What church should I try? (Alex/Arl/FC/Fairfax) (Arlington: live, safe)

[SentimentalDemon]

I was raised without a faith, and I don't want my child to have the same sense of dislocation that I have. I would like to find a welcoming Christian church with lots of fun stuff for the kids (to build a sense of positivity toward church and build community), maybe even a nice choir. I'm conservative by temperament, and my only experience with church is Greek Orthodox (which is lovely, but I don't have that ethnic background and am taken aback by a lot of rituals that feel really alien if you weren't raised with it). I feel a bit stuck in the middle because I don't think I belong with either the Unitarians or the Evangelicals. I understand that any faith is going to put demands on me, but there are some that pretty much demand that you share that cultural background and aren't as friendly to those of us who don't know what the heck Lent is all about.

Can anyone suggest a church near Alexandria/Springfield/Arlington/eastern Fairfax/Falls Church/McLean that is welcoming of newcomers who might need some training wheels to adapt to the new lifestyle, and fantastic for kids? Thanks in advance!

[Watchful]

One of the pastors I respect a whole bunch is on the staff at Aldersgate Church in Alexandria. I think it is a safe place to grow and explore. His name is Jason Micheli - I'm sure the other pastors are great too. Jason also has a blog that gets really real - worth taking a peek at!

aldersgate.net

tamedcynic.org

[Vectorhead]

I have lots of friends who go to New Hope church in Lorton. It sounds like a pretty amazing place. Very upbeat and active.

[Watchful]

I am in a different part of Virginia, but since I am a pastor myself, one thing I do notice is that some very large growing (often no-denomination-label churches) are very "user friendly" and welcoming. They do a great job of folks who are feeling tentative. At the same time, many of them will wind up having a pretty rigid system of beliefs and expectations as you go down the way.

One good thing about Aldersgate (mentioned above) is that there is an authentic respect for different opinions! That might be a great place to begin.

[UMCanes]

Originally Posted by SentimentalDemon

I was raised without a faith, and I don't want my child to have the same sense of dislocation that I have. I would like to find a welcoming Christian church with lots of fun stuff for the kids (to build a sense of positivity toward church and build community), maybe even a nice choir. I'm conservative by temperament, and my only experience with church is Greek Orthodox (which is lovely, but I don't have that ethnic background and am taken aback by a lot of rituals that feel really alien if you weren't raised with it). I feel a bit stuck in the middle because I don't think I belong with either the Unitarians or the Evangelicals. I understand that any faith is going to put demands on me, but there are some that pretty much demand that you share that cultural background and aren't as friendly to those of us who don't know what the heck Lent is all about.

Can anyone suggest a church near Alexandria/Springfield/Arlington/eastern Fairfax/Falls Church/McLean that is welcoming of newcomers who might need some training wheels to adapt to the new lifestyle, and fantastic for kids? Thanks in advance!

While I don't have a recommendation to make for you, I do want to wish you success as you search for a church that meets your needs. I really respect what you are doing for your kids in making this effort.

[PCakes572]

My brother lives in Springfield and has been going to Emmanuel Bible Church for 20 plus years and he is very happy there. When I lived in the area I attended McLean Bible Church. They both have a lot happening for all ages. Maybe visiting multiple churches will help you narrow down where you might feel at home.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by SentimentalDemon

I was raised without a faith, and I don't want my child to have the same sense of dislocation that I have. I would like to find a welcoming Christian church with lots of fun stuff for the kids (to build a sense of positivity toward church and build community), maybe even a nice choir. I'm conservative by temperament, and my only experience with church is Greek Orthodox (which is lovely, but I don't have that ethnic background and am taken aback by a lot of rituals that feel really alien if you weren't raised with it). I feel a bit stuck in the middle because I don't think I belong with either the Unitarians or the Evangelicals. I understand that any faith is going to put demands on me, but there are some that pretty much demand that you share that cultural background and aren't as friendly to those of us who don't know what the heck Lent is all about.

Can anyone suggest a church near Alexandria/Springfield/Arlington/eastern Fairfax/Falls Church/McLean that is welcoming of newcomers who might need some training wheels to adapt to the new lifestyle, and fantastic for kids? Thanks in advance!

(Disclaimer: I’m an atheist formerly a Christian, so my perspective isn’t exactly neutral.)

May be too evangelical for you but I would look at DC metro church. I have friends who are on staff there and the services I’ve actually attended are very friendly to newcomers and a lot of kids activities.

[SentimentalDemon]

I'm touched by all the responses so far (thanks UMCanes!), it sounds like there are several good options in the area to consider. I'll definitely try out a few before committing to one. I do appreciate the great suggestions!