FOTW (Fellowship of the Woodlands)

What a great question! This is a very wise decision you are making A. and so appropriate here at Easter time. We live in the Cypress area and attend Bear Creek Baptist church but we have attended non-denominational churches in the past. Most are very good and teach biblical values. The difference between the two are that most Catholic church services (I have attended a few)seem to be more about rituals than really worshiping God. God desires to have a personal relationship with you through The Lord Jesus Christ,(Romans 10:9&10). Jesus said in John 4:24 "For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." My advice would be to make sure that a church teaches what the Bible teaches, which I think Fellowship of the Woodlands does. Although it is a large church it can still feel like "home" and they usually have awesome children's programs. Give it a try and ask The Lord to guide you. I will also pray for you. As for tithing, biblically it is 10 percent and most certainly is between you and God. No one should ever force you to give, God wants it from your heart. God bless you as you take this important step. Happy Easter!

Hi A.,
I too grew up Catholic, but felt like I was missing something. I did not like all of the ritual. I wanted a more personal relationship. I now attend StoneBridge Chuch. It is off of 1488 or Research Forest Dr. www.gostonebrige.com is the website. We are having our spring fling next Saturday, March 29, from 2 to 5 PM. It is a lot of fun, games, inflatables, all about family. It is a great church for a family. The children's progams are wonderful. I would suggest that you try many churches in the area until you find one that fits. God ministers to each person differently which is why there are so many different types of churches. Find one where you are comfortable. I love my church, it is our second home. Find one that will be a home to you and your family. Tithing is a personal issue here also. No W-2's.

My name is M.. I just want to say...the FOTW is the best Church I have ever been to since moving in 2003 to Texas. My children are older, but love going to it. They have really been able to understand more than ever about Christs life. The Childrens Ministry is so inviting and makes the children want to go to church. I grew up in a Lutheran church and loved it, but never really connected like I have with Pastor Kerry and his wife Chris. I think you should at least go one sunday and see what it is about. My Husband, like yours was not real keen on goiong, but went one Sunday and now we are members. The campus is beautiful and you will have fun. You can were jeans, no need to be formal! Have a great Easter Sunday and I pray you and your family are able to find a church to attend!!!

God bless...the Youngs

Hi A., well we go to spring baptist church in spring. its on spring cypress road. its a bit smaller than woodlands church and we like it alot. our pastor is very down to earth. there are alot of activities for your kids. they do not require 20% of your income to tithe. although it is biblical to tithe, that is something between you and God. no one is going to make you do it. hope you will come visit. kim.

Hi A.!

My husband and I started going to "The Loft" part of The Woodlands United Methodist church last year and we LOVE IT! The Loft is a more contemporary service that is very laid back with no pressure. The Loft was started only Aug. of '06 and it has grown tremendously! It has great children's areas and great services everyone can relate to! If you would like to check it out go to www.loftchurch.com!

Good luck finding a church home!

We loved FOTW! We were there for 8 years until we moved to NW Houston in 2006. My husband grew up Catholic and I was Lutheran, so this was a good middle ground. When we were there, 40% of the congregation was made up of couples where at least one of the spouses grew up Catholic. My husband wouldn't go to church until he went to Fellowship of the Woodlands. Once he went he was hooked.

Nondenomination is still Christian. They take out the rituals of the traditional service - creeds & readings. The first half is music, a mix of new contemporary Christian, gospel and an occasional hymn. The second half is the sermon, but you are never looking at your watch. The pastor Kerry Shook is very easy to listen to, and applies God's word to everyday life. They have communion and baptism. When I was there, to be a member you had to commit to tithe (10% - which is stated many times in the Bible). But you can always just attend, too.

A.,
I really think you should try Fellowship of The Woodlands. I have been attending for three and 1/2 years and love it. My husband was raised Catholic and that is the only church he will attend with me. They will not require you to give your money or show a W2 form. You only give if you want to. I encourage you to attend Easter service because you will get a good idea of what our Church is all about. I went to the service this evening and it was very meaningful and inspiring. Go to fotw.org for information about service times. Our Church is not big on religion or rituals. It is all about a relationship with Jesus Christ. Go and check it out. You are coming at great time. The Pastor is starting a series on Heaven.
God Bless you and your family, S.

