A Similar Experienced but Different
Our area’s megachurch (Church #51) holds two services in their mega-building, one at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 11:30. Also at 9:30 is a concurrent service in the original building on their campus, a modern cathedral built by the original owners.
Multiple Service Options
When we visited earlier, we didn’t know about the concurrent service, but our tour guide shared the main details.
The concurrent service has their own worship team that is “a little less rock and roll,” with the message from the main service presented via video. Though unintended, the cathedral attracts an older crowd.
None of these characteristics appeal to me, but I do want to experience a service there.
I also wish to hear a typical message from one of their pastors, since the week we visited they squeezed a seminar teaching into the service.
Another intriguing option is a second campus they had just started in a nearby city. Its format was also live worship and a video message. They met at a local Middle School and started at 10:30 a.m.
I even considered making the forty-five-minute drive to experience it too. But when I went online to verify service times for the cathedral, there was no mention of the other location.
I assume it didn’t work out. I’m disappointed they couldn’t develop a following there.
This isn’t the only thing that disappoints me. At Christmastime, this church contacted the food pantry where I volunteer. They offered to deliver Christmas dinners to any of our clients who wanted one.
We were dubious, but they assured us of their commitment. After we signed up many of our clients, the church backed out. I’m not sure where things fell apart, but the result was frustration from our leaders and disillusionment from our clients.
They made many negative impressions. I lament their misstep.
Despite this, I’m excited to return today. It’s summer, so I expect a lighter crowd but am still surprised there isn’t a police officer today directing cars at the intersection. But the traffic flows fine without one.
Rain began on our way there, increasing in intensity as we drew closer and unleashing a torrent just as it was time to go inside. Even with an umbrella, I’m wet by the time we reach the main door.
I pull on the handle, but the door doesn’t budge. Getting wetter by the second, I don’t take the time to see if it’s locked or just stuck.
“I saw someone go in the side door,” my wife says. “Try that one.” We head there, and a man standing on the inside opens the door for us as we approach. He and his partner greet us warmly, sharing their names and asking ours.
Their friendly, easy-going demeanor sets me at ease.
Small and Inviting
As we head inside, I’m shocked. Despite the impressive size of the building, there is little seating, perhaps enough for 150 people, a fraction of what their main facility holds.
Smartly arrayed inside the formality of this dramatic, modern cathedral, is a casual and inviting arrangement of chairs, couches, tables, and accessories.
No one seems available to talk, so we sit down. My wife soon abandons me, however, when she spots their coffee counter. Eventually I head over to wait with her, but before I reach her, someone comes up to welcome me.
My bride joins us, and we talk some more before our new friend excuses herself to join the worship team. Another lady stops by just before the service starts. We have a short, but nice, conversation with her too. I later learn she’s married to the site pastor.
The countdown counter reaches zero, and the service begins. It’s a typical contemporary worship band, with guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drums. In addition to the worship leader, there are two backup vocalists.
They produce a light rock sound. I’m not familiar with most of the songs and have trouble singing along. But part of the problem may be that the words don’t always appear on the screen when we need them and are occasionally the wrong words.
Adding to this, the acoustics in the cube-shaped space are horrendous.
The site pastor talks a bit, and some video announcements play. He checks the time. “It will be about two minutes before the message starts, so meet those around you. When you see the video on the screen, they’re about to begin.”
At that point the typical church greeting happens. The congregation now comes to life, as many people welcome us. They make eye contact, share their names, and ask ours. But then their attention moves to someone else.
We are pleasantly surprised to see a former neighbor. We try to quickly catch up with her before the message starts.
Live Video Feed of the Message
The video appears on the screen, and people scurry back to their seats. On our first visit, the husband of this husband-and-wife team spoke.
Today we hear the wife. She is a dynamic speaker and gifted communicator. A chic dresser, I appreciate her eclectic style, but her ensemble distracts my wife.
They’re in the middle of a sermon series on the Basics. Today is “Basic #5: Get Excited and Tell Someone.”
Using Matthew 4:19 as a springboard text, she delves into a fishing metaphor. Our life is like a fishing rod, and the Bible is our tackle box, with the church as a fishing net.
“People will tell us what bait to use, based on their needs and life,” she says. “Out of the heart of men, the mouth will speak.” Her style is compelling and her presentation, engaging. I quickly forget she’s on video and not live in our building.
She’s the only female minister I remember hearing on our church-visiting journey who didn’t read her message. This reinforces my earlier conclusion that this is a church I could be part of—if I were looking for a different one.
After the message, the site pastor returns and offers an alter call of sorts. Another staff person, the pastor’s daughter, closes out the service.
Unlike our first experience at this church—although in the main sanctuary—we don’t find people to talk to today.
They came and then they left—so we do the same. We step outside, and the rain has stopped. We bask in the warm sunshine as we head home and contemplate the message.
Takeaway
What impact do you make on visitors to your church? Remember that this comes from both the leadership and the laity.
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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