Located in a safe area of Summerville and operating out of a refurbished car dealership (for the…read morebest I can guess) Seacoast just might be the church for you. To be transparent, I went to the original church back in Mt Pleasant around 94 or so when it was in a high school gym. Since then, I've lived cross country, so when I moved back, I figured I would return to my old stomping grounds, so to speak. Wow, it's now got a lot of satellite locations as well as online. The parking is plentiful and the traffic in and out isn't difficult at all. Finally, the building is in a safe part of town, so "never fear walking through the valley of darkness!"
First off, I've only attended the 8:30am service so I'm not sure about any details for the other services. For mine, I generally arrive at 8:15 and fill up on some Coastal Coffee Roasters (yes they brew the name brand) but don't get it twisted that you'll get all the bells and whistles of a caramel latte! The greeters are extremely nice, directing traffic both in and out of the building. There're several areas to meet with people that can assist with any questions as well as a daycare for children of all ages. The service does get pretty full so if you like your pick of chairs, come 15 mins or so early for a service.
As for the auditorium, it's spacious with individual sets, a live band and 3 huge projectors so there really isn't a bad seat. Now, part of what I initially struggled with is the fact the sermon is broadcast 90% of the time from the main campus. This is the only part that's online so to say. Moreover, in my 8 times attending, I've listened to 7 different preachers. That might play into an individual's decision as some do like to get comfortable with "their" preacher. I'm still not super sold on the format, but I go where the holy spirit leads me.
As for the structure of the service it's a bit of the proven formula with a few tweaks. Traditionally, I've found churches do the introduction & opening prayer, 4 songs, brief offering message and song, main message then closing comments. SeaCoast somewhat follows the pattern but deviates a smidge. There might be an introduction but generally they roll right into 2 songs. Next, they don't really talk about offering, instead putting emphasis on texting "320320" to "get connected" which gives the visitor a link to the website to start their journey. Next a sermon happens, then a song while they have candles where people can come up, light candles and/or be prayed over by members of the church. FYI - the communion is done every Sunday, just pick up the little combo pack and take it during the prayer. I'm accustom to churches doing communion once a month and tailoring the one service to fit the activity.
Now, I've never liked "mega" churches as I've always had intimacy issues b/c bigger churches don't cater to the individual as much. That said, Seacoast seems to thrive on a growing trend - small groups. Most people might be a little hesitant at first but let me pass on some wisdom, you'll get a lot of healing from these groups. I've since been to 3 Men of Iron, which meet once a week and I've found it extremely helpful. The individuals in the group offer many different perspectives and support. I've really grown to enjoy this group and I actively participate as I'm not shy. The next group I've tried out is the singles 30+ group. I've only been to one and found it interesting. It meets once a month - Mondays at 6-7:30 and they provide food, a message and break out into small groups. I was lucky enough to be the only guy in a group with 8 females. Hey, I spoke my mind! Oh, I guess I did tread carefully - I joke I joke! They also get together via communications on Groupme and do things like bowling which I missed. Those are the only groups I've tried and I've liked them both.
Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen." So if you need healing, networking, friendship, something do to or whatever reason you can think of Seacoast is there for you, holding the door open. I only scratched the surface of their offerings, but it appears to me, their doors are NEVER shut to ANYONE, literally. Please note, not all the churches are the same but Seacoast has a pretty good balance of activities for everyone. I encourage you to drop by and give them a chance, rather, give God a chance. Take care and God bless.
