Did You Grow Up In Church?
I often wonder about you guys.
There is always quite the discussion around touchy subjects and I wonder what sort of religious upbringing you had.
If any.
I grew up a Southern Baptist preachers kid.
My parents were not super strict but we NEVER missed a Sunday.
So I have all that up inside me.
What about you?
What was your “religious upbringing?”
Los
RAIN IT DOWN
I'm a PK. Grew up Southern Baptist.
Same story.
Mixed Protestant, as we moved around my folks went to the best Church for the family. So I grew up with a mixed bag of Methodist, Presbyterian and yes even Southern Baptist. Maybe that's why I like non-denominational so much now, it sticks to the important points without the politics.
Never stepped foot in a church. Radical conversion moments before suicide…
WHAAAAAAAAT!!! OK. This story has to be out there somewhere for us to read. Where do we find it?
pretty brief on my old school site so don't hate bro – http://www.fluidmission.com/letter.php
if you want the full story I can put some energy into it..Jesus rocked a Paul on the road to Damascus with me…now I follow Him.
yeah… put some energy into it… i have too much curiosity now… what an amazing testimony
Praise God
Yeah, dude, I've already told somebody today about your radical conversion. Give me the full version!
my mom dropped us off for sunday school at the Catholic church every freaking sunday & picked us up after. and she came with us on Easter. i started walking across the street to the Baptist church in 8th grade and never went back to the Catholic church after that.
nice!
Off and on Church. Encountered awesome presence of God at a Passion play and it stuck with me through my drug addiction and all. Could never shake the reality of God.
Nope. First time in church was at age 27.
wow?what brought you to church?
After about 12 years of non-stop craziness, I woke up at 3am locked into a bar I'd passed out in. Prayed for the first time and got invited to church by a coworker shortly afterward. Ended up receiving Christ a few months later…and then marrying the friend from work. God is good.
Praise God, thanks for sharing that story!
My mom was a non-practicing Catholic and my dad grew up in the United Church but never goes anymore. So I grew up going to Midnight Mass and Good Friday services at the Catholic church with my grandmother… and now the church I go to is a United Baptist church, but closer to non-denominational. Confused yet?
nice try
I grew up Mormon… at least for a few years before I became a Christian at 16yo. I still remember being served bread and water for communion and people crying every week while giving their testimonies at the Mormon church.
I am the recovering son of a Recovering Independent Fundamental Baptist Pastor…I was shocked to find out that Koolots were not a real fashion trend
culottes…ahhh, i know all about those lovely creations! and i was NOT shocked that they were not a real fashion trend, because i was constantly made fun of in public while wearing them!
…from one recovering child of a recovering independent fundamental baptist pastor to another
~abi~
Love this! I was raised Bible Thumping Independent Fundamental Baptist also. We were known in town as the Koolot girls and once someone even threw a tomato at me and called me "Koolot girl, Koolat girl." Good times! Not!
grew up Lutheran (b/c my mom was raised Catholic and my dad was Baptist- it was a good compromise when they got married); went to summer camp with a SB youth group when i was 15, and 10 years later I'm still southern baptist.
Conservative Southern Baptist – the country club church. You know the kind? The Mayor goes there so he gets re-elected. So does the fire chief and sheriff.
did you grow up in a John Grisham paperback?
haha, no. Thankfully as we got old enough to see how political the church had become(I was about 14, my sisters 10 and 6) we moved to a more grounded church.
Went to church on holidays with grandmother. Went to Catholic school for 3rd grade and had 1st communion. Never went to church until my mother started going when I was in my mid twenties. I go once a month or every couple months now. I think that bible study is super important and plan to go there more often.
Shawnte,
I'd be interested to here what your take is on church. The role it should play in our lives. Why we should even go to church. Any thoughts like that…I'm not looking for a specific answer. I grew up in church and am interested in the perspective of those who don't have the "church" background.
Complicated. My mother was a lapsed Catholic, my father Russian Orthodox. They dropped me off at the local Episcopal church every Sunday. When I was 7, we moved to a town with only two churches – Catholic & Southern Baptist, so it was Baptist for me. When I was 13 and orphaned, I moved into a foster home with LDS parents, so I attended the mormon church for almost 5 years….until I started asking too many questions! As an adult, I tried lots of different churches, and am now at home in a C&MA congregation.
First experience was in SBC church, between ages 6-8, then a visit to a SBC church in the new town we lived in, where I was ridiculed for not knowing Job was pronounced with a long "o". Then nothing till I was invited by a friend to a independent, fundamental, pre-millennial, missionary Baptist church where I was saved and learned how to "do" all the Christian things — wear the right clothes, say the right words, burned my rock records, kept my hair long, skirts longer…. till I turned 18 and left. The one thing I learned really well was how to judge people. I'm working on recovering from that.
sounds familiar
Grew up in the Catholic Church.
Started attending a Southern Baptist youth group at age 16. Accepted Christ some months later.
Still went to both churches though.
At 18 I got baptized and never looked back. I'm getting my master's at a Southern Baptist seminary now.
Rock It!
Grew up in Baptist church. I was the only one who went.
