I've attended Oasis for years and even brought my family here, it had it's issues, but believed it was a place rooted in compassion and community. But when my father passed away, I was met with cold bureaucracy instead of genuine care. I left a message about holding his funeral service. The response? A voicemail saying they might be able to help if they had time--followed by a rental application. Everything came with a price tag: the space, the chairs, the audio equipment, the screens--even the pastor.
In stark contrast, my brother's funeral--held at my former church in another state--was handled with true pastoral care. The pastor didn't hesitate. He gave a beautiful service, encouraged a slideshow to honor my brother's life, and offered the church space for the post-service gathering--all at no cost. When I later spoke with another local church and explained what had happened at Oasis, they immediately expressed sorrow, prayed with my mother and me, and said they'd be honored to help, membership or not.
The way Oasis handled my father's death was not just disappointing--it was disgraceful. If this is how they respond to a grieving child, I can't imagine Jesus would approve. They complained about how difficult it would be and even suggested I consider going through a funeral home instead. All because my 96-year-old father, who couldn't see, hear and barely walk, wasn't known well enough by Pastor Marty.
I will never return to this church. A church that can't show up when it matters most isn't serving Christ--it's serving itself. If your own church abandons you in your darkest hour, it's not a house of God--it's just a building with a logo. read more