Visited a New Church Sunday

[n david]

Have you ever walked into a place and within moments wondered, "What in the world am I doing here?" That was me yesterday.

There's a church near my home which is "non-denomination" but the Pastor was raised and attended a UPC bible school before leaving the organization. A friend of mine, who also used to be in the UPC, had helped start the church before moving out of state. When it was starting, he tried getting me to visit and told me that it was doctrinally like the UPC with exception of dress standards.

The church has grown a lot in the 7 or 8 years after my friend moved away. The church now has its own large building and has two services on Sunday. I attended the second service Sunday morning and it was a full auditorium which seats probably around 300 - 350.

My twins were tagged and checked in to their classroom and I was given a label with a code on it which matched theirs. I walked with my older daughter to her classroom where they had a bounce house, (yes inside her classroom), some mega-sized games like Connect Four and Jenga and a couple video projectors showing a countdown on the walls.

On my way to the auditorium, I felt the beat of the drum and the bass begin as the band started to play. So. Loud. It was dark, with the exception of some FX and strobe lights. The fog was thick really thick. Then almost the entire wall of the stage lit up with the wide video projection system. The lights came on stage and the "worship" began.

Most of the musicians were male and wore skinny jeans with boots. Most had t-shirts exposing their sleeve tattoos. One of the guitar players had gauges in his ears to accessorize his sleeve tat. The lady leading the service was the Pastor's wife. She had tight leggings with short cowboy boots and spikey hair.

The band sounded great, as did the singers. For a concert, it was really good.

During a slow part of the songs, she said God was in the midst of them, but I felt nothing but the bass and a bit of a headache from the strobe lights and choking fog.

After several songs, a very perky and happy lady came out and told us about how many different ways we could give to the church, including by downloading an app for making payments! We were reminded to not only tithe 10% of their salary, bonuses and any other sources of income, but also to give above that with an offering. Online viewers were directed to click a link appearing online which would take them to a secure payment website.

First time guests were told to fill out a contact card so we could receive a free gift in the mail. We were also asked to complete a commitment card if we decided to commit our life to Christ during the service.

After another song, the Pastor walked out from behind a wing on the stage and welcomed everyone to the service. He spoke about the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy. At one point during the message, he was talking about being saved and mentioned he was raised Pentecostal. He said Pentecostals can't ever be sure they're saved because they're so afraid anything they do will send them to hell and that Pentecostals like to use fear to keep people guessing whether or not they're saved. I just about walked out then, but I didn't. After a few more minutes, he apologized for going past his allotted 30 minute time and asked everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes while those who wanted to commit to Christ raised their hands. Then he had everyone stand and repeat a prayer for repentance and asking Christ into their hearts.

I was happy for it to be over. I went to get my older daughter first and decided next time I need to meet all the teachers before leaving her anywhere. When I went to pick her up, one of the teachers was a guy who had black hair with bleached blonde streaks. He wore gauges in his ears, had a nose ring, a spiked bracelet and a black ring with a bunch of small spikes, skinny jeans and spiked boots. I was told this wasn't a costume.

I have a hard time believing this was the same church my friend had recommended me to visit years ago. I definitely won't be going back.

[Jito463]

Originally Posted by n david

At one point during the message, he was talking about being saved and mentioned he was raised Pentecostal. He said Pentecostals can't ever be sure they're saved because they're so afraid anything they do will send them to hell and that Pentecostals like to use fear to keep people guessing whether or not they're saved.

I guess he never read the Scriptures which say, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". Fear - in its proper context - can be a very healthy thing.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by n david

Have you ever walked into a place and within moments wondered, "What in the world am I doing here?" That was me yesterday.

There's a church near my home which is "non-denomination" but the Pastor was raised and attended a UPC bible school before leaving the organization. A friend of mine, who also used to be in the UPC, had helped start the church before moving out of state. When it was starting, he tried getting me to visit and told me that it was doctrinally like the UPC with exception of dress standards.

The church has grown a lot in the 7 or 8 years after my friend moved away. The church now has its own large building and has two services on Sunday. I attended the second service Sunday morning and it was a full auditorium which seats probably around 300 - 350.

My twins were tagged and checked in to their classroom and I was given a label with a code on it which matched theirs. I walked with my older daughter to her classroom where they had a bounce house, (yes inside her classroom), some mega-sized games like Connect Four and Jenga and a couple video projectors showing a countdown on the walls.

On my way to the auditorium, I felt the beat of the drum and the bass begin as the band started to play. So. Loud. It was dark, with the exception of some FX and strobe lights. The fog was thick really thick. Then almost the entire wall of the stage lit up with the wide video projection system. The lights came on stage and the "worship" began.

Most of the musicians were male and wore skinny jeans with boots. Most had t-shirts exposing their sleeve tattoos. One of the guitar players had gauges in his ears to accessorize his sleeve tat. The lady leading the service was the Pastor's wife. She had tight leggings with short cowboy boots and spikey hair.

The band sounded great, as did the singers. For a concert, it was really good.

During a slow part of the songs, she said God was in the midst of them, but I felt nothing but the bass and a bit of a headache from the strobe lights and choking fog.

After several songs, a very perky and happy lady came out and told us about how many different ways we could give to the church, including by downloading an app for making payments! We were reminded to not only tithe 10% of their salary, bonuses and any other sources of income, but also to give above that with an offering. Online viewers were directed to click a link appearing online which would take them to a secure payment website.

