Liberal churches (Louisville, Bardstown: weddings, live in, shop) - Jefferson County - City-Data Forum

louisvillemel · 07-04-2010, 01:26 PM

Hi all. I have not set foot in a church, other than weddings for over 20 years. I've been feeling a need to lately. (re-examining, requestioning, etc). I'm quite liberal and wondering if you have any recommendations to add to my "shopping list". I live in the east end but location is not the most important thing to me.

Peter1948 · 07-04-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louisvillemel

Hi all. I have not set foot in a church, other than weddings for over 20 years. I've been feeling a need to lately. (re-examining, requestioning, etc). I'm quite liberal and wondering if you have any recommendations to add to my "shopping list". I live in the east end but location is not the most important thing to me.

Sojourn is your go to for this.

Sojourn Community Church

Very hip, very liberal. I am not a church goer but went a couple times mainly for the music. Nice place. Good people. I did not know they have since expanded east. But the mothership if you will is the midtown location. I would start by going to that one. Also some great music shows at the 930 center

tomocox · 07-04-2010, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louisvillemel

Hi all. I have not set foot in a church, other than weddings for over 20 years. I've been feeling a need to lately. (re-examining, requestioning, etc). I'm quite liberal and wondering if you have any recommendations to add to my "shopping list". I live in the east end but location is not the most important thing to me.

Oh, what wonders I have. The Christian faith I practice is extremely liberal, yet to most who don't care to understand, one would think I am an extreme conservative.

I believe I know about the various religious communities & churches of the east end, but since I believe that all faith is a very deeply personal experience, you would need to share more about who you are. Even amongst the various Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian congregations, one will find different points of conservative/liberality along a scale of 1 to 10.

I would be honored to help you find a congregation where you can grow, learn, and serve.

The Dissenter · 07-04-2010, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by louisvillemel

Hi all. I have not set foot in a church, other than weddings for over 20 years. I've been feeling a need to lately. (re-examining, requestioning, etc). I'm quite liberal and wondering if you have any recommendations to add to my "shopping list". I live in the east end but location is not the most important thing to me.

No expert on Louisville churches but most of my very liberal buddies in Virginia have always had luck with Episcopal and Lutheran churches.

meintennessee · 07-05-2010, 09:24 AM

I don't know about liberal churches, ....but if what you seek is a christian church that is inclusive and doesn't judge, try non-denominational christian (contemporary music & casual dress) usually 'community church' in the name..
In my personal experience, ( I was re-examining, re-questioning too) there you can find answers directly from the Word of God and a relaxed atmosphere without human condemnation. 'The Bridge Community' may be one you would like to visit--- although it would be a drive for you to E-Town. The Sojourn mentioned above looks to be another example. Good luck darlin, I pray you will soon find the answers your heart seeks, and a community of believers that will support you in your quest.

louisvillemel · 07-05-2010, 09:26 AM

Thanks everyone. For more info on me...I've been an athiest for over 20 years but am now more agnostic/confused. I'm looking for a church to help me figure out what I believe while giving me spiritual support. Anyone familiar with Unitarian Universalists? Am also looking at Methodist, Presbyterian, and Luteran. Any suggestions/comments?

meintennessee · 07-05-2010, 09:41 AM

Hey, me again! My Husband just suggested Anglican or Lutheran for really liberal churches. Hope that helps!
I share your backround, and just wanted to share my experience with you. When you are a hungry beggar that found food, you normally want to show others where you found it. (not saying you are a beggar, LOL!) Good luck!

kyle19125 · 07-05-2010, 09:54 AM

Check out the Presbyterian Church, which I think would the bill for you. It actively works as a religion, but with a modern perspective and without moral judgement. Presbyterians tend to be intellectual and spiritual, and the church welcomes all. - Central Presbyterian Church in Louisville, KY

bbkennedy · 07-05-2010, 01:22 PM

If you're "shopping" then consider that Southeast Christian, as measured by the number of members, is a top-notch product. They offer multiple bible study classes just before or after church that are organized along social groupings such as "bible study for singles under 30" or for "over 30", married, divorced, etc. So not only do you get to learn but you get to mix and meet potentially helpful and/or like-minded people. It's a good format for someone that is "christian curious" and a good example of why this church is so successful.

There's a local rock-n-roll / biker church in town. I'm pretty sure but not positive it's the Heart of Fire Church on Bardstown Rd. I don't know if they are conservative or liberal but I think it's safe to assume they are open minded.

If you really want to learn something about Christianity you could go to the original source dating back some 2,000 years and take an RCI class at one of the local catholic churches. The Church is the origin of many liberal ideas: the abolition of slavery, equal rights for women, brotherly love (in christ) to name a few. The original christian religion was founded on tradition and lessons taught by Christ and is incredibly spiritually rich. It is the source of the new testament and there is not a more knowledgeable authority on the interpretation of it; The Church wrote it after all. My advice if you take an RCI class is to ask a lot of questions otherwise they tend to pass over many important points and ideas leaving it up to self discovery based on your curiosity. And don't worry about asking tough questions. They welcome it.

After learning the origins of the faith and its beliefs you can retreat to a more liberal and secularized flavor church to suite your tastes but you will have a much better understanding of the religion, its history and traditions.

ThePoint502 · 07-07-2010, 01:33 AM

I'd recommend not going to Southeast Christian if you want a liberal church. That's like the polar opposite, and I don't mean to argue with anyone. From my experience, however, and being fairly liberal for most of my life, I'd say that church makes up the heart of Louisville's Republican Party. So much so that even George W. Bush knew where to come when he was looking for donations years ago. In fact, I don't think I've ever met a Democrat who went to Southeast Christian. And well, you can deduce from that what you will....