The pastor was talking in that type of urgent whisper that makes him sound dramatic. To me, that's the equivalent of talking baby talk to a congregation. It's not real. I can't stand it. He also has a tinge of a Valley Dude accent. ie: "And the Pharisees sort of went up to Jesus and said..." He says, "sort of" numerous times in his sermon. Better than saying "like". But neither one sounds intelligent.
A woman prayed teary, and mournful. Pleading with God in a syrup sweet voice. Now, God hears that differently. But to me, it was like fingernails on a chalkboard.
They were in a portion of the book of Mark. Seems they stay in a book for many weeks on end. Like a Bible study. For my discerning ears, it wasn't a real sermon in that the congregation was getting solid food. I thought he may as well have been an English teacher. There were opportunities missed to talk about faith, how Mary was forgiven much, the Holy Spirit, repentance, etc. Like many churches around here, the sermon lacked cohesion, and Spirit led direction. Which many people seem to like. I could hardly stay seated, and around the end of the sermon, I got up and walked out.
God can use anyone, anywhere for His glory. However, for someone to stay in this church long term, it would be good to supplement with listening to sermons from such pastors as Charles Stanley, or Pastor Jack Abeelen from Growing Thru Grace. read more