian said "Whose side do you think that guy is on anyway? Do you think he is bringing people to God, or driving them away? God isn't about hatred and sin and condemnation, he is about Love and forgiveness and acceptance."...

...ever since then I have chosen my churches based on love, forgivness and acceptance. I find that trying to stick to one particular sect sets you up for failure, especially in a small town where there is probably only one church for each sect. I was raised Catholic but have also been a member of a Baptist Church in Miles City which at the time had an amazing Pastor that embodied those attributes (Pastor Starburg). I have moved a few times, and in one of my moves I was part of a wonderful non denominational church with the most amazing Pastor who was a gifted and inspirational speaker(it had the name Harvest in its title but was not in Billings). We now attend a Lutheran Church where we currently live which has a Pastor and Congregation that also embodies love, forgiveness and acceptance to all. I briefly attended a different local Lutheran Church, and after 2 services felt THAT Pastor was riding the hate and condemnation train. I won't go near any church headed up by that guy ever again!

I feel that good Christians SHOULD not blindly follow a hate driven leader like a flock of sheep, but should use a little more discretion when choosing his/her church as that person is going to be an influence on your beliefs and actions whether you admit to it or not. I also do not believe that any Pastor should get involved in Politics to the point where he tries to order his congregation to vote for a particular person....but that is fodder for a whole other thread.

Joe, I took poetic license, meaning people wrap and adorn themselves in biblical verses and pastor's words instead of just being. Just because you can't see God or angels doesn't mean they arn't there.
Is that what you meant? Please clarify. Thanks.

Maybe you should go to one that the teachings are correct and not one for social gatherings. It seems to me that what should be the most important.

What we demand of in a church has changed. A few hundred years ago, doctrinal details could lead to out-and-out war. Today, most folks seem to pick a church based on the buffet line.

I agree with you, if you feed them they will come, to bad it usually isn't what the teaching of the Bible says.

Does any one know what a Dyslexic, Insomniac,Agnostic does???

Lays awake at night and wonders if there really is a Dog!!

Just a lighter note!!