None. We went to church once when I was a teenager and my mother wouldn't go back because she felt that people judged her for being overweight. We never went back. God chased me my whole adult life-became a Christian after a stranger (who later became a friend) prayed for me for eight years and slowly loved me and taught me who He was. I was a single parent with a wrecked life. I'm now in full time ministry as a children's ministry director.
Is this Michael W. Smith…be honest….
awesome,loving all these testimonies!
i grew up in the christian & missionary alliance (C&MA)…close to a baptist upbringing. we went every sunday, and i accepted christ at a young age…
yay! hello from and aussie CMAer!
you and my wife! sometimes those are my favorite stories. my kids all accepted Christ young.
From a multi-generational Church of Christ family (for those who don't know or care – CoC are the a'cappella cousins to Christian Church & Disciples of Christ). Love the heritage – warts and all.
Grew up in the big 3 Southern Baptist churches in the area and am still not sure how I got out with as few issues as I have
Dad never went to church, Mom always did.
I grew up Seventh Day Adventist, although my parents were in and out of the church. I now attend a Methodist church though I don't consider myself a "Methodist". I am a follower of Christ. It's been one long journey let me tell ya.
Went to church since I can remember. I consider myself non-denominational because I've gone to community churches, evangelical free churches, and baptist churches. Just go where the church is good.
i've been in/out evfree for years and back in one now.it's the best mix for me at the moment.
Grew up in a plethora of different denoms from Catholic, Methodist, Vineyard, E V Free, Lutheran (all the different kinds), Mars Hill (GR), and now I'm getting ordained in the Reformed Church in America.
Daughter of a head deacon. Southern baptist since birth.
grew up in the Christian (non denominational version) also known as Church of Christ ( instrumental) Very conservative,, no dance, no cards,, I call it the Church of No..Father was a preacher… and it has taken me a loong time to get thru all of it…
I grew up in a Military family. No specific religion, but Church was a must. My biggest hangup are the lies about Easter and Christmas. I almost cannot stand Easter.
I cannot stand the Bunny. This is about Passover, the Lamb of God that was a sacrifice for us. The sinless one who took on sin for me. Then, to prove that he was who he said he was, God raised him from the dead. Don't make it what it is not. It is the Resurrection and the Life.
Hindu
American Baptist Pastor's kid. One American Baptist Uncle Pastor, One Methodist Uncle Pastor, One loser Uncle pastor that went where ever he didn't get kicked out of. My grandfather pastor alternated back and forth between Southern Baptist, American Baptist and Independent Baptist. Brother is an American Baptist Pastor.
I spent 7 years working for SBC association right out of college. Independent church now.
As an Army Brat, a lot of the time we went to protestant service on base. Dad reared as Presbyterian, mom as Baptist. When we lived in places where we went to church off base, it was either Presbyterian or Methodist. I joined the Presbyterian church as a young teen. Husband reared Baptist…we both joined a traditional Methodist church after we married and have gone there ever since.
Grew up Southern Baptist. Now a Southern Baptist pastor.
I'm a third generation Assemblies of God, Pentecostal pastor.
I love it and hate it at the same time.
I've never known anything but church. Blessing and curse.
My parents became Christians when I was in middle school and dragged us off to a Baptist church in PA…but not the kind of Baptist you think! I'm talking about a 4 hour, afro-centric, 30+ person gospel choir, 2+ offerings per service, keyboard riffs mid-sermon, take off running when the Spirit hits you kind of joint in the inner city. I learned to dominate at Bible trivia…
Midway through high school, my parents let me explore for myself and I found Jesus before college with a United Methodist youth group. Went off to Penn State and got plugged into a C&MA church where I did a lot of growing up spiritually. I ended up taking a job in my hometown at that same Methodist church leading worship & doing student ministry.
I'm going on nine years of Jesus transforming my life.
catholic. the big smudge on my forehead during lent (always tried to rub that down a bit), the questions that come when someone sees the photos of me in a "wedding dress" next to a priest when I was 8, the big white scary bible with the gold lettering on our coffee table, 10 more freaking our fathers, red light stay and get nervous, green light oh crap its my turn to see the priest- should I do it face to face, nah I am going back to the screen.
Catholic… now I am non-denominational evangelical whatever you wanna call it… I love Jesus. The end.
I grew up Christian, but outside a traditional church. My dad had (and has) strong feelings against "institutional" church and wanted his kids to be raised outside of any organization. We did home church on and off over the years and I now continue much the same pattern. My church is a talk in the coffee shop or an encounter at the book store.
Was raised in a Southern Baptist home from birth. Went to the same church until I was 23…my mother had attended this church since she was 9 years old! Decided to attend a church closer to our home (previous was about 30 mins. away), and now my parents and I attend a non-denominational church. I met my husband at this church. Parents were very involved in our previous church…dad was Sunday School director, deacon, head of ushers, etc. Mom was Girls in Action leader, nursery worker, Vacation Bible School director for 15 years, etc. We are all heavily involved in our current church…husband serves on the worship band, Mom leads Cold Weather Shelter ministry, Dad is head of Board of Trustees and in charge of Greeters, I am Connections team leader. Love being able to serve using my gifts but also have times of extreme stress and conflicted emotions about it, too.