A., I know people who attend Fellowship of the Woodlands and love it. Somebody else didn't care for it; she thought it was too big and showy. I guess it's a matter of personal taste. I love non-denominational churches, but I prefer a smaller one. I attend a Vineyard church. That's like a non-denominational church, but since they have branches all over the world, they are actually a denomination!

Catholics and non-denominational churches differ in their worship styles - music, rituals, etc. - but the most important difference is their theology, or what they teach about God.
Non-denominational churches generally teach that in order to go to heaven you have to realize that you're a sinner, and that, since God is a holy God and requires sinlessness, there's no way you can make it to heaven on your own. The bridge God provided between himself and us is his only son, Jesus, the only sinless person who ever lived. If you accept God's gift of his son in payment for your sin, you become a Christian, and have eternal life with him in heaven. Catholic teaching believes in God, but they don't teach about a personal relationship with God through Jesus. It's more about trying to work your way to heaven. Actually, they worship Jesus' mother, Mary, more than Jesus himself.

Non-denominational churches don't require W-2s. You are often encouraged to tithe, or give 10% of your income, based on the Bible verse in Malachi 3:10 (that's the last book of the Old Testament), but that's not required. I've never heard of Catholic churches doing that either; just the Mormons, and that's when you're higher up in rank.

Tomorrow is Easter, and that would be a great time to attend the Fellowship of the Woodlands. They will explain clearly what they believe about Christianity, and they will undoubtedly have fun activities planned for the kids. Go and see for yourself! God bless you and your family.

I don't know anything about either of those churches, but just had a thought for you. If you want to go to a "feel good" service jsut ask around. If you want to go where God wants you to be pray about it with a sincere heart and you will be lead. What God wants is much more important than what a man makes you feel.
Just read The other response and need to correct a misstatement from her. The LDS (Mormon) church does not require any show of income status! In order to attend the temple you are asked if you are a full tithe payer and you answer either yes or no. A full tithe is considered 10% of your increase. The truthfullnes of this answer is between you and the Lord.

Hi A.,
I'm D., mom of four from Spring. Just saw your question. I have no experience with FotW, except that I know of people in my neighborhood who have attended there and were formerly Cahtolic or Methodist. It seems to draw a huge crowd of people. I think I would feel lost there. We attend St. Edward chirch and my 3 kids attend the school there. We love it. I cannot emphasize how much better the education is than in Klein ISD. I can honestly say that there has never been a question of our W2 or how much we ithe, although about once a year we get the sermon about giving back to the chuch. I think htat must be standard as we got it at our former parish also. St. Edward also has a fantastic CCE program for the kids to get them ready for 1st Communion and the other sacraments. If you attend the school, religion is taught by two of the Dominican Nuns. The school has Mass each Wednesday at 8:30, and all are welcome. Your girls might find it fun, as Father tends to talk in terms aimed at kids at that Mass. Good luck with your search, I know it can be tough to find a church home. If i cna answer any other questions abou St. Eds pleas just ask!
D.

A.,

I grew up Catholic, both sides of my family are very devout. I started struggling with leaving shortly after I graduated from high school in 1995. To make a long story short, I officially left in January 2006 after I was told by a priest that he would not marry my husband and I after we had already been doing the counseling for 3 months. It took about three months to find another church. (My husband ws baptized Methidist, but his family didn't stay with the Methodist church for long, they started going to non-demoninational churches, and he too had not yet found a church home since he moved to Houston in 2004). The church I now attend is West Houston Church of Christ. It is unlike a lot of other Church's of Christ, and becasue of all the involvement opportunities offered to adults and then to children, starting at 3 years old, I am very excited about the things that my son (due in June) will get to experience that I never did. My church requires no w-2 and doesn't even ask you if you are tithing 10%. As the head Pastor put it, we expect you to tithe, but we do not require you too, it is really about what you feel in your heart is right to give, and if you are giving 10% with a chip on your shoulder then that is not what is pleasing to God, what you give (no matter what the amount) should be a joyful gift, not one that makes you grumble under your breath.

Other than Episcopal and Lutheran, most other churches differ greatly in their stlye of worshhip from the Catholic church. IF you need defined structure in your worship service then non-demoninational might not be the right place for you. However if you are craving something more, something that is not dictated by doctrines then a non-demoninational church is probably what you are looking for. I did so much research on the topic before my final break that I could go on for hours.

