I was raised in the Baptist church from elementary school until I moved to my current location. In 1996, I joined a non-denominational church that is based on principles from the Unity/New Thought movement. I have no regrets. The messages are contemporary and relevant to present-day life.
Church has always been a part of me. During college, I visited AME, Catholic and COGIC churches. At one point I toyed with the idea of converting to Catholicism because the services were short and sweet, unlike at the Missionary Baptist, where the routine was 9 a.m. Sunday school; 11 a.m. regular worship; 5 p.m. Baptist Training Union and 7 p.m. Sunday night service. Prayer meeting was always 7 p.m. on Wednesday, and choir rehearsal was 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday.
Even though my body was constantly in church, my mind was elsewhere. I had so many questions about who and what God is, and how Jesus related to me. The answers I got, that I would understand better by and by were not satisfactory. I kept quiet because I knew I'd get a beatdown if I challenged the minister or deacon. So I reluctantly accepted what I was taught until I was led to the church I now attend.
This church is a place where all questions are welcome, and members are strongly encouraged to read and study the Bible and other historical and spiritual texts. We also learn the value of prayer and meditation in establishing a direct link with God. I have attended this church since 1996, and love it. I've grown more spiritually in this place than in all of the previous years combined.
My previous church served its purpose for a while. But as I grew physically and mentally, I needed more spiritually. Everyone should worship as he or she is led. Sometimes that means leaving the "home" church, and setting out on a totally different course. Thank God those options are available.
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