NationStates Jolt Archive

I was raised Catholic. Our church services were highly structured. Every sunday you knew exactly what to expect during the service and when to expect it.

What are church services like in non-Catholic churches?

I was raised Catholic. Our church services were highly structured. Every sunday you knew exactly what to expect during the service and when to expect it.

What are church services like in non-Catholic churches?

Variable. Many anglican churches run the same service with different songs.
The URC I used to go to tended to be vaguely structured to fit the time but not very tight.
Currently I worship with the Quakers so to try assigning structure to it would be an absurdity.
I also go to a lot of events where we have a very vague structure but we might spend an hour jumping around singing or spend the hour talking or listening to a sermon or a mix, no-one's ever sure (best way to do it IMO)

I grew up Catholic and only once went to a non-Catholic Sunday service. However, since the church was moderately far from where we live (the Catholic church, that is, we lived in a small town), and my mother insisted that we (the kids) go to church on Wednesday nights, I often went to "church" on Wednesday nights with my Southern Baptist friends.

What a fucking joke. The youth leader knew me and my siblings were Catholic, so every week, there was a short 10 minute session at the beginning. The youth leader said some prayers, then said something to the effect of "If anyone tonight wants to join our church, everyone has their head bowed and no one will see, so you can come to the front right now."

We then proceeded to play basketball, dodgeball, and super nintendo for like an hour and a half.

Rediculous.

i think you owe it to yourself to try a protestant service. i highly recommend attending a pentacostal service or a quaker meeting. or both.

What are church services like in non-Catholic churches?
You get to sing!

i think you owe it to yourself to try a protestant service. i highly recommend attending a pentacostal service or a quaker meeting. or both.
No thanks. I'm atheist. I was just curious as to what you guys do at your services.

Lots of Churches (like Lutheran churches) have itineraries that they follow and everyone knows exactly what is going to be said next. That once the service starts, it's a matter of reading the pamphlet you were handed when you come in the door.

Other Churches, like Baptist or Assembly of God, have regular patterns of behavior, but you don't have it written down in front of you. Such as: a few songs, someone comes up and does a few announcements (good stuff, or community event stuff, or someone is sick and wants prayers etc.,) and then the minister comes up and says a prayer and they take the offering with another song or two, and then afterwards the minister gives their sermon, then more prayer and you're dismissed...

Both of those types of Churches are fine ways to worship, maybe you like more singing, maybe you like more casual, maybe you like more community service for the poor or missionary service to other countries, etc., etc., etc., but the basic 'types' described above cover most of them... Any other types of churches just breed heathens. :eek: ( :p Okay okay, I'm just kidding :D , a little church humor thing going on there os all LOL )

You get to sing!
We got to sing too.

We got to sing too.

Our songs are nicer, in my opinion. The traditional stuff, none of that guitar or folk crap. That stuff is terrible and isn't exactly ethereal or divine.

ethereal or divine.
...sigh...

What a fucking joke. The youth leader knew me and my siblings were Catholic, so every week, there was a short 10 minute session at the beginning. The youth leader said some prayers, then said something to the effect of "If anyone tonight wants to join our church, everyone has their head bowed and no one will see, so you can come to the front right now."


That's about the vainest thing I've ever read/heard (pure unadulterated self centeredness), LOTS of evangelical churches do that, in fact, I'd say MOST evangelical churches do that (lower your eyes, if anyone wants to accept Jesus tonight, raise your hand... etc.,) there is nothing unusual about that and to think, all this time you thought it was all about you.

...sigh...

Hey, I'm not using them synonymously! I'm using its meaning of "highly refined or delicate".

Our songs are nicer, in my opinion. The traditional stuff, none of that guitar or folk crap. That stuff is terrible and isn't exactly ethereal or divine.

Personally I really don't like organ music, it's really dull and there's no beat. Guitar bands have so much more energy.

That's about the vainest thing I've ever hear (pure unadulterated self centeredness), LOTS of evangelical churches do that, in fact, I'd say MOST evangelical churches do that (lower your eyes, if anyone wants to accept Jesus tonight, raise your hand... etc.,) there is nothing unusual about that and to think, all this time you thought it was all about you.
...the part that I don't necessarily like is that often times, me and my siblings would be the only people there that did not regularly attend that church and the youth leader KNEW we were Catholic.