First time guests were told to fill out a contact card so we could receive a free gift in the mail. We were also asked to complete a commitment card if we decided to commit our life to Christ during the service.

After another song, the Pastor walked out from behind a wing on the stage and welcomed everyone to the service. He spoke about the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy. At one point during the message, he was talking about being saved and mentioned he was raised Pentecostal. He said Pentecostals can't ever be sure they're saved because they're so afraid anything they do will send them to hell and that Pentecostals like to use fear to keep people guessing whether or not they're saved. I just about walked out then, but I didn't. After a few more minutes, he apologized for going past his allotted 30 minute time and asked everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes while those who wanted to commit to Christ raised their hands. Then he had everyone stand and repeat a prayer for repentance and asking Christ into their hearts.

I was happy for it to be over. I went to get my older daughter first and decided next time I need to meet all the teachers before leaving her anywhere. When I went to pick her up, one of the teachers was a guy who had black hair with bleached blonde streaks. He wore gauges in his ears, had a nose ring, a spiked bracelet and a black ring with a bunch of small spikes, skinny jeans and spiked boots. I was told this wasn't a costume.

I have a hard time believing this was the same church my friend had recommended me to visit years ago. I definitely won't be going back.

Scary thing is these clowns drive and vote!

[Dordrecht]

Is there an internet link to check this out?

I am aware of a "church" in our area where they blow steam (or smoke) into the room. With all kind of lights blinking.

I am wondering if it's the same place.

[jediwill83]

the number of props you use to create an "atmosphere" is proportionate to the power and annointing you lack.

[n david]

Originally Posted by jediwill83

the number of props you use to create an "atmosphere" is proportionate to the power and annointing you lack.

Oh my. Somebody take an offering.

[consapente89]

Originally Posted by jediwill83

the number of props you use to create an "atmosphere" is proportionate to the power and annointing you lack.

wow!

every squirrel finds a good nut every now and then..

[Amanah]

old paths, narrow way

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by n david

Have you ever walked into a place and within moments wondered, "What in the world am I doing here?" That was me yesterday.

There's a church near my home which is "non-denomination" but the Pastor was raised and attended a UPC bible school before leaving the organization. A friend of mine, who also used to be in the UPC, had helped start the church before moving out of state. When it was starting, he tried getting me to visit and told me that it was doctrinally like the UPC with exception of dress standards.

The church has grown a lot in the 7 or 8 years after my friend moved away. The church now has its own large building and has two services on Sunday. I attended the second service Sunday morning and it was a full auditorium which seats probably around 300 - 350.

My twins were tagged and checked in to their classroom and I was given a label with a code on it which matched theirs. I walked with my older daughter to her classroom where they had a bounce house, (yes inside her classroom), some mega-sized games like Connect Four and Jenga and a couple video projectors showing a countdown on the walls.

On my way to the auditorium, I felt the beat of the drum and the bass begin as the band started to play. So. Loud. It was dark, with the exception of some FX and strobe lights. The fog was thick really thick. Then almost the entire wall of the stage lit up with the wide video projection system. The lights came on stage and the "worship" began.

Most of the musicians were male and wore skinny jeans with boots. Most had t-shirts exposing their sleeve tattoos. One of the guitar players had gauges in his ears to accessorize his sleeve tat. The lady leading the service was the Pastor's wife. She had tight leggings with short cowboy boots and spikey hair.

The band sounded great, as did the singers. For a concert, it was really good.

During a slow part of the songs, she said God was in the midst of them, but I felt nothing but the bass and a bit of a headache from the strobe lights and choking fog.

After several songs, a very perky and happy lady came out and told us about how many different ways we could give to the church, including by downloading an app for making payments! We were reminded to not only tithe 10% of their salary, bonuses and any other sources of income, but also to give above that with an offering. Online viewers were directed to click a link appearing online which would take them to a secure payment website.

First time guests were told to fill out a contact card so we could receive a free gift in the mail. We were also asked to complete a commitment card if we decided to commit our life to Christ during the service.

After another song, the Pastor walked out from behind a wing on the stage and welcomed everyone to the service. He spoke about the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy. At one point during the message, he was talking about being saved and mentioned he was raised Pentecostal. He said Pentecostals can't ever be sure they're saved because they're so afraid anything they do will send them to hell and that Pentecostals like to use fear to keep people guessing whether or not they're saved. I just about walked out then, but I didn't. After a few more minutes, he apologized for going past his allotted 30 minute time and asked everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes while those who wanted to commit to Christ raised their hands. Then he had everyone stand and repeat a prayer for repentance and asking Christ into their hearts.

I was happy for it to be over. I went to get my older daughter first and decided next time I need to meet all the teachers before leaving her anywhere. When I went to pick her up, one of the teachers was a guy who had black hair with bleached blonde streaks. He wore gauges in his ears, had a nose ring, a spiked bracelet and a black ring with a bunch of small spikes, skinny jeans and spiked boots. I was told this wasn't a costume.

I have a hard time believing this was the same church my friend had recommended me to visit years ago. I definitely won't be going back.

I know that I can be pretty "liberal" according to some folk. But I agree with you whole heartedly. I wouldn't be going back either.

[Aquila]

Your post reminded me of this video: LOL