Only when I visited the grandparents.
Didn't grow up in the church. Went when I was 21 for the first time (with a vicious hangover). A year later I was an intern. My mom is a Wiccan/Buddhist/New Age/Reincarnationist (and surprisingly normal) and my dad was a spiritual alcoholic. My two older brothers are atheists, as well as the rest of my family (minus a small tribe of cousins).
Now I'm a high school pastor. Some of my students have stories that rival mine in Jerry Springer'ness
wow, God worked through all that to you…awesome
Grew up in a small Pentecostal denomination from toddler until my early 20's. Did the whole Wed, Fri, Sun morning then Sun night services. My uncle was the pastor and both my parents were ministers. I did a lot of "church".
Like one comment earlier….both love and hate (good and bad experiences). Had to unlearn a lot of what I grew up believing. Jesus is gracious and forgiving and changes me daily.
I grew up in a United Methodist church and going to a VERY conservative non-denominational Christian school. Conservative as in no school dances because it might lead to…umm…"other activities". haha
I now go to a Southern Baptist Church, but it is not at all like the stereo-type. Thank God!
Grew up in a non-denominational church that really is baptist in its theology. But I never felt at home there because I asked questions like "Who did Adam and Eve's kids marry?" and "Why do you keep asking me if I've found Jesus? Is He lost?" Asking questions about Scripture was frowned upon. Now I attend a PCA church. And it suits me. We think about things. Ponder things. And even, gasp, question things.
Grew up non-denominational. Dad was a deacon. Even helped build the church literally. Baptized Baptist as an adult. No currant church family – looking for one. Found out recently that the church I grew up in had Baptist roots.
Went to church every sunday morning and evening even wednesday night. That stopped after parents got divorced when I was 8. Still taking "baby-steps" while others are "running" in their faith. Dont have a clue most times just believe in the Lord and letting him lead the way.
grew up catholic, methodist, evangelica, pentecostal…but never knew the meaning of Lordship.
got abused by a "christian" @ a young age & was told to forgive even if it was repeated.
hated God with a passion till i was about 20. didn't believe that He existed.
then He chased me down and showed me how much He really lovs me.
i have no religion now. im just a DaughterofGod-Spirit-filled-Jesus freak =)
That's awesome!
iam growing up as an Assembly of God's PK!!
haven't missed a sunday yet!!!
whether i wanted to or not!!
awesome pic los!!
we need to bring back the felt boards!!
Excellent question. Gotta think. Grew up as an MK/PK (a/k/a "double trouble") as an Independent Baptist. Grew up AROUND a lot of people who hid behind rules and chose to make statements about others rather than deal with what's on the inside.
As an adult, chose my own church and ended up in a nondenominational, "Bible believing" church..as they said. My faith really grew. Attended Bible school (Moody Bible) and then moved to San Francisco to be part of a church there. It was half American Baptist and half Southern Baptist but was like no other Baptist church I'd been in: people worshipping in JEANS and there were DRUMS on stage and I LOVED IT! Learned to experience true worship – and saw people for who they really were on the inside. Found out that all our actions that go to fill a hole inside is actually a yearning for God. The people at that church helped me love others to Jesus.
Am now working with junior high kids at a great church that God drew me to in the Midwest. It's a "Christian & Missionary Alliance" church..but I just know that the message of Jesus Christ and his love and sacrifice for us is taught. Wow. Rambled. Sorry 'bout that. Will sign off now!!
Wow…what a powerful set of comments. I think this maybe *shamefully* one of the first times I have read every comment before posting my own. Now I'm a bit shy about it cuz my upbringing wasn't all "complicated" or "irreligious" or "non-churched". And based on my tally the sheet the Southern Baptists win…by a wide margin. My upbringing was Mennonite Brethern. We are more mainstream than our Amish or even Mennonite theological relatives. I remember going to church before I was even born. The words were a bit muffled inside mom's womb but it was def. inside me even then. I'm now on staff at a Mennonite Brethern church in Tulsa. If any of you are interested or looking for a church home in Tulsa check it out…just sayin' there seem to be quite a few of ya here and love to meet ya!
I grew up in a church with felt-boards!
Actually, it was a non-denominational church closely affiliated with the Restoration movement.
Although I have legalistic-roots, I'm pleased to have discovered the beauty of God's grace.
I grew up going to church, but I often wonder if this was good for me in the long run. I've spent a large part of my adult life trying to discern the difference between the truth and the dysfunction of my upbringing, since all of it had Jesus' name attached to it.
Presberterian (sp) then lutheran while I was in my 20s. Last 5 or 6 years I have attend a mega non denominational christian church in a growing part of San Diego. I didn't really attend church often from a child till tennager.
Daughter of an agnostic and a professional numerologist, so no, I didn't step foot in a church until I was in junior high school. I didn't even know what Christmas and Easter were about until I was 12 years old and one of my friends shared the gospel with me. Suddenly everything made sense.
Super-legalistic Pentecostal church+Catholic school K-6+Christian school = legalism w/ a side of Catholic guilt. I seriously considered officially converting to Catholicism for a few years before finally settling on non-denominational church in 2000. The concept of grace blows my mind daily.
