[Mom 2-2 boys]

We have gone to the same Church for the past few years...It is the only Church our children have known, but for the past year or so.......Things have changed. The Church that we go to is Baptist, and we are looking for something that has a great Kids program for ages 7 and 8. Change is so hard, but I am feeling that it is time. Reccomendations?

[LibertyLady]

We have gone to the same Church for the past few years...It is the only Church our children have known, but for the past year or so.......Things have changed. The Church that we go to is Baptist, and we are looking for something that has a great Kids program for ages 7 and 8. Change is so hard, but I am feeling that it is time. Reccomendations?

Hands down-Church at the Ridge-www.churchattheridge.com FABULOUS kids program-great atmosphere!

[markdavd]

Give West Ridge a try. http://www.westridge.com/

Services are at 8:15, 9:45 and 11:30. The best times for kids are the second 9:45 and 11:30 services. Ttry to get there about 15 minutes early because it takes a few minutes to get the children checked in the first time.

[dhiossa]

We have gone to the same Church for the past few years...It is the only Church our children have known, but for the past year or so.......Things have changed. The Church that we go to is Baptist, and we are looking for something that has a great Kids program for ages 7 and 8. Change is so hard, but I am feeling that it is time. Reccomendations?

I think we have an awesome program for that age especially at East Pauding Christian Church. The children's minister is very active and really inspires the children to love God.

[Mom 2-2 boys]

Thank you all so much..I am going to start looking into your suggestions. This has been a very hard decision to make to decide to look elsewhere, and I really thank you for your help.

[blessedwithboys]

Burnt Hickory Baptist. Great Church, great programs and Bible studies for everyone!!! www.burnthickorybaptist.com We changed from a smaller church also, because we wanted more for our son. It is a wonderful church.

[Turning the other cheek]

I would have to recommend Legacy Baptist and Church at the Ridge especially for children's programs.

I would recommend my own church if your looking for something that you want to help build from the ground floor up, but most people are looking for something established. We should have a great children's program in the future, but we are still in the building stages right now and are in need of good called children's workers.

[Mom 2-2 boys]

Thank you all, I have alot of research ahead of us! From the pm's to the replies..
I never thought that we would be in this posistion. We have had friends go elsewhere, and could not understand it at the time. This was not something that we asked for, this I feel has been something that I have tried to push away. But only that works for so long.

[blessedwithboys]

change isn't always easy, but you've got to go where you feel like God wants you to be - that's where you'll get the most benefit. Make a list, check them and and visit the ones you think you'll like. you'll find where you belong and the place that is right for each member of your family.

[blessedby2]

Funny you should post this, we are in the same situation.
we have been going to the same church forever, the only one my kids know. It is a huge church in Marietta. Its a long haul, we stopped going on wed night because it got to be too much to drive out there. Im not involved in a bible study or ladies group because its just too far to drive.
However, I do not like change, dont look foward to meeting new people(just awkward for me) and I dont know how to pick a church. There is one on every corner. We want to do upward so we will be looking at churches that have upward and a great wed night for the kids. Most important for us..they need to preach from the bible. We had a recommendation for Pleasant Grove Baptist Church...anyone??? I think they are in Hiram....
GOOD luck , I hope you find a home church.

[butterbean]

Funny you should post this, we are in the same situation.
we have been going to the same church forever, the only one my kids know. It is a huge church in Marietta. Its a long haul, we stopped going on wed night because it got to be too much to drive out there. Im not involved in a bible study or ladies group because its just too far to drive.
However, I do not like change, dont look foward to meeting new people(just awkward for me) and I dont know how to pick a church. There is one on every corner. We want to do upward so we will be looking at churches that have upward and a great wed night for the kids. Most important for us..they need to preach from the bible. We had a recommendation for Pleasant Grove Baptist Church...anyone??? I think they are in Hiram....
GOOD luck , I hope you find a home church.

The Lord will lead you to the right place to worship. I personally recommend Bethany Christian Church on HWY 61 just past Hiram Sudie. It is a non denominational Christian church, and I believe you will feel the love of Christ there. It has a great children and teens program with wonderful music each week by the praise team. I hope you find the right place for you.

