My wife and I visited 52 churches in a year. Then we attended a bunch more. Here is what we learned.
I struggle through the first half of the service. I can’t identify what’s wrong. Despite their efforts at excellence, something turns me off. Now is the minister’s turn. An affable man, with combed-back hair, he wears a gray vest and maroon shirt, open at the neck. He tells the congregation to follow along in their […]
Today is a doubleheader: a traditional service followed by a contemporary one. Aside from an older crowd, there’s little to suggest a traditional service is about to occur. Everything gives off a progressive vibe, from the informal space, to the padded chairs, to round tables in the back and large screen up front, to the […]
We’ve discussed whether we should visit today’s church because we went there fifteen years ago. Although they have a different pastor now, we know many of the people, some from our prior involvement and some who we met more recently. The pastor was out of the country, serving as a military chaplain; today is his […]
We walk into the church and receive an engaging welcome, as two greeters celebrate our presence. “If you’d only come in a couple weeks,” they playfully jest, “you’d be able to meet our new minister.” They’re most excited about her arrival, anxious for her time as their shepherd to begin. I tease that we could […]
As I blog about the churches we visit, I desire to focus on the positive. While each congregation has their good points and their weak areas, my goal in my posts is to share their more encouraging moments, to celebrate what is right. Today, I find that hard to do. Perhaps I’m weary from our […]
“Hi, are you the DeHaans?” The usher’s question surprises me. “Yes, we are.” I nod, a bit confused, but pleased at his acknowledgment. “I’m Greg.” Then gesturing towards Candy, he explains, “I answered your email.” I nod again, this time with a smile. “Thank you so much. It’s nice to meet you, Greg.” We shake […]
We find the church easily. With a parking lot in front and another in back, I choose the closer one. Only after getting out of our car do I notice the sign labeling the building entrance as “offices.” Looking for alternatives, I spot another sign marked “sanctuary.” To my dismay, it points to the back […]
Today we attend our final church service of the year. With it falling between Christmas and New Year’s Day, I expect a light turnout. We are greeted by friendly faces and hearty handshakes. The sanctuary seats about 90, plus a balcony. I count 55 present, but with a few late arrivals, our number eventually surpasses […]
The church meets in the all-purpose room of a local school. The atmosphere is casual, with people milling about, talking, sipping coffee, and munching snacks. With all ages represented, we see many kids present. Jeans and t-shirts abound. The church meets in the all-purpose room of a local school. The atmosphere is casual, with people […]
Including us, twenty-one people have gathered. Up front, a rugged wooden cross has a purple cloth draped over it and a white dove perched on the crosspiece. The bird seems out of place until my wife reminds me we’re at a Pentecostal church, and it represents the Holy Spirit. We stand to begin the service, […]