I was raised and still am a Quaker. (not Amish, Quaker – we do have electricity, internet, etc.) And, excluding about 3 years (while my hubby was pastoring elsewhere), I've been attending the same church since I was one year old.
It's kinda weird. Lots of changes and new things, but a lot of sentimental memories. Definitely weird.
My dad's an ordained Southern Baptist minister who left church ministry to work in an SBC agency when I was little. We were at church Sunday morning and night and Wednesday night and any other time the doors were open, without fail. (And we weren't allowed to wear pants instead of skirts most Sunday nights, until we finally convinced my mom that it was probably okay with Jesus.) My sister and I also went to an SBC-run camp in the mountains for two weeks every summer where we learned that part of being a good Baptist young lady is learning how to shoot a target.
Because of my dad's job, I grew up smack in the middle of the Southern Baptist Convention's war over doctrinal purity. Watching people slander one another in Jesus' name at an impressionable doesn't exactly do a lot for your faith. I intentionally left the SBC in college and have been at moderate Baptist churches ever since. Moving to Atlanta this summer and not sure where I'll end up.
Grew up in the Congregational church (in Iowa), but then we moved & the Methodist church was where I headed. Stayed with that for a long time. Church camp and all the other stuff. In college I went to a non-denominational church. It was an old pre-Civil War church (outside Oxford, Ms). I had never been to a church that really focused on Jesus until then. That was when I really became "born again". I don't like that term now. But, that's another discussion.
Now? I have not been a regular church goer in a while. The Southern Baptist thing is a little too strict for me. Haven't found a church that isn't just about the "religion". I want to find a church where I can grow spiritually and stay focused on Him. Less distraction of the church politics and more emphasis on personal growth and how I can impact those around me. It's important to me to be able to pass on what I have learned in my recovery, too. Without scaring people with "religious" overtones. Many people in recovery had either no religion growing up or they grew up in fear of God & religion. It's been an eye-opener the past 21 months. I thought everyone grew up going to Sunday School. How naive! I want to share my experience, strength, & hope with others. And I want people to know my "higher power" in God. I hate that term "higher power". The only power greater than me is God. No other "higher power" need apply.
mom faithfully took us kids to the united methodist church. dad stayed home most of the time. i found the lord at a david meece concert in a baptist church in wichita, ks in 1990. ditched the umc and started going to a nazarene church on my own at 16, after an invitation from my boss at radio shack. met my future wife at a vbs at a nazarene church in western, ks… midamerica nazarene university…wedded bliss..two wonderful kids…still nazarene.
Grew up Catholic. After confirmation(8th grade) quit church. 12th grade, followed hot girls to Young Life. Got things right with God. Attended various churches for 5 years. Married in United Methodist Church and was on staff for 4 years in Youth Ministry. Burned out and escaped to Vineyard Community Church where I happily volunteer. Hence, I am The Churchpunk.
Grew up as a fourth generation Pentecostal / Assembly of God preachers kid, attended four years at a baptist high school, graduated from a Nazarene University, and currently serve as associate pastor at a non-denominational church.
Music ministers kid… parents like to brag that I was the youngest kid in the nursery. I've had rough times and different things I've had to realize because of my upbringing, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Raised in a Presbyterian Church by caring Christian family and fellow members. Joined a Baptist Church at 15, "got saved", became probably more fundamentalist than the specific church itself (hey 'los!), mellowed out about it through college, and it stopped making sense for me. Harshly rejected it because so much depended on Literal Interpretation, young Earth-7 Day Creation, etc. for it to work at all — went through a number of unhappy years but finally came to a peaceful Universalist/Taoist sort of perspective and have been much better off – for me.
Dads an ordained Nazarene Pastor so I grew up going to a small church in the great north (far from the Bible Belt). Legalism literally scared the hell out of me growing up so I gave up on "religion." Tried to follow suit by going to a Christian college in the midwest but it made me sick so I transfered to a state school. Truly began to follow Christ 4 years ago (at 20). Found myself in South Africa with some charismatic friends, some pretty sweet Calvinists back home, but mainly the streets of the slums in South Africa is where I found true worship. I am on staff at my dads church right now where God is using me. I consider myself to be non-denominational which is a big step….. Left the denom because I needed something more and dont agree with everything… plus they have a problem with my love of red wine.
I grew up in Utah, therefore to have friends I starting going to church with my neighbors/friends in the Mormon church. I was baptized into the LDS church at 13. I moved to Oklahoma lost my faith after a traumatic event before moving, And found the faith of sin in Oklahoma. I was wild, when I got pregnant at 19 unmarried and alone I still had no faith. When I got pregnant reconciling with my sons dad I ended up even more lost. When my brother dragged me to church on Easter 2003 at LIfechurch.tv during the series "whats the difference" on the day Craig talked about mormons and the difference between them and christians I did not get it. But a year later I told Craig I got it. From that day on I was a member of Christ family. I still look through father, mormon, childhood googles when I look to my Father in Heaven and doubt more than I believe. But now I know the difference.
I was raised in a "church" but not "the Church". I grew up Unitarian. So, yeah. I've had an interesting journey.