[ProudMawMawof5]

Pleasant Grove Baptist in Hiram has great things for kids. We have Awanas on Wednesday nights and we also have a children's choir. Next week starts our vacation bible school. Its from 9:30-12:30 Monday through Friday. Come on out and let the children go to VBS and see what you think. You will love Pastor Quinn Evans. He truly preaches from the bible.

[The General]

We have gone to the same Church for the past few years...It is the only Church our children have known, but for the past year or so.......Things have changed. The Church that we go to is Baptist, and we are looking for something that has a great Kids program for ages 7 and 8. Change is so hard, but I am feeling that it is time. Reccomendations?

It would help if we knew what part of Paulding Co. you lived in.

[msflyfisher]

Pleasant Grove Baptist in Hiram has great things for kids. We have Awanas on Wednesday nights and we also have a children's choir. Next week starts our vacation bible school. Its from 9:30-12:30 Monday through Friday. Come on out and let the children go to VBS and see what you think. You will love Pastor Quinn Evans. He truly preaches from the bible.

That is so true! We attended Pleasant Grove Baptist for several years and Pastor Quinn is just awesome.

My husband and I went through searching for a church home a while back. We visited one church in Hiram but thought the service was too quiet and laid back - we wanted something with a little life in it. So we went to a different church the next weekend and a 3rd church on the next weekend. But on the 4th weekend, we were back to Church #1. Then it started all over again. This went on for about 4-6 months and we finally decided that Church #1 is where we were supposed to be. And there is no doubt in our minds that is were God wanted us to be - we all grew spiritually in that church, my daughter was baptized there, we were all very active (Awanas, VBS, Youth Group, etc) and we felt as though we were obeying God's will for our life.

So....take your time, visit around and let Him tell you where you belong.

[MommaS]

I think we have an awesome program for that age especially at East Pauding Christian Church. The children's minister is very active and really inspires the children to love God.

I second East Paulding's youth program, our children's minister would have to be the best that I have ever seen. My daughter is really upset that she is about to have to the children's program and go to the middle school prgram, she really doesn't want to leave our children's minister.

[ga_dawg_fan]

My best friend has been attending at New Season's and they all absolutely love it. It is on Business 6/HWY 278 next to the funeral home.

[markdavd]

Give West Ridge a try. http://www.westridge.com/

Services are at 8:15, 9:45 and 11:30. The best times for kids are the second 9:45 and 11:30 services. Ttry to get there about 15 minutes early because it takes a few minutes to get the children checked in the first time.

BTW - they announced today that the service times are changing in 2 weeks (Father's day) - They will be at 9:15 and 11:00. Pastor Brian said a 3rd service will be added again sometime in the fall, but it might not be on Sunday morning.

[FREDBUS]

BTW - they announced today that the service times are changing in 2 weeks (Father's day) - They will be at 9:15 and 11:00. Pastor Brian said a 3rd service will be added again sometime in the fall, but it might not be on Sunday morning.

Try Dallas 1st UMC. We have great programs for your age kids. We have all ages here, come we love to have you.

[LisaC]

You should add Fortified Hills Baptist Church to your list. They have great programs for kids - from preschool to teenagers!!

[flossy]

I 3rd the recommendation of East Paulding Christian Church. Our children's minister is wonderful. He is such a big kid himself and everyone loves him. Kids that aren't interested in going to church, love it after attending his services. Go to our website of eastpcc.com and you can see all of the plans for the summer.

[sweetpea]

I attend New Georgia Baptist Church and love everyone that is there especially our Pastor Jim Burdette. Our children's group is great also and they are always doing something throughout the year and especially during the summer. Bro. Derrick Fielder does our Children's Church. You should come sometime. The times are 9:30 Sunday School, 10:45 Morning Service, &
6:00 Night Service. Hope you will come and visit sometime

[B Moncrief]

My best friend has been attending at New Season's and they all absolutely love it. It is on Business 6/HWY 278 next to the funeral home.