Everyone is right, this is a great weekend to try a church out, and it is good to try a few out before you decide on a pemanent church home. For this weekend go to a service at whichever church you are feeling called to and then when you start your search pray about it and ask God to guide you to the place that is right for you.

If you want to pick my brain anymore please feel free to e-mail me and I will be happy to share any of my expereinces with you. I will pray for you and your family on this journey.

God Bless You!
S.

A.! WOW! Look at all these responses. Everyone has given such great informative answers. I, personally, am not a fan of FOTW. I don't think this is a good place to switch going from a Catholic church to a non-denom. FOTW does not reflect a typical non-denom church as it is filled with Hollywood style entertainment and a pastor who is filled with the "Oprah" syndrome (me, me, me...). I had a horrible run in with the Nursery Director who should not be in her position. If you want to see Pastor Shook's love for himself, go the Outback Steakhouse on 45N and look at the picture toward the front door. He's in the picture with Randy Travis and HE signed the photograph NOT Randy Travis. Like HE'S the star! UGH! I feel like he's trying to compete with Joel Osteen. Anyway, I like humble pastors and a smaller place to worship. I'm still trying to find that. I might try Stonebridge since that other Mom mentioned it actually.

I wish you the best in your search. Me & my hubby were both raised Catholic too. Non-denom is a great way to go. It's basically - here's the Bible and the translation and no w-2 required.

Happy Easter!

Hi A., I attend Fellowship and really love it. The children's building is great. I actually volunteer in the 2 year old room every Saturday so I get to experience it first hand. You should go check it out one weekend. The service times are available on the website fotw.org
There are five services on Easter Sunday. You guys might really enjoy one of those. Happy Easter:)

Hey A. - I am actually looking at attending FOTW - they have a lot of things to do and have heard they have an awesome childcare facility. The company I work for - the owners attend - and they absolutely love it. I am a single mom and don't get out much - so I am looking at attending the young adult group. I know it is a large church - and one of the reasons I am so apprehensive on attending but I have heard that they have smaller groups - which I am thinking about attending. Hope you find what you are looking for!

i grew up Catholic and so did my hubby.........as I got older I deiced I no longer wanted to follow.......my family was NOT HAPPY when I told them this......I have a son (17mths) and now that I am a parent I want to do what I see fit...........we started goning to RPC its a non denom (it doesnt have a title such as Catholic,Baptist,Methodist ect) its Bible based and is awesome I love it there.............to my surprise so many people of diffrent backgrounds attend and knew where I was coming from so I didnt feel out of place..........they have all kinds of activties to get the kids involoved and KEEP THEM INVOLVED as they get older : )
As far as diffrences they are all going to be vert diffrent than a Catholic Churh.......it can be overwhelming but I fould it to be "true" and just enjoy learning and growing more and more as a Christian.........if you want I can break down a lot of things for you just email me ____@____.com........my sister dropped her kids off (spring break) so I cant be on the comp any longer.......
I hope you find a home church thats just right for yall..........good luck and God Bless....................

All I can say is WOW! to the W2 form thing and the 20percent required donation.

Any way. My advice is to visit the different churches in the area for about 6 mo to a year and seek God's guidance concerning where He would have you to go. We go to Woods Edge Church and to Faith Bible Church and tithe and give offerings at both, back and forth from time to time, but more importantly, giving what the Holy Spirit wants from us.

Woods Edge is more like Fellowship of the Woodlands where the services are more topical. Faith Bible Church teaches the Bible. Which is very educational of just what the Bible says as it is written, not taken out of context and not to make a point topically speaking. The Children's minestry is great at both. I have on ocassion taken my children to the Fellowship of the Woodlands for special services such as Christmas. I think they had 12 Christmas services this year, so at that time of the year I try to squeeze a visit in to see them and the lavish production they have worked so hard on.

If any one pushes you to join just say "we are praying about it" and smile. It works and it gives you time to test the waters while seeking God's Holy spirit when it comes down to decision making.

God bless your decision and we would love for you to come visit! FBC has a wonderful Ladies Bible study every Tuesday morning complete with child care and homeschooled children care and holds BSF studies every Wednesday.