I had no religious upbringing. I was raised by a father who had Jewish parents, but disliked church himself, and a mother who was forced into Catholicism as a child, and therefore also dislikes any form of it. They raised me with atheist views but at the age of 10 I started attending a church with a friend, much to my parents dismay. They worked hard at keeping me away from the church, but over time they gave up and "allowed" my faith. I'm 18 now, and still am the only person in my family who is apart of a Church.
I was raised as Hare Krishna, then after my parents left that it was no church, just vegetarian, hippy, liberals
. Got shipped off to Sunday school for free babysitting at a non-denominational charismatic church and "got saved" in high school. //// (first comment! longtime lurker)
I was raised in a Buddhist family, or at the very least, my parents followed a very Buddhist philosophy. We never really went to temple or anything of the sort.
First converted at the age of 14, but I didn't really meet Jesus until shortly after my 20th birthday.
Yip, I went to Childrens Church and I remember this origami paper cutting thing that results in a cross and a few other shapes that tell a bit about the story of Christ. My Mom was a volunteer teacher teacher – those were the days, lol (Durban Christian Center, South Africa – yes I did dance in the isles)
I stuck around for a while – made it to the teenager program, but unfortunately the mad days as a teenager and my 20's took me away from there.
Non-Denominational but looking back it was sooooooooooo Baptist.
Grew up Southern Baptist, but getting tired of the labels. I hate that marketing has become a necessity for getting unchurched people in the doors; but it has, hence the gowth in Non-denominational tagged churches, Which isn't a bad thing, but from what I see, alot of them are ND, but Baptist at their core.
I wonder how non-charasmatic ND churches would handle it if someone rolled up in there and had one of those Baptism by fire, tongue speakin', rolling aroound on the ground episodes in the middle of their ND service?
Anyone else ever wonder?
I say this because I see a lot of great ND churches, and then there are some ND's that are extremely charasmatic (to each their own per say, not hatin') and then some even have openly gay and lesbian couples as members and they encourage it, (the lifestyle)…not that our brothers and sisters in Christ shouldn't be members or at our churches, but the curch openly supporting sinful behavior is just a bit too far outside the box in my opinion. Not trying to cause a ruckus, but had these thoughts on my mind…
I actually got asked this question earlier. By a woman who encouraged me to give up becoming a pastor. I never had to big of a religious upbringing, but did attend a "contemporary non-denominational" church on and off for a few years.
I spent the summers with my Grandparents when I was a kid and they would take me to a Nazarene church. Nothing consistent until about 20 years later at a Church of God with my girlfriend (now wife) and her family. I'm pretty sure they scared me more than anything else. No sound system, but by far the loudest church I've ever heard.
No affiliation – just good midwestern churchin'
Uhhhhh I believe Emmanuel was United Brethren less you forget, so that is some affiliation. But really it was just the Church-of-Denny-Miller
I never even heard of the infamous "felt" board until I went to college. I had no religious upbringing at all really. I even remember asking my mother in the Christmas of 7th grade what Christmas was.
I started going to church at the end of middle school. Parents weren't really happy that I got involved in that "religious thing." I think my dad actually thought I joined a cult to be honest. Which now that I say that, I should probably specify that the "Church-of-Denny-Miller" is an exaggeration – just to be clear.
Grew up unchurched. Baptized Presbyterian but didn't attend a church service until I was a Sr. in high school, and even then not too often. I did read the entire Bible in high school though. Can't say a lot of it sunk in though…at least near-term.
And now I do music for children's ministry. Real easy when you're familiar with about 5 traditional tunes.
Catholic church until Communion then intermittently, then nothing until around college and I realized it is about a relationship not a religion, did not learn that in my Catholic Church though.
Now I will say my wife went to what I call an evangelical Catholic Church, does that make sense?
They preached it there! Unfortunately that is not the norm in my experience but it does exist!
Grew up rolling around the floor of a Methodist church in outback Australia, then a Lutheran boarding school, a Baptist "mega" church (by Oz stds in the 90s) that believed in dancing, and now a pente
I'm not really into denominations though.
wow…that's heavy bro…
You reckon? Compared to your experience, I had the easiest time in the world…
It was all about love in all of those places. Sure, not perfect, but full of love for each other and God – that's the legacy I remember. Sometimes that love was too insular and not outward looking enough, but it's good to recognise when that is the case and DO something about it
there was a drafting teacher in my high school who kept me afterschool because I was behind on a project. He said he'd let me go home early if I came to youth group. I gave in. that started the process.
I've been married 16 yrs in July. God led me to an amazing, beautiful woman, and I got superhero in-laws in the package.
