Church Visit - Non Denominational Christian

Since leaving the pastorate earlier this year, we will be visiting various churches as we have opportunity and will, once again, blog about our experience. I did this one other time before getting involved in another church. 

This is my eighth blog post in a series I am doing on our experience visiting churches of various denominational labels, sizes and different styles of services. It is not my intent to be critical, but rather to be real and honest in our experiences. We have established criteria we are looking for at all of the institutional churches we are visiting. I do not intend to mention the church specifically by name.

I have blogged in the past about Christians who have left and are leaving the institutional church in large numbers. They are leaving for their own spiritual welfare. Most still love God but have become disillusioned or fed up with the institutional church today. I believe this is a timely series. May it open our eyes and our hearts to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus.

CHURCH CRITERIA

~DENOMINATIONAL LABEL - Non-Denominational Christian Church in a small community southwest of Springfield, IL 

~TYPE OF SERVICE

*Traditional 

*Contemporary

*Blended XXX

~SIZE OF CHURCH - There were around 100 people present: 80 adults and 20 children

~FRIENDLINESS - This was a friendly church. We were greeted by a greeter and given a bulletin upon entering. Some greeted us once we were seated. 

~AVERAGE AGE OF CONGREGATION - Based on my observation I would say 45-50 on average

~DRESS ATTIRE - Casual to dress

~GREETING - No formal greeting time during service

~MUSIC - The music consisted of a keyboard, piano and drums. There was a song leader along who led from the keyboard. The music was a combination of old choruses and hymns

~BALANCE OF MUSIC VS WORD - I believe the music was cut short a bit since there was a baptism at the end of the service. The sermon was good and on point backed up with a good amount of Scripture.

~TECHNOLOGY UTILIZED - They utilized PowerPoint. You also have the option for online giving.

ALTAR CALL/INVITATION - None

~ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS OFFERED - Sunday School, they were accepting donations of hygiene items for Lewis Memorial Christian Home, and shared about the upcoming senior event at the Christian campground.

~BIBLE VERSION USED-NIV 

~PREACHING STYLE - Pastor's preaching style was somewhat conversational. He was able to keep my attention throughout the entire message. 

~USE OF SCRIPTURE - Very good. He had started a series on water baptism the week before. 

~RELEVANT MESSAGE - Very relevant message on water baptism.  This was a very good and balanced sermon.

~LENGTH OF SERVICE - 55 minutes including the baptism

~OBSERVATIONS/COMMENTS - This was a rather large church in a small community. The people were friendly. Pastor communicated his message in a way that kept my attention - and that is no easy task. 

This is a church we will go back and visit.   

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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