P.S. Look at the way the teenagers dress and act at these different places of worship now while your children are still young. Do they seem to be reverant to the fact they are in God's house and dress accordingly. Some attire I've seen I would expect to see at a night club or in the trash. Remember yours will grow up and bond with friends there. At that point it is hard to take your teenagers out of their church peer group.

We have family that go to FOTW and they are struggling with forming the close bonds like at a smaller church. That is the only comlaint that they have. They do love the services, but never see the same people to form relationships.

Good Morning,
I can't respond to what FOTW is like because I have never been there so the comments and suggestions that I am making are in no way a reflection of FOTW or any other church.

If I was new in the area and out of church for a while, I would visit several different churches; big, small, medium, Catholic, non-denominational, Baptist, Methodist, and other Christian churches. After you narrow it down to a couple that you are really interested in, then go talk to the pastor and find out what the churches basic beliefs are and what do they expect of their members (if anyone demands that you tithe 20% I would run the other way {God only asks for 10% and that is between you and God not you and finance committee}), and since you have small children talk to their Children's Minister. Find out what do they offer children that are the same ages as your own and what is offered for older children and for youth. Is it all fun and games, churchy babysitting, or are they being taught the Word of God? Also if you end up at a non-Catholic church ask if they have new member classes? These should go into a lot more detail of the core beliefs of the church.

We go to Oak Ridge Baptist. Our pastor doesn't want people to join until he has had a time to talk with them. He wants them to understand what our core beliefs are. He wants to know where they are in their Christian walk. He wants to encourage them to get plugged in especially in Adult Bible Fellowship (aka Sunday School) and the different training classes that are offered. He really is not interested in you joining just so you can be another name on the church roll. Our Youth and Children's ministers are great with the kids. They have all kinds of activities planned for them but more importantly they always have some type of age appropriate Bible study at every event or function. Our Music ministry does a wonderful job of combining upbeat, praise and worship music and traditional hymns. This includes our praise team and band, Silver Belles (Sr. Adult ladies) and our Kidz Choir.

We would love for you to come and visit us. If you would like more information about what is happening at our church, you can check out our website www.orbchurch.com

Good luck in your search for a good church home.

My husband and I just started attending St. Ignatius in Spring and we like it a lot. Fellowship of The Woodlands is great also because they have so much to offer kids of all ages. I would say try FOTW out and if you and your husband like it, then you are set. I have no doubt that the kids will love it. Our son is only 11 months right now, so we haven't run into any problems or concerns with the children's program. As they get older though, you definitely want them to have a desire to go to church, and I think FOTW gets that. Good luck!

Hi A., good for you. I made the same mistake my kids went thru two splits at a church they grew up in and because of it there were times we didn't go at all and now I wish I could turn back time. Teach a child in the way they should go and when they are old they wont depart from it. The Catholic church is more about rituals and there are rules you have to abide by. The non denomination, and babtist are the only two I know about tithing you just give your first 10% but its not expected of you, you don't have to do a W2 and wow I didn't know about this. You just give what your led from God to give. God is your holy spirit he will guide you on what to give. Other than that its about worshiping God and feeling his presence in the church listening to the sermon, singing and the Sunday school classes you learn about the Bible and God's truths. Good luck I think you'd enjoy FOTW, you can really feel God's presence there. I don't go there its to far for me I go to the MET and sometimes Community of Faith its the pastor is the brother of the pastor at FOTW. Good luck, Oh and pray for God's guidance

I would be interested in talking to you about your jewerly. Please contact me at ____@____.com for a possible way to sale it.