I was raised Baptist till I was 17 then I dove head long into being Penecostal. I attendedJimmy Swaggarts church for the four years leading up to the first fall. THEN I got even deeper into pentecost at a laughing, dancing, full on, no holds bard charismatic church, then retreated back into Baptist for a few years and now for the last 11 years I have been somewhere inbetween all that. I actually say I am a Bapti-presbi-colstal-ic. Even though I never attended a Presbiterian Church, I like to drink so I'm kinda presbiterian
i love your "Bapti-presbi-colstal-ic"
I actually think i was born in the the church nursery. Maybe not…but it sure felt like it. I wasn't a PK but my parents were very involved in our Baptist church in So. Cal. You know i don't remember too much nasty/crazy stuff..my parents were and are amazing followers of Christ. To be honest, they modeled to me what is was like to be a christian and in the world. I think they got looked down upon by friends because they were not hardcore about "unchristian" music, dancing, cards, alcohol, or any of the other "normal" BAD things of this world…becasue of this I HATE THE ATTITUDES OF LEGALISTIC CHRISTIANS!
i got all that inside me!!
laughing about the nursery! i went to a college with a lot of legalism…yuck.
I went to Catholic school until 6th grade. Around 8th grade I left the church entirely and became an atheist. 9 months ago I accepted Christ as my savior. So, you know, normal everyday Christian upbringing, right? =/
I grew up in a home where the god of sex, drugs, and rock and roll was what my family worshiped. My dad was basically Atheist. How's this for amazing grace… we had tons of babysitters bc my mom was a bartender and my dad a musician/entertainer and finally we got a babysitter who knew Christ and witnessed to me and my siblings – we all got saved and started going to church, and now we are leading our parents to Christ… My Dad no longer drinks (heavy alcoholic past) and gives all the credit for the good in his life to God.
I am so grateful…. I feel like God picked me up out of the devil's pawn shop and brought me home and dressed me up…
I grew up in a "Mennonite Church." I put quotes around that because it had not been a traditional mennonite church for years and years. It was really like a non-denominational church. I actually always thought the name hindered some people from going. Just the other day someone asked me if I used to wear a bonnet and the traditional Mennonite clothing. If you were to watch people coming out of that church most would probably be wearing jeans. That taught me the importance of a name.
4th generation Pentecostal. PK. Church staffer. Church planter
Grew up United Methodist 'til I was 15 – my parents were part of one of those infamous "groups" of people who left to start a "charismatic" church … the only one in town – I reluctantly had to move over w/ them – I was enjoying being w/ my friends in youth group. Moved there … and stayed in that flow the rest of the way.
Independent Baptist. Flannelgraphs all the way!!
Raised Southern Baptist. Grandfather is a Southern Baptist preacher. Other grandfather was a deacon for 50 years. Dad was a deacon and became a pastor when I was 15. Still in a Southern Baptist church, though not one that I consider "traditional", and my husband is a deacon.
My dad was a worship pastor, but they don't go to church much any more – that's a long story. Went to church all my life but met Jesus when I was 16. I grew up in a Baptist church (SBC) with a Pentecostal twist – unfortunately the local Baptists didn't like us, but neither did the charismatic churches. Moved to Nashvegas to help launch a non-denom church (pretty much SBC) and now we're at a charismatic non-denom… right at home.
Simple, suburban, Kansas, SBC
My dad was a Methodist Minister so naturally I was in the Methodist church helping out nearly every day. After high school, I went to YWAM and discovered the wonders of non-denominational churches. I began attending a Vineyard Church in Orlando. I'm currently back to attending a Methodist Church here in Virginia, but consider myself non-denominational. I believe that there is no single "right" way to worship. Sure, dancing in the aisles may not work for me, but if that brings you closer to God, then awesome!
I went to private Christian school for 14 years, but that did more to turn me away from Jesus than bring me closer to Him. My Family never attended a church. I started going to church on my own just 2 years ago at 26 after a traumatic marriage, had an indescribable longing in my heart for Christ, was saved then baptized, and now am free!
I grew up with divorced Nor cal hippie parents never went to church ever not even with a friend. I did how ever have 3 very positive encounters with "Christians" (little did I know God was paving a way for me.) 1. in the 6th grade my fend Josh's father died, Josh was sad and hurt be he also had the peace of knowing his dad was with Jesus. 2. The first time I walked in to a church I am like 14 and my dad's friend Greg has just died of leukemia at 42 2 weeks after his father died. This Church was packed with people crying, smiling, singing, celebrating a mans short life as a Husband Father and Christ Follower. I was blown away. 3. Some years later I start dating This chick who is a "Christin" I happen to fall madly in love with this chick and when I asked her what it meant to be a Christin he jumped on it! Prayed with me and I have been following Jesus ever since. That Chick became my Wife on march 16 2001! moved to ATL in 2000 went to a small church in Grant Park for a year then North Point now it's all about the 6:00 at BC!
i grew up ELCA and still go to ELCA, although to a new congregation in a new state.
LOL!
Grew up an AG Pastor's Grankid, then became a PK when my father answered the call to become a pastor. I am eternally grateful for my passionate, faithful and sometimes strict upbrining. it's helped me discern my way through life.
These are great stories.
I grew up Lutheran until I was 13 and confirmed and then no one cares if you show up anymore. Went from Wiccan to a drugged-up agnostic to a bitter atheist in eight years. Finally surrendered to the Lord when I was 21.
Grew up in a very traditional Southern Baptist Church. My dad and I started the first worship band and there was hell to pay. We didn't clap (unless someone had been on staff for any time divisible by 10), we didn't laugh, we had to wear ties, and I'm not sure loved others. I stay up at night thinking about the church (its going downhill fast, not in numbers but divorce, scandal, leadership leaving). As a church planter, I do everything I can to guard against the things that lead to apathy and self-centeredness as a church.
