So, You Want To Join A Church? It is a well-known fact that more people used to go to church than they do now - in the Developed world at least - and it is another well-known fact that it tends to be the older people who go to church, perhaps because they would like to hedge their bets before it gets too late. Well, now the Baby Boomers are getting old, so does that mean that the Western religions will see a renaissance? It is also a fact that people have got used to travelling away from their place of birth to find a job, which has been made easier by a better road and rail network, better public transport and cheaper cars, so lots of people may find themselves in an region, where they have lived for years, but where they do not know traditional institutions like the churches. So what should someone do if they would like to (re)kindle their religious practice at church in a town where they do not know anything of the churches, their histories or their clergy? Well, the first and most obvious question to answer is: which denomination do you believe in the most? Let's suppose you reply 'Catholic'; if there is no Catholic Church in the region, would you be alright to go to a Protestant Church - a Baptist or a Methodist Church? The same is the case with other religions, but I cannot state names with the same amount of assurance as when talking about Christianity. If you are unsure, you are in a better position than lots of people, because you are able to go on a fact-finding tour without any bias. So, if you do not know which church or even which religion you favour, go to a different one every week. Sunday is not always the best day to visit a Christian church because it is the busiest day of the week, but you will see on the notice board outside or in the foyer which other days the church holds services on. If you are a white 'Christian' sort, do not feel that you cannot go into churches of denominations from all over the world, but take a little time to do some research first so that you do not flagrantly upset any traditions or taboos. For instance, many religions forbid the wearing of shoes in church and some demand that the head is covered. Ask a friend to go with you if you are uncertain. People of all religions are happy to take visitors who are genuine in their search for knowledge. Language may be your biggest stumbling block with religions established abroad. If going into a church of an unfamiliar religion is too much, you could look on Google for on line forums that relate to the religion that you are interested in. That way, you are more likely to find knowledge in your own language too. There are numerous English-language forums on Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and more. If you do go into an unknown church alone, sit towards the back but endeavour not to sit yards and yards from the nearest person or you will feel isolated. It is good to sit towards the back though because then you are not intruding and you can leave if you are not comfortable.
After the service is finished, do not be in a hurry to leave. Just sit there quietly, reading through the hymn book. Give it ten minutes or so. By then, someone should have noticed that they have a stranger in their midst and someone should have come over to see how you are. Some churches will even offer you tea or coffee, biscuits and a chat. This is your chance to see how friendly the congregation is. If no-one comes over to introduce themselves, I personally would never go back there. If no-one comes over, say hello to the person who held the service on the way out, but endeavour to be one of the last out so that they have the time to talk to you if they would like to. Again, if they merely shake your hand, mutter something like 'nice to see you again' and move on to the next one, so would I - I would move onto the next church. Owen Jones, the writer of this piece, writes on a variety of subjects, but is now involved with religious beliefs in China. If you would like to know more go to What is Religious Belief?