So much to update. I'll never get to it all.
But I'm inspired today because it is Sunday which therefore means another church visit.
Our church search seems to get longer and longer with every move. Which considering we found our first church in Brunswick by visiting once at the invitation of a student of Chris' and then being asked if he would serve as the interim music director, everything would seem longer.
One visit to employment. Fast.
We adored our church in OKC. Really. Our pastor could preach an entire 6 week sermon series on a single verse. We ate it up.
The church was also pretty traditional Southern Baptist. In every way you can define that.
When we moved down to Texas, we had a rather hard time finding anything close to a traditional Southern Baptist church. We were literally stunned by how contemporary most churches were in the area. Rock bands, fog machines, no educational classes at church, pastors teaching via video feed, etc.
Four years later, we have a better grasp on the contemporary church. Not sure I totally agree or understand the concept of the video feed preaching but other than that, we're pretty open.
Our church home here was fairly traditional. At least in appearance. But the hearts of our ministers and leaders was more missioned focused than anything we had every experienced. We learned a lot from our friends Mrs. Eartha and Posty. Were challenged to think outside the pew, so to speak, and look at how the church should serve both it's own members and others in the community and world.
God was certainly preparing us for this most recent move. After traveling back to our home church for a few months, we quickly realized we did not want to be Sunday morning only church goers and with a 45 minute drive, that's all we could do. Thus, the search for a new church began.
I must say, we were both pleased with how many of Chris' students invited/mentioned their own churches to him. That's nice. Teenagers actively involved in church brings a smile to my face.
We started by visiting the most (and only) traditional church in the area.
Felt very safe.
Sweet folks.
Moved on.
Next was a smaller contemporary church. They actually had the lights on during worship. A praise band and a cage for the drummer, but with the lights on. We visited for a good while. The people were so nice and honestly, since you can only find a small group once a month, we needed to visit long enough to start that process.
However, we honestly are not sure we feel called there.
This morning was the mid-sized contemporary church. It is within walking distance of our house. Of course, go the other direction from the house and you hit the largest contemporary church too.
Centrally located to all the praise rock bands one could want.
Anyway, this was a true rock band experience. Well orchestrated experience.
Start with a fast paced song so band members can jump around appropriately with lights bright. Move on to mid-tempo song, clapping hands over your head, lights dim slightly. End with soft music, prayer, then contemplative, slow song with eyes closed, swaying and lights practically off.
Offering plate.
Video announcements.
Sermon.
Prayer, no invitation, have a great week.
End.
As with most first time visitors, at least I would imagine, I was too overwhelmed with observing the environment, and the fact that I knew none of the music, to enjoy the worship experience. Although, the sermon was good stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed that.
The people were so friendly. Great children's area complete with bubbles so Aubrey Kate was giddy.
Now on to attempting to find a small group.
Buuutttt...I couldn't let this morning's latest experience go without sharing with y'all what we were thinking as we watched the service. You can take the traditionalist out of the pew but, well...
Anyway.
I realize no one but my family will likely get this but here goes. The drummer's cage was Out.Stand.Ing. The 40-something drummer was living out every angst ridden teenage rock band fantasy he could have ever possibly had. Really. He was going to town.
When I saw the cage, I immediately thought about the Guild Navigator's "tank" from Dune. Minus the spice, of course. Think no mutated creature, 40's drummer in plaid button down dress shirt with sleeves rolled up, and purple lights.
But I'm inspired today because it is Sunday which therefore means another church visit.
Our church search seems to get longer and longer with every move. Which considering we found our first church in Brunswick by visiting once at the invitation of a student of Chris' and then being asked if he would serve as the interim music director, everything would seem longer.
One visit to employment. Fast.
We adored our church in OKC. Really. Our pastor could preach an entire 6 week sermon series on a single verse. We ate it up.
The church was also pretty traditional Southern Baptist. In every way you can define that.
When we moved down to Texas, we had a rather hard time finding anything close to a traditional Southern Baptist church. We were literally stunned by how contemporary most churches were in the area. Rock bands, fog machines, no educational classes at church, pastors teaching via video feed, etc.
Four years later, we have a better grasp on the contemporary church. Not sure I totally agree or understand the concept of the video feed preaching but other than that, we're pretty open.