By the time I was 18 yrs old my father had been married 4 times. I've had more step-siblings come/go than you can imagine. In 1987 during my Senior yr of high school I was invited to a Young Life Club. God got my attention that night. I became a YL leader/then Youth Pastor-went to college/seminary/married a righteous MK/PK with 3-5 generations of global ministry. I thank God everyday for reaching out. I'm now a Pastor/Creative Director/Dad/Soccer Coach/Husband
Thanks for asking.
I grew up in the Church of Christ. We came up believing that we were the only people that were going to heaven. As a teen I was very judgmental of others. I left the COC going on 9 years now. A majority of my family still belong to the church and believe that the few of us that attend other churches are heathens and evil. My grandmother has a bitterness particularly for Baptist. When I was living in Atlanta I attended Buckhead Church and loved it! It's what I miss most. I now attend a similar church in Florida.
Grew up right in the middle of the non-denominational movement. Very strict parents, missionary kid, played keys when I was 11. I've seen some pretty ugly stuff and honestly, I can't believe I'm still a christian! I love the shift that has happened in the post-Pentecostal church, it's not about rolling around in the floor…it's relationship. Church is finally cool!
that's good
Went to a non-denominational Christian church til I was 16 when my beloved Preacher died. Then attended different Baptist churches with friends. Never really saw a difference in the they way each was preached. I guess that is why I am so comfortable in a baptist church.
I grew up with an agnostic father and a mother who conversed with God by playing her flute on mountaintops. My grandmothers were independent Baptist and United Methodist and both took me to church some but I thought the whole thing was a bunch of BS, especially the Baptist theology. I went to Catholic services with friends on a somewhat regular basis so I probably got equal thirds of each denomination. By my twenties, I gradually came to realize there was a God but I didn't turn my life over until I was near 30. I had friends who continously invited me to church and one day I went. The rest, as they say, is history. I'm baptized, leading in my church and loving this difficult journey of life. And my church is a Southern Baptist church. God has a fine sense of humor.
very cool !
I grew up Methodist. Methodist Granddad Pastor. Pretended to like Jesus and then got rocked when we attended C3 Church in Clayton NC. I found who and what Jesus really is.
just like you dude- southern baptist preachers kid and now i am a southern baptist preacher
i'm a pk. my father is also a southern baptist pastor. i grew up going to church every single day.
but i'm currently not very religious. I always been very confused about faith and christianity since I was little. Still confused and unsure at 24.
I was brought up in a presbyterian church… I still go there.
I grew up going to sunday school almost every week, in the children's program called "Pioneers". I was a lier, because I would get prizes for reading my Bible everyday, but I didn't really read it. I'm so bad.
It wasn't that great of an experience, even though all I know now is from that. I was the scranny kids, a stick, bone, and I was bullied mostly.
But other than that, it was pretty cool.
all over the place:
- dad was/is an ex-mormon turned new agey turned panentheist
- mom is a cultural catholic (all good filipinos are)
- brother is now an agnostic philisophy major
- family on my dad's side are devout mormon
i grew up a southern baptist preacher's kid. LIFE IN THE FISHBOWL. now, i work at a non-denom church with women pastors. glad i got our alive. haha
grew up in more churches than I can count on 2.5 hours of sleep…all over the world. many different evangelical denominations. all different shapes and sizes and sandals is my 2nd church Home. I say home with a capital H, intentionally. The church I grew up in in Australia was my first real Home, after years of moving around, I felt like I grew some roots there. Now I just love my church Home.
I grew up worshiping ancestors and many gods in my Buddhist and Animist practices. That is what my parents still do. Need to be praying for them, as they are still in the bondage of doing and practicing certain rites to be on the "good side" of the spirits. That's what a lot of Asians practice, especially in HK and Taiwan.
Grew up Apostolic Pentecostal. Sundays we were all day church events. And we were there about 4 additional nights for services or other group activities. Whole family was very active and involved and if there was some activity a church, if we didn't go to that, then we couldn't go anywhere else.
Still an Ap-pent, but my have we come a long way…
grew up Church of God… holiness or hell.
unfortunately.
Aaauuu that pictures gives me HIVES!!! I was raised Grace Brethren, translation, I was raised on guilt…now I'm free in Christ and working in full time ministry.
Grew up in a southern Baptist church for 24 years. After the last 4 years of battle in the church between the ones who do not want change & who wants to be in control of things and those who want to see the church grow and who truly wants to worship- I've quit. Now my family and I visiting other churches, mostly non-denominational.
Grew up as an independent baptist preacher's son. Pretty conservative home that relaxed after I was married and out of the house. Had great parents but it wasn't until later and in ministry myself, that I realized all the pressure they were under. We were pretty sheltered from it all.
Southern Baptist since before birth. I was a deacon's kid (the ones that got the PKs in trouble!). Then I became a rebel after 38 years and now am on staff at a Non-denom church with about 9 other SBC converts!
Born and raised pentecostal. Still am, which makes my religious history pretty boring. =) I wasn't ever really 'in' church in my heart until about 18 or so, though. That's when Jesus became personal.