That's one of the things I don't like about Southern Baptists (and some other sects of Christianity). Just being Christian isn't good enough for them, because even if you're Christian, that doesn't necessarily mean you're going to their church and putting money in their collection tray.

But the most rediculous part is that basically, the only part of the 90ish minutes we spent at "church" was basically the youth leader trying to recruit more people into the church....then, for anyone who didn't decide to enlist it further enticed by 90 minutes of fun and entertainment...with no mention of God, Jesus, the Bible, anything. And back then, SNES was pretty bad ass. I'm pretty sure that church now owns at least one PS2 and at least one XBox.

Personally I really don't like organ music, it's really dull and there's no beat.

what about golden brown?

what about golden brown?

y'what?

Personally I really don't like organ music, it's really dull and there's no beat. Guitar bands have so much more energy.

I personally prefer choral pieces myself to the organ, but when properly played it can be beautiful. However, for me going to Mass is more of a personal experience of introspection, and I like the traditions of it which help to facilitate that. The music is beautiful, yet deeply meaningful and ancient.

I'm not Christian, but whatever...

I've been at Orthodox Christian services, because we have Orthodox Christians in our extended family, and they were really looong.

And they didn't have anything for you to sit on, so you had to stand all the time. And when they read from the Bible they sang what they read really quickly, so you couldn't hear what they were saying. There were tons of icons and mosaics everywhere, and people kissed them. They kissed the priest's hand, and his crucifix, before they were given communion, which consisted of really bad wine and pieces of bread that looked like regular, baked bread.

The priests swung burning incense containers attached to chains all over the place, so you could breath in the holyness. The Bible was placed on an analogion next to a large wooden crucifix, and both got kissed too. And the priest went behind a partition ("iconostasis") adorned with icons and did things no one could see, and no one but him was allowed back there. The nuns didn't say a word, even if you spoke directly at them. The priests had a really long beards and looked mean, and had campy, partially gilded clothes.

All in all, it made as much sense as any other Christian service I've been to.

...the part that I don't necessarily like is that often times, me and my siblings would be the only people there that did not regularly attend that church and the youth leader KNEW we were Catholic.

That's one of the things I don't like about Southern Baptists (and some other sects of Christianity). Just being Christian isn't good enough for them, because even if you're Christian, that doesn't necessarily mean you're going to their church and putting money in their collection tray.

But the most rediculous part is that basically, the only part of the 90ish minutes we spent at "church" was basically the youth leader trying to recruit more people into the church....then, for anyone who didn't decide to enlist it further enticed by 90 minutes of fun and entertainment...with no mention of God, Jesus, the Bible, anything. And back then, SNES was pretty bad ass. I'm pretty sure that church now owns at least one PS2 and at least one XBox.


I've seen a lot, maybe most, Wednesday night services being youth groups and activities, it's not regular church unless they have a youth group AND a regular service for the adults like an informal bible study going on for the adults while the kids have fun.

If you went on a Sunday morning, it would have been different.

I do understand that you felt awkward, but I'd bet small lunch that they were trying to make you feel welcome and that they say those thing even when you weren't there. (If you want to accept Jesus tonight, raise your hand stuff, while every eye is closed and every head is bowed)...

I'm not defending them as I don't know them, but that sounds like normal stuff to me. Try and see it from their point of view for a moment, they want to make sure everyone has a chance to be 'born-again' and accept Jesus as their personal savior... It wouldn't matter what church you go to.

y'what?

the song. the organ played in it doesn't make it sound dull at all. quite the opposite.

Well...the thing is...you would think they'd at least spent 30 minutes in real discussion of religion. When I could drive and started going to Wednesday night youth stuff at the Catholic church, we spent 90 minutes discussing religion, the bible, and what to say to Baptists when they tell you you're going to hell because you're Catholic (I'm not kidding you, and yes, I actually got that a few times)

Well...the thing is...you would think they'd at least spent 30 minutes in real discussion of religion. When I could drive and started going to Wednesday night youth stuff at the Catholic church, we spent 90 minutes discussing religion, the bible, and what to say to Baptists when they tell you you're going to hell because you're Catholic (I'm not kidding you, and yes, I actually got that a few times)

I've had Baptists, SDA's, Jehovah's Witnesses, and a bunch of local churches tell me that. Mormons are the only polite encounter I've had, no hard feelings ever.