I would have to agree with this recommendation. I was a member of a church for almost 9 years here in Hiram but went through a divorce in 06 and remarried at the end of 07 and we just needed to find a new place for a fresh start with our family. We have visited alot of churches in the area and they were all great, but of course every church has a different style and do things differently. You just have to find the one that fits best for you and your family and go where you feel lead. I will say that of all the churches that we have visited we felt the most at home and welcomed at New Season's. It use to be Paulding Baptist but they have a new pastor who is very dynamic. We got the opportunity to spend time with the worship pastor and his wife on memorial day and what a great family they are. They have some exciting things coming up and a great children's program. The kids love going to church and ask every weekend if we are going back to New Season's. I think it speaks volumes when your children want to get up and go to church. Stay in prayer and let God guide your decision. Best Wishes!!

[TheBabysitter]

Thank you all so much..I am going to start looking into your suggestions. This has been a very hard decision to make to decide to look elsewhere, and I really thank you for your help.

west ridge is the best church to go to in my opionion

[bakers joy]

Grace Baptist Church off 278 www.gracega.org. We also have a school from K-3 to 12th grade and a wonderful youth pastor
Jack Henry. We would love for you to come visit with us. Just so you know I made a move about 4 years ago and I visited
several Churches, but I knew the 1st day I went to Grace I was home. God will show you where he needs you. I will be praying
for you. lol

[Skooter92]

Bethany Christian Church on 61 s...

[angel025]

NorthSide Baptist Church...go 61 N towards cartersville!! GREAT CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!

[jl7517]

My husband and I were in the same situation this time last year.... We attended a church that we loved, but it was in Atlanta. I don't mind driving for fellowship, but at the same time as my son becomes more involved in church activities, I don't ever want to tell him he can not attend a function because it is too far or it's a conflict to get him there. We started visiting West Ridge and could not be happier. It's a great environment with a wonderful childrens/young adult program. The pastor and staff focus on what should be focused and put God first. I really recommend giving it a try.

[spooky]

Well, assuming we're not the church you are leaving...

You can take Hickory Heights Baptist Church for a test drive online. Go to www.hickoryheights.org and click on the Worship Webcast logo and watch the latest worship service in the comfort of your own home. We have lots of kids and a great Children's Ministry Coordinator and our Student Ministry is outstanding as well.

Our Vacation Bible School is always a big hit! And on June 21st, we're having a Wild Game Adventure Day featuring Hank Parker star of Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine. There's too much going on that day to list here. Go to www.hickoryheights.org for all the details.

We're a small church but that means the pastor will actually know your name!

Wherever you end up going, I hope you find a church family that will show you Christ's love.

This post has been edited by spooky: 03 June 2008 - 10:27 PM

[momtogirls]

My family has been looking for a church as well. We seem to run into the problem of where we may like the music but not the sermons or environment of we like the sermons and not the music. If anyone wants to send me PM's i'm willing to listen. My sister and her husband are also looking as well.

[moejoefoe]

Give our church a try - we go to Light House Baptist Church in Hiram - on Pace Road, near McGarity Elem School. Our youth (12 and under) and teen (13-19) are just getting really off the ground! We had a wonderful VBS and we have youth and teens that truly love the Lord! Our pastor and sunday school teachers are wonderful. Our paster is Dr Johnny Turner. Come and give us a try!

[blessedby2]

I posted earlier on in this thread that we are in the same situation, girls 6/4. We have visited 3 churches in the area since then, and are still visiting. I will send you a pm and let you know our experiences.
Good luck. I know I am struggling with this alot. Last week we had VBS at our home church and being back there and around all my friends and family, I wanted to give up my search, but we are determined to find a home out here in Paulding(or surrounding).

[GT/ATL Fan]

McEachern United Methodist on Macland road has a lot of programs, something for everyone.

The children and youth programs are especially strong. My kids range in age from 9 to 17, and they all like/want to go to church. VBS is next week.

There are 2 services at 11.00a – the Transformation praise service in the Christian Life Center with Paster Allen preaching and a great praise band (check out their myspace page or their video at the church website).