Hi A.,
Catholic church has the sacraments..esp the consecrated Eucharist and sacramental prep classes ( in addition to others) for your daughter ..as she becomes old enough for Communion, etc.
I would be happy to answer more questions..I attend St. Annes in Tomball..we have a nice feel there as well.
No donations required...no W2...just your attendance ,servants heart as you can ..and donations of time and money as you can (biblical tithe is traditional 10%)
S.
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HI A., First I would like to start by saying that I was born and raised Catholic and then married a Baptist man when I was 31. I made the decision to go to his church because he already had children, and they had been raised in that church. I love it! However, it was very different for me in the beginning. Catholic Mass is very ritualistic and routine....and a non-denominational church is not. I do believe that I have learned more from the Bible going to a Baptist church than I did at a Catholic church, but that could also be because I feel that I am a better Christian now that I am married and a mother and I want to learn as much as I can. I have a good friend and a cousin that both attend FOTW and love it. They two, like you, had a husband that was not very interested in church, until FOTW. Both of their husbands love it. As far as a W-2 and 2o%...that's crazy. The Bible states that we should tithe 10%. I did find it odd that my friend that attend FOTW said that they asked for banking info a automatically withdraw it! WOW! I thoroughly believe in tithing, but once again the Bible says 10%. If able to give more, than ofcoarse that's great!! I have never attended FOTW...but my suggestion is just visit some churches and make sure they are preaching from the Bible and preaching good, wholesome values. I totally believe children need to be raised in church and knowing God and believing that Christ died for our sins and the only way to God in Heaven is through his son, Jesus Christ! I'm not sure where in Spring you live, but our Church is just north of Tomball off FM249...we would love to have you visit! It is a very small, loving church called New Hope Baptist. Best of luck in your adventure with finding a church home, and may God continue to Bless you and your family!

A.: I am a member of Fellowship of The Woodlands (FOTW). I think I've been going for 3 years now. I love it! This is a perfect w/e to try it out (Easter). I could write pages and pages of the things I love about this church. You can go to their website www.fotw.org for specific info. I grew up going to a Baptist church, but had really gone to church in a very long time - basically, b/c i thought church was really boring and I didn't like the preachers making me feel bad, and I always left feeling guilty. Someone told me about FOTW, and so I attended and I love it. They welcome all denominations - and no, a W-2 isn't required! You give when you want to give and how much you want to give! They have services Saturday night as well as Sunday (b/c there are so many people). Personally, I go Saturday night - b/c Sundays are my lazy days. It's casual b/c they want everyone to feel welcome (there are people that dress up in Sunday best - and there are those that come in shorts and flip-flops). I encourage you to go to the website and click on Woodlands location - and I'm sure you can find the answers to all your questions. Because it's Easter w/e - they are having many more services than usual:Saturday at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.; Sunday at 6:35 a.m. at prayer fountain, 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. in the Worship Center. Today at 2:15 p.m. - there is an Easter Egg Hunt - and one Sunday at 4:25 p.m. There were services last night as well (that's when I went - my daughters did the Easter egg hunt at 5:15 and then we went to the 6:00 p.m. service). Everyone is sooo friendly and everyone is welcome - no matter what your background!!

Hi . I am catholic too. My brother few months ago was baptismed in the FOTW , but I am very upset of that. I have heard several bad things about that church. I have already read and researched some information about the life, history, believings and life style of the pastor Kerry Shook and I am very annoyed that all the people on Houston could believe him. It is incredible that only one man can stablish a church based on a "direct revelation from the Lord to him", and that much people believe him, only because he has a good speech. The other reason for the grow up of the Church is that is no serious, they accept all the religions, they want to create a church that include all the others ones. And they dont have priests, sacraments, etc. Probably they are good people, but only the whole true you can find in the Catholic Roman Church, the only founded by Christ. I would like to be in contact with you. Please write me to my e-mail: ____@____.com

I am not familiar with the Catholic'rules of tithing, but FOTW and most non-denomination churches "ask" you to tithe 10% as the bible tells us to do. Although, they do not require any certain amount, nor a W2 - you can give what you want. That is between you and God. I've been to FOTW several times for different speakers they have there. They put on a great production during their services with lots of visuals. The kids love it. They have quite a few speakers come in from time to time which is nice. They've had Oliver North and Randy Travis to mention a few. I don't know how in-depth their bible studies are, but their church services are not like any other - non-denomination or not. They've had a full ship on stage, motorcycles, an aquarium backdrop - all to make a point in the sermon series. They are enjoyable, especially if you are not a regular church goer, but if you are one who likes to study your bible and learn alot you will probably need to get involved with a small group or bible study there also. The music is really good. I suggest you try it and see what you think.
L. L.

I'm not familiar with FOTW but would welcome you at our church. Check out thewayfc.org for more info. We do not require anything such as a W2 (???!!!) or any particular donation. Can't wait to meet you!

C.