I’ve heard much about this church, likely the largest in the area, and am guarded over having too high of expectations. It’s an adventure just getting inside, with a policeman directing traffic and a parking lot crew to rival the best amusement park. Using cutting-edge technology and exuding excellence in what they do, today is […]
We park a block from church. As we hike to where we hope the entrance is, we engage in conversation with a woman, seeming to make a good connection. I consider asking if we can sit with her, so we may follow her lead during the service. But she breezes inside and scurries away—so much […]
With hundreds of people milling about, it’s a packed place. Just inside the door, a man approaches. “Have I met you before?” We assure him he hasn’t but he thinks he should know us anyway. He’s wearing an ear mic. I wonder if he’s the pastor, but if he is, he doesn’t say so, merely […]
Today’s destination is next door to last week’s; they even share a common drive. We enter, sign the guest book, and head towards the music. Standing just outside the sanctuary, Candy sees an acquaintance, who invites us to sit with her and her husband. This is the third time on our journey we’ve experienced this […]
Three significant actions stand out from church today: 1. Here’s What to Expect “Let me tell you what to expect in our service.” A lady takes time to explain their worship style and reveals they take communion every week. “It’s an open communion.” I nod, glad to know. I ponder this question every time a […]
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 […]