Personally, I'd rather discuss religion. I go to those kinds of things for that purpose, not to play games and whatever. If I want to play games, I'll go to the YMCA or something.

No thanks. I'm atheist. I was just curious as to what you guys do at your services.
i didnt say you had to join up. its quite a different experience in a protestant church. worth going to (once) just to see.

I've had Baptists, SDA's, Jehovah's Witnesses, and a bunch of local churches tell me that. Mormons are the only polite encounter I've had, no hard feelings ever.

Personally, I'd rather discuss religion. I go to those kinds of things for that purpose, not to play games and whatever. If I want to play games, I'll go to the YMCA or something.
If I want to play games, I'll call my friends, pick up some soda, and start up my own gaming console, because my games are significantly better than any selection they ever had.

I think the whole denomination thing is stupid. All it does is builds stereotypes between people. Does it really matter to God whether your Catholic or Baptist or whatever?

I really am pained by those who have bad experiences with the church. It's not right when one Christian tells anyone "You're going to hell". The only one who could ever rightly say that was Jesus, who, being perfect, is the ONLY one who can judge. The rest of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, all of us deserving hell and needing to show that it is God's love that saves us from that. A house divided on itself cannot stand, and Christianity must stand together as one faith to succeed in these dark times.

To those who are offended by the "no one's looking, so come accept God" thing, just know I've never been a fan of that. In my youth group, everyone is accepted and if you go to the alter to pray, you can bet at least two other teens, not pastors, will be there almost immediately. In our group, we support each other, and being a Christian isn't a "secret thing". We often have members come to the front as they break down to say how they've fallen away, and how they are so broken. They aren't thrown out because they left the path to God, but they are prayed for and people give them calls to make sure they are doing alright in the weeks to come.

For services, our youth group does basketball to get to know each other, and then we delve into the Bible and bring out stories with a modern relevance. We leave understanding something new about God and each other, and that's the way it should be.

Music, well, find a church you can get into the music. At our church, we have three services each Sunday morning. The early one is for the older generation which grew up with hymns and choirs and feels closest to God worshiping that way. The other services offer modern music to teens and the younger generations who don't "feel" the older style music. Our teen group uses all sorts of music to make us feel God's presence, and our members listen to every kind of Christian music imaginable (believe it or not, almost every genre has a Christian band in it).

I'll pray for all of you, and everyone like you, that you'll find a church that is truly Christ-like, accepting, and one where you can feel God all around you. Don't close your heart, but allow God to move in you.

I think the whole denomination thing is stupid. All it does is builds stereotypes between people. Does it really matter to God whether your Catholic or Baptist or whatever?
it probably doesnt matter to god but there are alot of style differences with the different denominations. a person who loves the orthodox mass isnt very likely to enjoy a quaker meeting. the different denominations cover all the different approaches to god that christians have. its not useful to claim that one is more authentic than another but its good to have different experiences.

From what I hear, you don't even have to believe in Christ to be a member of the "Society of Friends". Is that true?

I've been to eastern Christian services (both Catholic and Orthodox), and it's basically the same as a Latin Mass but in Greek and Russian with burly men singing instead of little old ladies.

I've been to an Episcopalian Church, and it wasn't that different. I wouldn't step foot into a charismatic-Protestant-evangelical-proselytising-you're-not-really-Christian-because-you're-a-Catholic-and-worship-Mary-the-Pope-and-the-Sun-at-the-same-time-and-have-orgies-with-nuns Church if my life depended on it. I've slammed more doors on these people than you want to know.

"Hello friend, I'd like to share with you the Good News of Jesus Christ,"

"I'm already a Christian, thank you and goodbye."

"What denomination?"

"I'm a Catholic-"

*Proselytising man puts foot in door*

"Friend, you can only be saved by faith alone, do you have a personal relationship with your Savior?"

:rolleyes:

Please fix that.

I'm Orthodox Jewish, and I just wanted to add two cents.

Services at my shul (Jewish church) were structured, and in Hebrew. But everyone knew you had a transliterated siddur (prayerbook) available if you wanted/needed one. The men and women are separated, and there aren't "pews", so to speak, just individual chairs. No singing, but it was nice...

