I'm a fan of the Stone. No question, the music soothes the soul, loud or not. Each pastor's expository style of preaching God's Word, within series of contemporary themes, is easy to follow and generally satisfies the need for a heart-felt sermon. I like to feel convicted by a message, when I leave the service. The Stone delivers.
After attending the downtown campus for a year plus, I concur with some of the reviews mentioned previously, both pro and con.
1) It's a Mega-Church, of sorts. Being that we meet in the Austin HS gym, it's not Lakewood, Willow Creek nor Saddleback. There are lots of people, particularly young people. That's a good thing. I'm glad to see it, as a father of college-aged kids.
The missional life groups are there, as are other opportunities to serve and/or interact. Whether it fits into one's weekly schedule or need, since there are plenty of ministries, groups and informal Bible studies around town, is completely the individual's decision. I'm blessed attending the service on a weekly basis, without the need to commit further (at this point). I'm also older than most who attend and a veteran church servant in years past (multiple small groups, worship leader, mission trip leader, etc). I like being a Christian-at-large, available to connect with people, without an agenda.
2) Politics & Money. Zach S had quite a bit to say about the political structure and behind-the-scenes business model of the Stone. Frankly, much of what he said stands to reason, assuming his observations are true. The SBC has a long history of financial planning, resources for new church plants and other programs that clearly reflect a business-savvy organization.
First & Second Baptist churches are known for elders that are business & political movers & shakers in cities nationwide. It's obvious that an organization like the Stone, with 8000 in attendance, is going to watch the bottom line. SBC pastors expect professional executive compensation and live in nice neighborhoods, when their churches succeed. I've witnessed this several times over in churches with multi-million dollar budgets.
These days, the model tends towards closed inner circles (eg elders/overseers) that know specific salaries, while employee wages, as in total staff/employees, are a general line item in the budget, made available to those donors that commit to tithing. This model is somewhat standard in today's contemporary churches. Also, wealthy donors are known to gift large ticket items, like cars, trips, homes, etc to pastors. No surprise, if the leaders appear to live the "good life". They can and do.
Church politics are a challenge. I've personally known more than a few SBC church staff at local congregations and regional SBC employees who are candid about the politics in the organization. It is a hierarchy of powers, schmoozing and not unlike military rule, at least in the old days. However, each locally affiliated SBC church is granted autonomy. Frankly, church political structure can mirror corporations, boards, or smaller entities like LLCs with operating agreements for members/partners. In this case, the organization is a 501c3, in the eyes of the IRS, with all vested rites.
This said, I see the organization as the operating partner and the rest of us as silent partners, if we choose to contribute monetarily. Who wants to deal with the day-to-day headaches of the organization? The Stone, like all organizations/entities, functions to fulfill its mission, make a living for its founders & staff and has an IRS mandate to reinvest what's left over. After all, we live in a democratic, capitalist nation. As consumers, we're free to choose to patron different brands. The Stone is a church brand and provides a service.
3) Austin needs the Stone!
It's great that a church of its caliber is accessible to touch people across all socio-economic, political and demographic levels, all throughout the city. Founding leaders, Matt Carter & Chris Tomlin, have been visionaries for this present and an earlier generation of young believers who needed a place to identify and encounter God through music and the weekly messages.
Austin is a city of the future, with tech, money, liberal politics, entrepreneurs and the arts, all converging in a place originally known for state government and the university. It's easy to get lost in the crowds here (6th St/Rainey, SXSW, ACL, UT, corps like Dell, etc). With so many attracted to the opportunities, I've heard more than one say he/she feels like an outsider.
Do everyone else a favor and say "hello". This is Texas. We say "hi" or "howdy". Look for opportunities to serve and care for others. Whether you find your place of worship at the Stone or elsewhere, remember to smile and greet others. It doesn't have to happen on Sunday morning (or evening) when all the wanna-bes and hipsters in the flock make a quick dash for the exit. Church trains us to serve others. Make that your mission every day! read more