Jesus Christ wasn't a person, god, or religious figure. It was an expression that you yelled out when you stubbed your toe or were really pissed at your kids.
peace|dewde
Never grew up in church. Might have been taken when I was very young but I don't remember it. Got saved when I was 20 years old in a Pentecostal church and have since moved on to a Baptist Church.
My parents started going to church (a Baptist, North American Baptist, I think) when I was ten. Withing the year, my whole family accepted Christ as our Saviour and there's been no turning back. I go to a community church now and I don't even know the denomination!
Never went to church as a child man!
Grew up in the Baptist Church. Worked at a Presbyterian Camp for 3 years. In college I went to a Methodist Church. Now I am a semester missionary for a Collegiate Ministry that is Southern Baptist. God is still God though.
I grew up in a tight brethern church in scotland. I remember the first Sunday with a piano (I'm only 25)…. then the first with drums. Women being allowed to speak (apart from teaching the children) is a bridge yet to be crossed. I became a "Christian" at a young age because it's what we did. In my early twenties I actually experience what being in relationship with Christ is. Now part of an missionary alliance church in Canada!
My mom was the piano player at church so yep, we were there pretty much every time the doors were open. But I loved it. I have great memories of rolling underneath the pews all the way from the back of the church to the front and playing tag in the field outside. I want that for my kids – for them to think church is fun and wonderful so that they can grow into knowing God and all of his wonder.
Oh and my church growing up was CMA (Christian & Missionary Alliance) and we now belong to a non-denominational church with Baptist roots.
I grew up mostly non-denominational…attended many different churches. Husband grew up NOT attending church at all, never taught anything about Christ (Mother is a believer we found out later, dad didn't want to go to church). When we got married, we both decided we needed to attend Church and did not really become walking Christians until the past few years.
In the past I felt shame for not having a 'growing up in church' heritage… but now I'm really glad that I came to Christ without the years of forced church attendance. Joined my first church as an 18 year old pregnant teen
Conception to age 9 – Non-denominationl Bible Church
Ages 9 to 14 – Missionary Baptist
Ages 14 to 29 – SBC
Just since last November moved back to at non-denominational church and LOVE IT.
After I was married and we had to make the decision about what church to attend, I know God has lead us to each church for a reason (2 SBC churches and now the non-denominational church). God is good that way. When we follow HIS lead on a church then it is the right thing!
I love to answer this question with honest truth, straight up… I grew up in a skanky trailer park with a single mom and two older brothers; we made fun of the kids who got on the church bus that came around on Sunday mornings. Mom was a neglectful drunk, her boyfriends were typically drunk/high/abusive, my brothers went on to become users, dealers and felons. The desert I ran into was sex but the Angel of the Lord found me, heard me, saw me (Gen 16:7+). Though I didn't listen to His voice til I was 33, He has brought such incredible beauty from what Satan worked so hard to destroy. Now I'm a youth pastor, giving my days to whispering worth into any teen who dares to make eye contact with me. That thing Paul said about Him weaving every little thing together for GOOD? He wasn't just messin.
Thanks for asking!
I grew up Lutheran and now work in a Lutheran church. Sometimes we clap in worship… sometimes.
Grew up Pentecostal – Im a PK too. Was at church EVERY Sunday morning and night, Tuesday night and Friday night. Never new any different so it didn't bother me. After high school, I drifted away from actually attending but never stopped believing… Now I'm attending a non denom church that fully believes in the father,son and holy spirit and speaking in tongues.. LOVE IT
I grew up Catholic in Louisiana. That says it all. Catechism, Catholic school, the works. I started reading the GIANT ornamental family bible (the one with the gold pages and awesome artwork)when I was 18. That changed everything for me. It had never dawned on me before to actually read the bible. That was 26 years ago. I'm still being changed.
Nope, no church for me growing up, except when my best friend would take me along with her family to the Gospel Hall — where I eventually got saved at VBS (Vacation Bible School, y'know!). Now go to the Brethren church when I'm home, and the Baptist church when away at school. I'm a church salad, really
I grew up in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). My Dad is a deacon and my mom is a missionary. Now that I am a lot older, I am still in church, but I don't think that I will be a member of a COGIC church soon. I don't have anything against them personally. That type of church is just not for me.
i grew up Catholic, but never went to church. i was 16 before i stepped foot into a protestant church and it was the weirdest thing i'd ever seen. got saved at a baptist summer camp. go figure.
I was born in the Assembly of God, and will most assuredly die in the Assembly of God. I mean I did it all. Royal Rangers, Fine Arts, youth conventions, and even the occasional women's camp.
Grew up in non-denominational Bible churches.
Parents sent us to Baptist churches on a local bus that would pick kids up. Religion was assumed and not practiced at all in my house. We all were getting to heaven on account on Grandaddy being a pastor. Very Southern Baptist, indeed. Did not give my heart and surrender my life to Christ until age 15. Did not really learn to love God for myself until my 20's.
Currently in my 30's and a deacon's wife who grew up PK.
Mennonite Brethren, Just to the left of the horse and buggy set.
Catholic now.