My fiancee grew up Catholic (never devout or cared much) and is in the process of converting now... I went to mass with him once, and it was very different. We don't kneel (you're only supposed to kneel in the Holy Temple, which the Romans destroyed... only part left is the Western Wall in Jerusalem, next to the Dome of the Rock), there is no communion, but there is wine. It's called Kiddush, we bless the wine and take a drink. Kids drink grape juice.

Now, this is MY experience, Reform and Conservative shuls are VERY different... English services, men and women together...

Try going to a service, but unless you want the culture shock of your life, start at a Reform shul.

I was raised Catholic. Our church services were highly structured. Every sunday you knew exactly what to expect during the service and when to expect it.

What are church services like in non-Catholic churches?

The variety that exists is astounding. There is everything from highly structured catholic style liturgies to wild craziness. Ive been to a church that uses rock music and smoke machines and resembles a concert. Others will use nothing but a organ. The variety is incredible.

Please fix that.
By fix, I mean take out the 20 foot long hyphenated word so that my browser doesn't have the horiz-scroll bar and the website is rediculously off-center.

it probably doesnt matter to god but there are alot of style differences with the different denominations. a person who loves the orthodox mass isnt very likely to enjoy a quaker meeting. the different denominations cover all the different approaches to god that christians have. its not useful to claim that one is more authentic than another but its good to have different experiences.

I agree that different people do need different types of services. What I meant to say was that I don't like the labeling that is caused by denominations. A Jehova's Witness has no right to come to my door and tell me I'm going to hell because I'm not in thier denomination.

I agree that different people do need different types of services. What I meant to say was that I don't like the labeling that is caused by denominations. A Jehova's Witness has no right to come to my door and tell me I'm going to hell because I'm not in thier denomination.

Sure they do, and Im glad they have that right, I wouldnt want to live anywhere where they did not have that right. But I agree that its a stupid thing to do. In fact, I had a discussion with my Jehovah's Witness friend about it yesterday. He denied they do this.

I'm an atheist but I know quite a lot about various of the sects found in britain

Adamites (this isn't a joke): they belived that people could be accepted to god by imitating adam and eve and being innocent (i.e. not wearing clothes)

Levellers:believed in equality and that every one should be able to talk to god as they wish ministers are there just to guide and discuss (a bit like early quakers)

Ranters (these I like they match my personal beliefs quite well): there may or may not be a big god who created the world, but all people are part of either god or a big universal spirit (depends on your god decision). if it feels right to you and other people it isn't a sin (so sex fine, rape bad) if you enjoy it and it meets the other criteria then it must be pleasing to god/universal spirit thing as you are part of it. Equality is a must, between men and women and between different races.

The ranters were unpopular with the establishment and were crushed ruthlessly for preaching acceptance and equality and toleration.

I personally go to a non-denominational church. I have always hated the "We as (insert any denomination) believe that..." I don't care what you believe, i want to know what the Bible says on the issue at hand. I also agree witht the post earlier that God doesn't care about the denomintaions just so long as you have faith in Him and His Son.

As for services, ours are actually very structured. First we worship 3 to 5 songs, then you shake hands and greet everyone, then the sermon is given, then the invatation while another song is played, then communion then the oferring, then we pray then we break off into small groups or go home. Through the week we have a slew of small groups, Bible study groups, youth groups etc..

I was raised Catholic. Our church services were highly structured. Every sunday you knew exactly what to expect during the service and when to expect it.

What are church services like in non-Catholic churches?

I'm presbyterian, specifically PCA(Presbyterian Church in America)...

Services are typically organized, though less ceremonial than Catholic services.

The typical model follows:
1. An introduction by our pastor (Dr. Griffith).
2. A Prayer of Confession (in unison)
3. First Hymn
4. A Scripture reading
5. A children's address (by either the pastor or assistant pastor)
6. A second hymn
7. A prayer of thanksgiving (usually delivered by a ruling elder on the "session")
8. The Collection
10. Scriture reading
11. Sermon (delivered by the pastor or one of the teaching elders on the session)
12. Third hymn
13. Word's of Institution of the Lord's Supper
14. Responsive Confession (usually from either the Westminster Confession, or Catechisms; sometimes from the Heidelberg Catechism)
15. Communion
16. The Doxology
17. The Benediction
18. Final Announcements, and passing out of the bulletin.

I go to the closest church (Catholic) and light a candle, pray for a bit and leave. Sometimes I'll stick around for communion (I was raised Catholic) or talk/debate with a priest.