Our church home here was fairly traditional. At least in appearance. But the hearts of our ministers and leaders was more missioned focused than anything we had every experienced. We learned a lot from our friends Mrs. Eartha and Posty. Were challenged to think outside the pew, so to speak, and look at how the church should serve both it's own members and others in the community and world.
God was certainly preparing us for this most recent move. After traveling back to our home church for a few months, we quickly realized we did not want to be Sunday morning only church goers and with a 45 minute drive, that's all we could do. Thus, the search for a new church began.
I must say, we were both pleased with how many of Chris' students invited/mentioned their own churches to him. That's nice. Teenagers actively involved in church brings a smile to my face.
We started by visiting the most (and only) traditional church in the area.
Felt very safe.
Sweet folks.
Moved on.
Next was a smaller contemporary church. They actually had the lights on during worship. A praise band and a cage for the drummer, but with the lights on. We visited for a good while. The people were so nice and honestly, since you can only find a small group once a month, we needed to visit long enough to start that process.
However, we honestly are not sure we feel called there.
This morning was the mid-sized contemporary church. It is within walking distance of our house. Of course, go the other direction from the house and you hit the largest contemporary church too.
Centrally located to all the praise rock bands one could want.
Anyway, this was a true rock band experience. Well orchestrated experience.
Start with a fast paced song so band members can jump around appropriately with lights bright. Move on to mid-tempo song, clapping hands over your head, lights dim slightly. End with soft music, prayer, then contemplative, slow song with eyes closed, swaying and lights practically off.
Offering plate.
Video announcements.
Sermon.
Prayer, no invitation, have a great week.
End.
As with most first time visitors, at least I would imagine, I was too overwhelmed with observing the environment, and the fact that I knew none of the music, to enjoy the worship experience. Although, the sermon was good stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed that.
The people were so friendly. Great children's area complete with bubbles so Aubrey Kate was giddy.
Now on to attempting to find a small group.
Buuutttt...I couldn't let this morning's latest experience go without sharing with y'all what we were thinking as we watched the service. You can take the traditionalist out of the pew but, well...
Anyway.
I realize no one but my family will likely get this but here goes. The drummer's cage was Out.Stand.Ing. The 40-something drummer was living out every angst ridden teenage rock band fantasy he could have ever possibly had. Really. He was going to town.
When I saw the cage, I immediately thought about the Guild Navigator's "tank" from Dune. Minus the spice, of course. Think no mutated creature, 40's drummer in plaid button down dress shirt with sleeves rolled up, and purple lights.
Awesome.
Chris was busy noticing the worship leader.
If you haven't read Jon Acuff's blog "Stuff Christians Like", you are missing out. He is a hoot. His tweets are equally as fabulous. Specifically, this post "Understanding How Metrosexual Your Worship Leader Is" ranks as one of my all-time favorite blog posts ever.
Ever.
Chris and I both can say this worship leader would have likely ranked well. Although we don't know him personally so some questions we are unable to answer. His jacket alone was metrofabulousness I can't even describe adequately.
So the search will continue. We'll keep on keeping on as we seek to find the place God calls us to serve.
But we'll likely also continue observing our environment. Only maybe not always referencing obscure science fiction movies and metrosexuality. Maybe.
I can't even imagine that cage in a church. We got to clapping for "Days of Elijah" this morning and that was very upbeat for us! :( See you soooon!
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom
It's not everyday I go to Carrie's blog and see a third-stage Guild Navigator on her blog roll on the right-hand side of the page. I hope the drummer didn't need bald-headed dudes in black-leather trench coats surrounding him to mop up the water.
ReplyDeleteFor your next trick...convince me to go back to church. I have panic attacks when ever I get near one. Any kind of church. True story. FYI: I'll be in town in May to take my board exams! On a Sunday morning. Who has board exams on a Sunday?
ReplyDeleteGod has been teaching me so much about worship the past two years through our worship pastor (minister of music to a traditionalist!). One thing that I already knew, but have been made more aware of how skewed it can become, is that our focus has to be on what pleases HIM. I could wax eloquently for a while on worship, but I don't have a blog! Certainly, when I find it difficult to worship at all, that's not pleasing Him. But there's a church where He wants your family to be worshiping and serving, and I'll be praying that you find it sooner rather than later!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Aunt Dale