I am having church conflicts?

Go to the one that you think is right for YOU!! If that's your first choice fine, if that's the one your friend goes to, good, or your parents, whatever....go there for YOU not for them. Parents shouldn't force kids to go to a certain church or else they'll totally turn them away from the church forever, as hapened to my sister. Go to each church one more time, and decide which one feels best to you. Go for you, not for your parents or friends. If parents and/or friends happen to attend the church you choose, call it a happy bonus.

A few things: If you really want to find a great church, find a church that teaches the word of God and encourages you to have your Bible open. A great church and great church leaders will desire you to grow spiritually and will take great interest in you as a person. Sometimes youth get overlooked in this whole thing, which is very sad to me... my husband and I work with high schoolers and lead the youth group. Find a church that feels like a second family and excepts you for who you are now, not just who they hope you will become. I think that you also need to attend church with your parents (but that doesn't mean that you can't attend other churches with their permission). Remember that in order to honor God you should also honor your parents!

At 16, you should be able to go the church where you feel you will receive the most spiritual growth. Don't pick a church because it is just where you always went, or where your best friend goes, or the convenience of the location. A good church will teach the word of God as it is in the Bible, not just what the parishoners want to hear. The congregation will be supportive and non-judgmental, not harsh and legalistic. The members will take an active part in the church organization and not leave all the work to the pastor and elders. If your parents insist that you occasionally attend the church the attend, you should do so out of honor for them, but that doesn't mean you have to agree with everything that goes on there. If something happens there that you feel is not right, you are old enough to respectfully voice your opinions. It can often take many visits to many churches before you find the one that feels "right" to you. I love to see young people who are committed to Christ, and I wish you all the best in finding a church you love. And don't forget to ask God for guidance in your decision!

I say whichever one you wish to attend have the elder(s) meet with you & your parents to discuss this whole issue. Then they will see what your Chrstianity means to you. As a child growing up I had the Catholic religion jammed down my thraot & to this day I can't stand that religion. I like you classify myself as a Chrstian or Spiritualist depending on the situation. I don't think "religion" I think "spiritual" Thanks for this great topic also & good luck with your future in this aspect of your life. I wish you well. Have fun here & HAppy postings.

Finding a church where you can really feel at home is sometimes not easy. It must be a place which is conducive to one's own personal growth as a Christian and where you can actively participate in all activities and grow in your knowledge of God. It's good that you have several choices. I'm sure your parents being Christians themselves will understand your concerns.