What a fascinating discussion!
First, xo_kathy, I think you mean the Great Commission (Matt 28:19) "Therefore go and make disciples of many nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit..."
My road started with my parents: my dad's family was Lutheran or Christian Scientist, my mama's family was Baptist. They tried all of the options, and discovered that they were both happiest with the Baptist church. They were immersed one Sunday and married the next - I find that SO romantic!
For those who are so darn interested in my family, my parents had dated for three years prior to their mutual immersion. The commitment of immersion requires pastoral counseling.
I was dedicated a Baptist, but we moved far away from a Baptist church, so we started attending a Presbyterian church. The neighborhood was a little Belfast - none of the Catholic kids were permitted to even play with we non-Catholics who were going to hell, courtesy of a rabid Sister Dom Bosco! I had to be water-sprinkled before 6th grade confirmation. One of the pastors there started a non-denominational church, which we attended until it self-destructed (long story). There was not one bit of theology at that church with which I disagreed, so its demise was really a blow to me.
I want to interrupt myself to say that while I was growing up, I was encouraged to attend as many types of services as I wanted. The last I counted, I had been to 23 different sects or religions. This was a great blessing, as how do you really know if you want to be part of ANY given church or religion without experiencing it on a personal level? I fully believe in infant dedication and then baptism/confirmation/conversion only upon making a commitment to whichever church or religion as an adult.
My brother is a part-time missionary (nondenominational), and both of my parents did part-time evangelism. I have been commissioned at a nondenominational church as a facilitator & counselor, but I am a member of a Baptist church. I fully believe in
this church's theology, and "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to the House of the Lord!" I taught Sunday School for 12 years, and usually got the middle school kids - the ones who are starting to question, and need to see different religions. I've found a rabbi who encourages an "exchange program" where his teacher will talk with my kids, and I will talk with theirs. After all, without Judeaism, Christianity has no foundation!
When I started attending my current church, I made an appointment to talk to the pastor about membership. He has since teased me that usually, the pastor interviews the prospective member, but I interviewed him! He was thrilled that I knew what my beliefs are, and would only consider joining a church that would satisfy my theology.
To know me is to know that I am a believing Christian, and while I stumble at times, I do my best to uphold my beliefs. I am at peace. Somehow, I must manage to come off as non-judgemental, because friends who have come out of the closet or had an abortion feel comfortable with discussing this with me - even though they know how I feel. While it hurts to hear about an abortion, it's more important that the love of God is shown. I hope I don't sound too sanctimonious about all this!
As for the funeral bit, I would agree with whomever said that it was the pastor's delivery that was wrong, not the message. Weddings & funerals which are conducted in a church should not be expected to be "watered down" for the benefit of others, and I would question a church that did. If you're uncomfortable with that, please don't plan on attending my funeral!
(edited for puncuation & purient interests)