Visiting A Mormon Church Today

[Guest Soul_Searcher]

blazius,

As a male non-member in his late 20's who is also single i think i can answer your question from my own personal experiences.

I've been to 3 or 4 wards and found that the experience changes with each ward. Some wards try to put you with the missionaries right away and the push is on to get you to start the road to baptism. Some wards really don't overly notice you, or seem to atleast, and just let you go with the flow and if you want to know more you can ask. Others will open their arms to you, treat you like an old friend but not push, but you will feel welcome.

Judgments come from individuals not the ward as a whole, or so i have found. Some are narrow minded and blind and will see you as either a potential convert or something beneath them. others will be glad to have you there and be willing to help, without judging your reason, just because you are willing to learn.

First advice might be to check out a few different wards if you are able, and never judge on the first experience. My first trip was made uncomfortable by me being put on show by the people who took me, and by making fun of something i said infront of the entire priesthood meeting. however another ward and a fwe years later and i really enjoyed the experience and went many more times.

[Guest MrsS]

blazius,

As a male non-member in his late 20's who is also single i think i can answer your question from my own personal experiences.

I've been to 3 or 4 wards and found that the experience changes with each ward. Some wards try to put you with the missionaries right away and the push is on to get you to start the road to baptism. Some wards really don't overly notice you, or seem to atleast, and just let you go with the flow and if you want to know more you can ask. Others will open their arms to you, treat you like an old friend but not push, but you will feel welcome.

Judgments come from individuals not the ward as a whole, or so i have found. Some are narrow minded and blind and will see you as either a potential convert or something beneath them. others will be glad to have you there and be willing to help, without judging your reason, just because you are willing to learn.

First advice might be to check out a few different wards if you are able, and never judge on the first experience. My first trip was made uncomfortable by me being put on show by the people who took me, and by making fun of something i said infront of the entire priesthood meeting. however another ward and a fwe years later and i really enjoyed the experience and went many more times.

This happens to members who move into a new area and are attending a ward/branch for the first time too- so it isn't just non-members. You will be a new face - and you will be asked if you are visiting, with the assumption that you are already a member. This generally happens in Gospel Doctrine class and RS/Priesthood classes.

Be honest and say that you are investigating. By telling them from the get go that you are investigating, you can now ask questions during the class, and the Teacher will know how best to answer you. Be sure to ask questions if you have them. Gospel Doctrine class is to learn from - not just doze through. If the Missionaries approach you, be honest and tell them whether or not you want the discussions. IF they push, be honest and tell them to quit being so pushy.

[blazius]

Be honest and say that you are investigating. By telling them from the get go that you are investigating, you can now ask questions during the class, and the Teacher will know how best to answer you. Be sure to ask questions if you have them. Gospel Doctrine class is to learn from - not just doze through. If the Missionaries approach you, be honest and tell them whether or not you want the discussions. IF they push, be honest and tell them to quit being so pushy.

Alright, so I go to the Gospel Doctrine class and ask questions, but who would be the one teaching? What I mean is, would he/she be a qualified teacher? How would I know to trust this person?

Also, you tell me to ask questions, but I have LOTS of questions—are they going to have the patience to explain what I need to know? I guess where I’m going with this is that I would love to hear someone provide solid, credible information in a patient manner without judging me. I mean, I want to know that I can trust the information given to me.

thanks,

blazius

[darkwind]

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Be honest and say that you are investigating. By telling them from the get go that you are investigating, you can now ask questions during the class, and the Teacher will know how best to answer you. Be sure to ask questions if you have them. Gospel Doctrine class is to learn from - not just doze through. If the Missionaries approach you, be honest and tell them whether or not you want the discussions. IF they push, be honest and tell them to quit being so pushy.

Alright, so I go to the Gospel Doctrine class and ask questions, but who would be the one teaching? What I mean is, would he/she be a qualified teacher? How would I know to trust this person?

Also, you tell me to ask questions, but I have LOTS of questions—are they going to have the patience to explain what I need to know? I guess where I’m going with this is that I would love to hear someone provide solid, credible information in a patient manner without judging me. I mean, I want to know that I can trust the information given to me.

thanks,

blazius

Blazius,

The teachers are all members of the ward who are "called" into the position by the leadership. Some teachers are better than others. All use church material to teach the class, so what information they give is what the church teaches. That being said, some beliefs are confusing to people who are inquiring, new converts, and even "old" members. My experience has been that honest questions are welcomed.

I would encourage you to meet with the missionaries. They will teach you the basic beliefs of the church, support you in your spiritual journey, and answer a lot of questions. You can have the talks and still not get baptized, if you aren't sure that's the right decision for you. I had the talks 4 different times, over a time period of 5 years. I was not treated with any disrespect by the Elders and nor was I ever pressured to be baptized or do anything I didn't want to do. They will invite you to "try it on"- go to church, fast, pray, read the Book of Mormon, etc. You don't have to feel pressured to do something you don't want; it's an invitation, not a command. If you don't feel ready to try something, don't. THe missionaries won't judge you and will keep meeting with you if you want.

My experiences with LDS members have been mostly positive. People aren't perfect and there is always a chance you run into a member who is being critical or judging. That is not the way of the Church- that is a member being a less than perfect human. For the most part, I haven't ever felt judged in the Church. It's the only church I ever felt truly welcomed in and truly at home.

[Outshined]

Blazius,

The teachers are all members of the ward who are "called" into the position by the leadership. Some teachers are better than others. All use church material to teach the class, so what information they give is what the church teaches. That being said, some beliefs are confusing to people who are inquiring, new converts, and even "old" members. My experience has been that honest questions are welcomed.

I would encourage you to meet with the missionaries. They will teach you the basic beliefs of the church, support you in your spiritual journey, and answer a lot of questions. You can have the talks and still not get baptized, if you aren't sure that's the right decision for you. I had the talks 4 different times, over a time period of 5 years. I was not treated with any disrespect by the Elders and nor was I ever pressured to be baptized or do anything I didn't want to do. They will invite you to "try it on"- go to church, fast, pray, read the Book of Mormon, etc. You don't have to feel pressured to do something you don't want; it's an invitation, not a command. If you don't feel ready to try something, don't. THe missionaries won't judge you and will keep meeting with you if you want.

My experiences with LDS members have been mostly positive. People aren't perfect and there is always a chance you run into a member who is being critical or judging. That is not the way of the Church- that is a member being a less than perfect human. For the most part, I haven't ever felt judged in the Church. It's the only church I ever felt truly welcomed in and truly at home.

Good answer. B)