fbpx
Categories
Visiting Churches

A Shepherd Cares for His Flock

Discussing Church 33 Even though this church is only nine miles from our house, the contrast between their lives and mine is stark. These people live in poverty. And their shepherd cares for his flock. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #33:  1. We struggle to sing hymns. The organist learned to play because […]

Categories
Visiting Churches

Commitment Sunday and Celebration

Discussing Church 32 This church has been homeless for a while, but they moved into their own space last week. Today they celebrate God’s faithfulness on a trying journey with their annual commitment Sunday. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #32:  1. We arrive to learn that it’s commitment Sunday for them, with contribution […]

Categories
Visiting Churches

A Day of Contrasts

Discussing Church 31 This church offers a mix of old with new, contemporary with traditional, and public friendliness with personal indifference. As a bonus, they also talk about having a Thanksgiving potluck. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #31:  1. At one point, the leader asks everyone who is able, to kneel. It hurts […]

Categories
Visiting Churches

Misdirected and Frustrated

Discussing Church 30 When Candy asked about the service time, the pastor confirmed what their website said: 10 a.m. When we arrive, they tell us to sit anywhere. After fifty agonizing minutes, they say, “Thanks for coming. The service will start in about ten minutes.” They used the old bait and switch tactic on us. […]

Categories
Visiting Churches

A Laity Led Service

Discussing Church 29 As we pull into the church parking lot, we realize our daughter attended preschool here, many years ago. What we don’t know is that we will experience a laity led service. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #29: 1. We amble in and one woman approaches us and mutters to herself, […]

Categories
Visiting Churches

An Intriguing Liturgical Church

Discussing Church 28 We learn of this church when we spot their name in a local paper’s church directory. Still, we struggle to confirm their meeting time. We expect to experience a liturgical church service. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #28: 1. We walk inside and a lady shares some basic information about […]

Categories
Visiting Churches

A Charismatic Experience

Discussing Church 27 This charismatic church meets in an old, run-down building, originally built for shared-tenant use. It looks abandoned and forms our first impression. Consider these four discussion questions about Church #27: 1. With a half dozen equally accessible doors, we don’t know which one to use. Regular attendees know which entrance to head […]

Categories
Visiting Churches

Looking toward Churches 27 through 44

Discussing the Next Churches I’ve felt like we’re bouncing between a rural churches culture to the west and a more metropolitan vibe to the east. Going forward, we’ll plan our visits by geographic area, not driving distance. Consider these two discussion questions as we look forward to the second half of our adventure:  1. I […]

Categories
Peter DeHaan News

Peter DeHaan Discusses Online Church

Gabe Hartfield Interviews Author Peter DeHaan about His Book Visiting Online Church Check out this video of author Peter DeHaan being interviewed by Gabe Hartfield. They cover what his research revealed about virtual church and discuss Peter’s new book Visiting Online Church, which is book 5 in his popular 52 Churches series. The interview was […]

Categories
Visiting Churches

Key Questions from Churches 14 through 26

Discussing Churches 14-26 For the past twenty-six weeks we’ve sought to expand our understanding of how others worship God. Consider these two discussion questions about the second part of our journey:  1. I now realize that church is not about the teaching or music. It’s about community.  How can your church foster community and promote […]