Lost sheep looking for a Home... Church that is.

I am a Christian woman (Baptist) looking for a church home. I was raised in church my entire life. I love learning about God, Jesus, anything about religion. My main draw to church was the choir. Yes, the Word was prevalent, but singing and praise & worship brought something out of me at an early age that preaching didn't reach.
In the last 3 years, I have been slacking immensely in my attendance. I haven't stepped for in church this year (Father, I'm sorry.) It started with my uncle's death, then things became more personal. My other two uncles are preachers, on of them the pastor of the church I attended. I love my uncle, but I know too many personal things, past and present, about him to listen to him preach. When I put his worldly ways aside, he can deliver a good word. Our church is fairly small, about 70 members, mostly single women. I didn't understand the internal war w/ the members in the church. They hated if any if our family was involved in any auxiliary, not even president, they just had a sour taste because they felt we were trying to take over, I guess. It turned into this clique versus any family member that wanted to be included in a group, mainly the choir, mentoring, or the head of any program. Basically, my sister, aunt, uncle and myself slowly left, my mother and grandmother stayed. My aunt is now an evangelist at her church. Although, the primary mess starter left last year, she still has eyes and ears all over the church and keeps up trouble.
I just want to go to church and leave better than when I came. I love to be involved in church. I need a pastor who's married because my uncle is single and, to me, that causes problems from people with power. Why do some make it so hard for others when we're all here for one purpose? I don't think I'll ever get it.
Sorry for the rant. It's been on my heart for a while. Do any of you know a good church on the West side of Chicago? I would be happy to attend when I get a Sunday off. Thanks in advance.

Its wonderful that your looking for a church home. And its even better that you are involved. I've gone to church all my life but im not really as involved in ministry as I would like to be. I gotta work on that. I live in Texas so I can't recommend any churches in your area. But keep looking. Try different ones, attend the Wednesday bible studies, get a feel of the people ect. Also if ever you can't make it to church, TD Jakes church is broadcast live on line, sundays and Wednesday. Its really a blessing. ( Thepottershouse.org ) good luck with your search for fellowship!!

Thanks Mangos! I should check out TD Jakes, I own his "woman, thou art loosed" bible and I love it. That's a great idea, checking out bible study and get a feel first. =)

@Tiff- I feel you! I have not been to Church in a while.
I live in Dallas and go to TD Jakes' Church sometimes...but pardon me Lord, i think it can be a spectacle...So i don't really like going there.
Every Church i Go to, i find something that i don't like: either the pastor is on his blackberry the entire time or in the case of the Potter's house, they treat the Pastor (TD Jakes) as a god.
I find all sorts of excuses...I just need to find a Church and make up my mind to go!
Anyways- good luck girl....

@fanmnatirel I do the same thing. I need to just go and get a word for myself. lol

TiffNotANY,
I pray that you will find what you are looking for in a Church home. The most important thing is that you find a place that teaches the Word of God just as it is, in context. As for the people, preachers included, we all fall short, so mess will creep in here and there, but don't let that hinder you from hearing God's Word. Try mid week services, like Mangoes said. I ope that helps.

by TiffNotANY
Light of the World Ministry is in Chicago Illinoise. The pastor is Bishop George Brewton. He is such a precious Man of God. I'm not sure if he is East or West Chicago but he will preach and teach the word of God without compromise. He's a seasoned Saint, who know's the way.

Hi Tiff. I don’t know a lot about the churches on the west side of Chicago. My church, Merrill Avenue Baptist, is located on the south side. We are a church family who loves the Lord and we try to live by His Word. All visitors to our church are warmly received. We have two services (7:30 and 10:45) with Sunday School classes in between. We also have a wonderful women’s ministry that holds a monthly Saturday fellowship where the women come together to fellowship, share God’s Word, have some fun and enjoy a hearty meal. There’s also an array of different ministries available where one can serve and be served. We will be moving into a brand new church building in early summer. Presently, we utilize our current church building for most services and activities, but our 10:45 service and Sunday School are held at a nearby school due to our need for extra space. I would love to have you come for a visit if it’s not too much of a hassle to come to the south side (it’s really easy to get to). If the Lord puts it on your heart to check us out send me a message and I’ll respond back with details regarding our location, how to get there, etc.

Thank you ladies! I'll have to check you guys out soon. =)

@TiffNotANY..thanks for posting this..never thought to do so but good idea..i will be relocating to Florida sometime not sure exactly when but going to church is a big part of my life and fellowshipping and finding the right place is important to me..so when its my time to venture out i will send out a post like this..May the Lord lead you to a church where you can have a relationship with him and be fed the word of the LORD that will help you in every area of your life...in Jesus Name!!!

freckledmom4 wrote:TiffNotANY,
I pray that you will find what you are looking for in a Church home. The most important thing is that you find a place that teaches the Word of God just as it is, in context. As for the people, preachers included, we all fall short, so mess will creep in here and there, but don't let that hinder you from hearing God's Word. Try mid week services, like Mangoes said. I ope that helps.

Exactly!!!!!!! Plus remember the wheat and tares will grow together. No matter where you go there will always be The usher with the attitude, the clique of members who talk about every and anything, or members getting "special treatment". You just have to keep your eyes on Jesus. We all one day will have to stand before GOD and each give an account. Don't let foolishness in the church keep you from going