The wife and I just moved to the area about a month ago and we've been looking for a church since we touched down. I believe we've found it!
Just like our home church in SC, this place hits you with friendliness and home from the moment they open the doors for you. They had greeters placed throughout the grounds to say "hello" and give you a warm smile. This rang out with me as I held a similar position at our home church. It just gets you ready to receive the message. We went to the 11am contemporary service which means different things to different people. I normally wear jeans with a button down and blazer. The kids wear jeans and nice shirts. There was a mix on site, but you can tell it wasn't even a concern. My wife and I looked at each other after receiving a hug from one of the last greeters before entering the sanctuary. Her warm embrace was like that of an old family member. We got some coffee just before heading in a while we waited to finish it, a host asked was it our first time. When we said yes, he and another began telling us all about the church asking did we want to take a look around while we finished our coffee and did we want to see the children's area.
The children's area was phenomenal and we set the kids up to go in. The hosts were so friendly and courteous you could tell the Spirit was upon them and this was a great use of their gifts.
We went in just as the service was getting started and the pastor's message was well thought out, outlined and it was an atmosphere where we could listen versus being "entertained". I truly appreciated that . Another interesting thing was that the pastor explained that the offering was for members and that do not pressure visitors to contribute as he knows they tithe at their home church. That was quite refreshing. After service he also came into the congregation and spent a great deal of time meeting people before he and his wife went to the door to thank people for coming. It was a short service, but one with a clear message and a call to action. To me that beats theatrics any day!
Upon leaving to get the kids, we saw that they were offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University and we signed up for it! We met many people on our way back to the children's ministry. People of all colors and backgrounds and everyone was so nice. Another thing that sold me was their diversity. It is such a shame that churches continue to segregate themselves knowing that God created us all. It seems that the staff understands this and considers itself a beacon to ALL men.
The folks in the Child Care area were so helpful! The director came to talk with us afterward even though it wasn't her week to work. She introduced us to her family and chatted with us for a while.
If you are looking for a friendly church, one in the Word with plenty of ministries and place to worship in a diversified atmosphere... EVANGEL is the place to be. We'll see you there next Sunday! read more