I'll say it... I'm a Protestant. I'm not a Catholic... therefore, I must be a Protestant, right? I can hide behind the term "Evangelical Christian", but in the end, it is what it is. Not a big fan of that word.... even though it's just a label.
And as a Protestant.... one of the most complicating things is finding a church! I've seen people come and go at our church. Church Hopping or Church Shopping as one would call it. And too many a times... including my recent trip to Florida... I've had problems finding a church.
Go to google.
Search for "church."
Too wide of a search (Presbyterian? United Chuch? Baptist? Methodist? Pentacostal?....)
Narrow the search....
Hope for a website.... no website... no chance.
Check out website.... what kind of church is it?
Is it an all-white church? all-black? all-Asian? Mix?
What kind of worship....traditional, contemporary?
Do I have to dress up? Can I go in jeans?
What are the times...? Does it work for me?
Don't like mega churches... but don't like small churches, cuz I'll have to talk to people.
Uggggghhhhh.......
In the end... I come across a website. The background is a guy with a guitar. (contemporary - great!) The website even says, "You can dress up....or dress casual. All are welcomed."
I get there.... I feel welcomed. I can blend in, cuz the Associate Pastor is Filipino. There's a drumset, electric guitar, bass and keyboard. Folks of all ages.
Ok...time for worship. Great...can I clap?? Can I raise my hand?? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
Why's it so complicated!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!
As a Catholic... you find a church. You find the time. You show up. You know exactly what's gonna happen. The liturgy doesn't change....even if you're in a different country!! It's formulaic. So much simpler.
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