Church Shopping
One of the most annoying things about moving is having to find a new church. (another is finding a stylist, but that is another post) I thought it wouldn't be too difficult - we are in the south and part of the bible belt. Boy was I wrong!!! It seems the current trend with churches is to meet in a warehouse or school, have really loud music and no followup with first time visitors. Here are some we have visited and my thoughts on them:
Spirit of Joy was the first church we visited. It is a Lutheran Church, but also has an AWANA program. The kids went to VBS there since it was in the morning the week I started work. The kids are currently gong to AWANA there and loving it. I have been hesitant to jump into the church. They are studying one topic church wide, the kids have had to sit with us in service so I can't focus on the message and I haven't felt like I fit in. One huge positive is that the church is likely not going to follow the ELCA with their recent controversial decisions. The pastor did call once to check on us and chat. He also talked to Scott frequently during VBS. I am in a bible study he is leading on Wed. while the kids are in AWANA. We are studying The Truth Project.
Graceway was another Lutheran church, but they meet in an elem. school. The pastor wasn't there and we have heard nothing from them since we visited. There was nothing for the kids and keeping them out of trouble in an elem. school library is easier said than done.
Next Level Church had a great kids program and the both kids loved it. The music was loud. The sermon seemed to bash Lutherans for infant baptism. I have still not found where it says in the bible where you have to be immersed to be baptised. The person doing the sermon did not research enough. We did receive a note from them the following week thanking us for visiting and it included a $5 Starbucks gift card. We don't drink coffee, nor do we go to Starbucks. The gift card will be regifted sometime...Or I will purchase chocolate covered coffee beans. Yum! No sunday school for adults though. On their website they say, "1) Welcome Callers- The First Impression of Next Level Church continues on through the week as you make a phone call to thank our first time guests for attending the previous Sunday.
2) Connection Partners – This part of the process allows you the caller to follow up with our guest to inform, encourage, and invite them to attend Starting Point, and encourage them to get involved through our volunteer opportunities.
3) Care Partners – Once our guest become regular attenders the process is not over. Our goal is to see everyone living out our three values. As Care partners you will make 6-8 calls over a 12 month period of time to encourage folks to get involved in all aspects of NLC."
Yeah. No. Sounds like a good plan. If they did it. I would have rather had the phone call than the gift card.
Southbrook-Weddington: One huge plus was running into our neighbors who saved us a seat while we were getting the kids settled. EQ recited the entire story of Jonah and the big fish when we picked her up. I enjoyed the music, S got a headache due to the volume. I really enjoyed the preaching! It was biblical, yet applicable, easy to follow and funny at times. We got an email from the pastor. It was obviously a mass email, but still something. Again - no Sunday School, but there are tons of small groups.
Elevation: This was one of the biggest disappointments. I have listened to the pastor, Steven Furtick, online several times and really got a lot from his sermons. I was looking forward to visiting. When we pulled into the parking lot, I put on my flashers as instructed to indicate we were first time visitors (it was just me and EQ). We got a great parking spot and walked to the front. There was a first time visitors tent. We received a flier and cd and were escorted inside. As we were walking in, people were clapping. It was humiliating. I know NO one and I am having attention drawn to me for visiting a church. It was worse than raising your hand if you are visiting (we don't even do that.) I got EQ checked in and was told that I had to "go around there" to pick her up...with a point in a general direction. Then I had to ask where to go. It was so loud in the lobby EQ was holding her ears and I had trouble hearing what people were trying to say to me. The auditorium was even louder. They were having people file in and fill seats in order. I was not comfortable sitting in the middle of a row between two strangers with music that was louder than any concert I have every been to (and I have been to a lot of concerts) and not be able to get to EQ if needed. I was offered ear plugs. For church? I sat in the back where it wasn't so bad. I knew NONE of the worship songs. Then the sermon started - via tape. There wasn't even a real person up there. I can watch him on my computer and turn down the volume if needed. I was very disappointed. He bragged about being the 4th fastest growing church in the US - big deal if there is no meat. Afterward I wandered until I found the line to get EQ, dropped off a contact card, got a free tshirt (why???), and left. I read their ideal for a first time visitor online and we'll see what happens. I won't be returning. It was way to loud - and they like being loud. It wasn't worshipful for me. It was painful.
I am weary of looking for a church home. I know God has one for us out there. :::sigh::::
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