Expert: Susan Milillo - 12/14/2009

Question
I am 15 and going through confirmation classes in the Catholic Church.  I was told this is a time for finding my faith.  And, I think I have.  I do not wish to follow the ways of the Catholic Church.  I believe we are judged by our actions on this world and while praying, and going to church are important- I do not believe they are vital.  I also think that some of the "ideas" of the catholic church are wrong.  Such as the way they interprate the ten commandments.  So...
1. Is the United Methodist Church right for me?
2. Do I HAVE to be confirmed?
3. How do I convert?


Answer
Dear Kevin,

    Hi! Thanks for your question. It's a very good question.   I too, have some problems with what the Catholic Church teaches.   However, I have to say that I believe prayer is vital, as it's our connection to our heavenly Father.   But not in the 'pray the rosary' or ritualistically say so many 'Our Fathers', or something like that. But as part of a vital, living and breathing relationship with the One who made us and who loves us above all else.
    Is Methodist your only other option ?  What makes you lean toward that particularly - just curious.
    Mostly, I'd say just focus on finding JESUS  - not necessarily your 'faith' or 'your religion'.  Religion as an entity always falls short, but Jesus, and His timeless message, never does.   According to the Bible, we would be judged for all our sinful deeds if not for Jesus, who died on the cross so we could be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life (John 3:16-18).  
Then in Romans 8:1 a beautiful truth is revealed, 'There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus....'   So settle first your standing with JESUS the person, the Son of God, the would be Savior of your very self, and then He will help you sort through the details of what church to join.
     I truly couldn't say if the Methodist Church is right for you, but I am under the impression that as a general (very general -- all churches are different) rule, they do not center on the whole teaching of the Bible enough to make me comfortable, personally.  I grew up in a Bible Fellowship church, where we sought to preach the whole gospel of sin, redemption, forgiveness, etc. A lot of churches, and I'm afraid some Methodist churches, are more liberal, you might say.  It is important to be responsible for our role on earth and how we treat others, but there is a danger I guess of what is called a 'social gospel' - making 'doing good to people' the God of your faith, rather than the person of Jesus Himself. Of course if one follows Jesus, loving your fellow man will inseparably follow that.  All I'm saying, is make sure a church really teaches the Bible, and the whole Bible, before you commit yourself to it's teachings.
     Going to church is important in the sense that you are meeting with other believers in Jesus - and that encourages and lifts you (and them) up in your faith. The book of Hebrews says, 'Let us not give up meeting together, as is the habit of some, but let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good works, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.'  Don't go to church as a lifeless ritual, or to earn 'points' for salvation, you know ?   The Bible says, 'Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved' -- in context it's in the name of JESUS. -- so, not Catholic, not Methodist, not Baptist, not Bible Fellowship, but JESUS.
      As far as the confirmed question, I'd point you to Romans 8:28-30. Please read it! It's so good.  It holds incredible security, incredible confirmation.... the process that is sure to happen, start to finish, from the time God plans for a person to come to Him.... I could say more, but it's all there. You've got to read it, it's rich.   Basically, if God calls a person, and gives him faith, and rebirth/new life, the rest is 'in the bag', automatically, because that person is a child of God.
      As far as converting, if you mean in your faith , in your heart, just ask Jesus to save you, personally.  Say, Jesus I know I'm a sinner and I need your forgiveness and for you to make me a new person inside. Please come into my life!  And that's it!!!
      If you  mean converting to a new church, I'd say if you have serious issues with the Catholic church, I guess you just don't show signs of committing to it - and if you want to go to a Methodist church, or any other kind, you can just go to it.  The only real converting I see every necessary is TO JESUS :-).

         If you have any more questions, please write again. I'm so glad to be here for you, and I hope this has been helpful.

Love in Him,
Susan M.