It's really hard to tell...it could be your perceptions, it could be the people, or it could be a bit of each.

Are there other churches near you? Doesn't make sense to go to a church that makes you uncomfortable, you know?

If there's nothing close and you want to go to church, I suppose you could just concentrate on the mass/sermon and tune out the people around you...

sorry I can't think of anything better

I know the feeling, and I left my conservative church very disillusioned and very disappointed in organized religion. I have since found a better fit, but because of my past experience-I'm not as engaged anymore. So, I think it's part depression, but also the environment. The only thing I do is make prayer and spending time with God a priority..I also try to get connected online to ministries that are doing great things to help others. That makes me feel a little connected.

Yes, both of you have made very good comments. I do try to read my Bible, and I've been trying to list 3 things I am grateful for each day. The church I attend is walking distance (bus service is terrible on Sundays), but I may have found something that might be a better fit, I just need to check it out. I love being able to google things like church communities.

I can completely relate to what you are saying. Organised religion, hmmm, bunch of phoney's if you ask me. A good friend of mine introduced me to some Baptist teachings, I have only attended church a few times, for no other reason than a strong knowledge has been put in me, and I don't feel the need to attend as regularly as some.
My reasons for attending church though has completely changed. I attended previously hoping to meet people, and feel loved and accepted by people I thought were like me. They were more messed up than me and so narrow minded and brain washed, and I did not agree with their teachings.
Once I learnt what Jesus is really about and being a christian, I feel so much better about myself and life. I don't feel I need to force my beliefs on others, I am just me and people are more drawn to me.
My personal opinion, churches can be the most judgemental, hypocritical playground for some really weak and vulnerable people, they can also be playgrounds for very dangerous and manipulative people. Just because you are depressed, don't let that doubt your instincts!
If it don't feel good honey, get away, it's actually the devil in disguise (my belief anyway). Jesus and the truth makes you feel so good you cry from joy, go somewhere else - Baptist is my choice xx

I do get what you are saying here I think.

I assume my situation is different as far as my ability to find a church home (I'm a lesbian and you know how that goes over in religion) but I am incredibly content to make my heart that "church" and continue my journey with God in that way. Personally, I have found it incredibly freeing that I don't need to have those 4 walls of a building around me when I worship Him. Church is in your heart, not a brick structure. I do, however, understand the want to fellowship with others. ...ou may be able to find some like minded people to fellowship with, Bible study with, etc and I truly believe God will be in the midst of it just as He would be in a "Church" setting.

All my best to you in finding a Church home that you are comfortable in. If not, please always know that He is with you whether you walk through the doors of a structure or you are sitting in your room reading your Bible.

{{{{Hugs}}}}

I agree with those who suggested finding a different church. Although it seems to happen frequently, politics and religion shouldn't meet up in church. Are people at your current church free to express their own opinion without judgment or punishment? If not, that's more of a cult than it is a church. If there is no other church around, maybe use the time you would go to church to research religion and Christianity on your own, and share some ideas with religious message boards (I'm sure there are some). Good luck, and I hope you find what you need!

I would find another church also as suggested already. Not every church will make you feel judged, the problem is that individuals acting that way tend to cause an entire church community have to carry that image for one or more people's views. I doubt everyone within the church you're dealing with feels that way and it's possible it's just your impression of what is happening but it doesn't matter. If that's how you feel then there's no reason for you to feel uncomfortable... other churches can make you feel extremely at home. Hugs and good luck.

YOU deserve the help you require! Maybe God put you in touch with this church to teach you more humility. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples... let them wash your feet and love you the way you DESERVE to be loved! Thank you for yourVERY honest post! Twetch

I think there are a few things to remember about churches. One is there is no perfect church. They are made up of imperfect people, and so therefore you will never find a church that is exactly what you want.

On the other hand, you can find some good fellowship and maybe find something you agree with mostly, and don't worry so much about what people think, but rather, what Jesus thinks.

There is this whole ultraconservative movement in the US right now, which I find very scary. I am a conservative Baptist, but I believe God gave us brains to think, and he doesn't expect us to live like it is 33AD. God's Word is true, because it reveals Jesus. My own sister denomination in the US, I would not step through the door of a church.

But the church I go to here in Canada, is feeding me and helping me grow into the image of Christ, which is the goal of our Christian walk. Wherever you are on this journey, cling to God and he will lead you through.

As far as the depression, it takes all types to make a church. I am in Seminary, and I just took a course called, "The Ways of God." We had to give our testimonies and spiritual reflections. I have never wept so hard over so many broken people, and they are going into the ministry. My feeling is that God is going to change the church to reach people who are hurting, instead of being a place for people to "play" church. God bless and I hope you will get a sense of where you belong in the Lord.

Honestly, I would recommend contacting your local Baptist church and undertaking their basic newcomers study booklet. Taught me more than 30 years of one religions teachings. If you are skeptical or scared to do so, contact me and I can take you through it. Helped me so much. I don't religiously attend church due to home commitments, but I am so strong in my faith and belief now.

Don't give up on GOD, HE will never give up on you... it just sounds like you are attending the wrong church for you. After my divorce my daughter and I tried a different church every Sunday for months until we found one that just made us feel like we were in the right place. FUnny thing is it turned out to be a predominatly black church and we are white. It didn't matter. We were made to feel welcome and wanted. The people at this Metro Baptist church realized it was God's house not theirs and were happy to share HIS love with us! Great thing is this church also had TV and internet broadcasts and even if I couldn't get there I could still benefit. Keep growing in your relationship with God and HE will lead you to the right place. I also LOVE Joyce Meyers' books and TV shows. Check out some of them if you haven't yet. Bless you and I wish you the best!