2nd Visit to Church A

After our first visit, we realized that it would not be fair to write off a church when we did not get a "typical" Sunday with that congregation. On our first visit to Church A, the student pastor gave the message. So we decided to visit the following week in order to hear the lead pastor present the message.

Again, there were some initial disappointments. The "greeters" were not greeting. We strolled past several people before anyone noticed. Finally, one man introduced himself and offered us coffee.

We walked into the meeting area and took our seats. Background music was playing, (Violent Hill by Cold Play: good call) and there were new band members getting ready to play.

The music was not as good this week. The songs may have been difficult, or they may have had too similar sounds, but there was something lacking. The band was talented, but there was a glaring distraction. First, let me tell you that I am a bass player, and I have a good time when I play. I also do not know the heart of the musician, but the bass player seemed as if he was performing. Many of his actions were distracting and over-played. This was a turn off for me. The worship band should be lead worshippers not just musicians playing.

The message was decent, but seemed like it was lacking. I understand that there is a trend to simplify the Bible so that the average person can understand and apply it, but there has to be a fine line between simplicity and biblical study. If we, as ministers only simplify, then we are not instilling disciplines of study. We are instilling feel good messages.

As we left for the day, I doubted if I would find what I am looking for.

It should be noted that I had emailed the website of Church A and received a response from the Community Development pastor. I replied to this message before we visited the second time, but have yet to hear from him again. This is as frustrating to me as greeters not greeting. I would have to say that at this point I was disappointed. Perhaps Church B will give me something more.