The other is the Traditional service in the main sanctuary. Just hearing the choir and the massive organ while looking at the huge stained glass Celtic cross is enough, but the Sr Pastor, Dr. Jim, might be the best preacher I have ever heard.

There are also Traditional services at 8.15 and 9.30.

There is complete info, some videos and sermon podcasts at the church website - mceachernumc.org

[JSBoss]

I really can't speak to the Children's Program since I do not have kids myself, but a lot of the new members with kids were searching too. I go to Northwest Christian Church on Dallas-Acworth Hwy.

Their site is www.nwcc.net

Scott

[~Hey Lee~]

West Ridge is great. I don't go there currently but only b/c it is quite a drive for us. Lots of our friends/ family goes there. The children program is kick butt!!! It is sorta contemporary. The music is amazing too especially if you are into contemporary praise type music. Very rarely to they sing any of the traditional hymns though.

[myangel107]

I am not sure if you have found a church or not... but we visited a church this weekend and I was IMPRESSED!! They are going alot of work in the community... I could go on and on ... but they really made us feel welcome and I think we will be back next Sunday.

It was Pleasant Grove Baptist. My daughter really loved the children's church.

[blessedby2]

we have visited a few churches now and are very torn on where we are supposed to be.
I'll be completely honest here.We visited Pleasant Grove, however, we felt they did not have alot of younger couples, more older people.
The two churches we are considering right now, one is big, has an amazing youth program but we didnt get that "at home feeling" there, just another number
the other church, we felt "at home" however they are just now trying to get a wed night program started and need more young families with kids to be involved and help to grow the church.
I feel that God is telling me where to go, but I keep ignoring him. My kids like the big church because its fun and exciting and more like the church we came from, but we feel more at home at the smaller church, but they have nothing to offer my kids.
Needless to say we are still in prayer over this.
I do thank everyone for your suggestions and invitations you have extended to us....

[Póg mo thóin]

we have visited a few churches now and are very torn on where we are supposed to be.
I'll be completely honest here.We visited Pleasant Grove, however, we felt they did not have alot of younger couples, more older people.
The two churches we are considering right now, one is big, has an amazing youth program but we didnt get that "at home feeling" there, just another number
the other church, we felt "at home" however they are just now trying to get a wed night program started and need more young families with kids to be involved and help to grow the church.
I feel that God is telling me where to go, but I keep ignoring him. My kids like the big church because its fun and exciting and more like the church we came from, but we feel more at home at the smaller church, but they have nothing to offer my kids.
Needless to say we are still in prayer over this.
I do thank everyone for your suggestions and invitations you have extended to us....

I don't know if you've tried this one - I'm not a member but I have met some wonderful people who attend - I'm pagan, but if I were to go to a Christian Church I'd be drawn to Hope Church off 120. It's kinda big, but not mega. I never gotten any kind of negative vibe from anyone I met there. It was very comfortable to me. Good luck with your search.

[*~AJ~*]

Hi! I am a member at Dallas First United Methodist. It is in downtown Dallas right next to the police station.

I just moved to Georgia 3 years ago. We went to a very large Methodist church back home and wanted to find something that made us feel at home too. DFUMC is by not really a LARGE church compared to the bohemoth ones around here. We have had over 100 adults and their children join the church in the past year, though. Anyway, we began attending services at DFUMC soon after moving here and LOVED it! There is something there for everyone. There are traditional services in the sanctuary at 8:45 & 11:00 am, there is a contemporary worship service in the Family Life Center at 9:39, of course, there are Sunday School classes for all ages, children and adults. I don't know the ages of your children, but there is a school-age worship service that the youth participate in at 11:00 while their parents are at traditional service. There is tons of singing, dancing, and worshiping going on the WHOLE time. The youth leader keeps the kids engaged. It's wonderful! There is also a children's service called JAM (Jesus and Me) Session, which is basically the same thing for children ages 3-5. Our church has a fabulous outreach program. I don't know if you've ever seen River of Life signs, but we are the church that coordinate that whole effort. We send mission teams to different countries at least 3 or 4 times a year, if not more. We felt right at home here, and I'm sure you would, too.

This post has been edited by aj_rip: 07 August 2008 - 11:51 AM