Haven't been to church for years, nervous but desire joining a woman's study there.
Q: I did it, I went to church today for the first time in about 6 years and I really liked the church I went to. A few people introduced themselves to me and they all seemed like nice people.
The church is having a women's Bible study on Tuesday night and I really want to go this upcoming Tuesday but I'm soooooo nervous about going. Is it even appropriate for me to go since I've only been to church one Sunday? My fear is that I'll be the odd one out, that all the women there already know each other and are friends and that nobody will talk to me or like me. I feel like I don't know much about the Bible even though I was raised Christian. I'm worried that the other women there will think I'm stupid. I know it's probably all in my head but I'm so torn about whether I should go or not. I've never done a Bible study before, and I have no clue what to expect. Should I go😬? Should I attend for a few months and then go🤔? Any advice would be very much appreciated.😊
A: Every day new people get saved. They might be 102, 12 or 28. Everyone at church is at s different point in their walk. Everyone at church knows that. Even folk who grew up at church, and later came back, have lots of Bible and Faith questions. No question is dumb.
The important thing to do first is ensure you are saved. Then the indwelling Holy Spirit will help teach you, reveal things to you while you read Scripture, and when you study and learn at church thtough sermons and Bible studies.
But yes, go to Sunday School, and dont let fear or pride get in the way. Write questions down as you go through class, and if appropriate time to ask some, cause your hand and ask. [But the teacher has limited time to get in everything they'd trying to teach, so feel free to chat after class with them to see if you can talk about the questions by phone, or email them to each other to get answers during the week]. They'll be happy to. You can also check the above link first for FAQ answers before sending the questions out. 😊
Go attend Tuesday and give a brief introduction about yourself. "Hi I'm Jane, I had gone to church in the past, haven't been to church in 6 years, was drawn to this church and have interest in this study so I came. [I got saved the other day] and now I'm looking to be discipled. I thought I would start here, see the decons & Pastor tomorrow night to get in baptism class and the discipleship class. Happy to be here". Something like that. Just bring your Bible. The leader will either teach from it, or an approved study the church made or a book study the church leaders approved. They'll explain the study, and you'll see as you go. They might have light snacks too.
Just make sure the church is protestant and examine their website "faith statement/what we believe" to ensure it aligns with the essentials of biblical Christianity. *Otherwise you'll need to leave to find a true Christian Church. [It's not as easy today as it was in 2000; not every "church" is a true one]. (*if they say God isn't a trinity, that baptism saves you, or that the Holy Spirit comes later, avoid that "church" it's teaching people heresy).
On Wednesday morning, call the church and let them know you are in need of baptism class as a new [saved] believer and to sign up for the discipleship class. Then you can meet the Pastor, possibly Wed night after worship service [if they have mid week] to discuss your salvation, and then be given info about the baptism class and your baptism, and to join the church. Baptism precedes joining the church. Then discipleship helps teach you the foundational basics of Christianity (if your at a small church & they don't have one then go thru the one here asap at home).
Here are resources to help you grow & save you some pain as a newer believer. It can help you grow towards maturity in the Faith, and answer many faq. There's also a Bible study section with a intro and faq about every book if the Bible there. 😊✨️✝️
God bless
