Demographics:
Races: majority Caucasian…read moreAges: between 25-65
Military? No
Dress Code: Very Casual, jeans and church t-shirt, or jeans and nice blouse
Parking situation: parking in the grass, but a cool trolley came around and drove us to the front door!
Location: Rural
Facilities type: Megachurch
How many members present? approx. 151-200
The Program:
We were welcomed with access to coffee and an escort to our seats.
Opening was engaging, included audience participation, wasn't bullied into participation, started on time, appeared prepared.
Announcements were brief, yet informative, were delivered using technology.
Offering: No manipulation perceived, but mini-sermon on tithes and offerings given beforehand. Worship team ministered while buckets swiftly came around.
Altar service: Altar was opened, custom reasons to answer altar call, not rushed, but felt rehearsed. No manipulation perceived.
Closing: Felt welcomed in word and deed. Timely closing, leveraged technology, music played (live or CD) on our way out. At the end of word a call to Christ was given. Those who gave their life to Christ were encouraged to text "made new" to 797979. Prayer team down front after service.
Technology works properly, used for announcements and presentations only.
Smooth transitions between different parts of service. Flow made service even better*.
The People:
At least 75% of the people were warm and inviting, spoke and/or made eye contact without simply staring at us (the visitors). At least one of the members greeted us formally. The man sitting in front of us made some really mean faces towards us, like he was annoyed that we were sitting behind him.
Greeters were prompt, precise, friendly, and informative.
Warm inviting eye contact, didn't lead to speaking.
1-3 people spoke, greetings only.
No hugs or handshakes.
Most people smiled but many appeared forced, not genuine.
The Music:
2-4 songs
The worship team performed songs completely, but no effort made to flow in the spirit, if a song recorded at 4 minutes 2 seconds, they song lasted exactly 4 minutes 2 seconds.
Musicians played skillfully but overshadowed the vocals. Vocals were in key and tune, lead was solid, harmony wasn't used much.
Delivery Style: guitar band
Music Style: CCM
Singers moved about, lead singer exhorted, but still had a hurried feel to it.
Congregation sat, or stood with minimal to no participation, just watching the show.
The music and vocals are balanced, but the overall sound is a little too loud, hard to hear lyrics.
The Word:
15-30 minutes
Organized, regimented, 3 points, military training style
6-9 scriptures referenced; either by chapter verse or by simple reference
Made connections to everyday life, but no revelation of the scripture
Some sleepers a few questions no neighbor activity, Notes on program to make interactive, used technology well, background music came out right at 27 minute mark.
Pastor's Ego: A little petty, a normal sized ego
