Category: Visiting Churches

My wife and I visited 52 churches in a year. Then we attended a bunch more. Here is what we learned.

A Family That Likes to Sing (Visiting Church #37)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date January 2, 2020
2 Comments on A Family That Likes to Sing (Visiting Church #37)

Including us, twenty-one people have gathered. Up front, a rugged wooden cross has a purple cloth draped over it and a white dove perched on the crosspiece.

The bird seems out of place until my wife reminds me we’re at a Pentecostal church, and it represents the Holy Spirit.

We stand to begin the service, open the hymnal to the announced page, but see the wrong song. Everyone else sings. We’ve never heard the tune and without the words, we can’t participate.

It’s lonely, standing mute while others sing with abandon.

52 Churches: A Yearlong Journey Encountering God, His Church, and Our Common Faith

The accomplished pianist’s playing reminds me of ragtime. The bass player accentuates the sound. Some clap with enthusiasm, and it wouldn’t have surprised me to see someone slapping their thigh or stomping their foot.

We seem to have traveled to a different time.

We discover there are two hymnals, and we both grabbed the wrong one. For the second song, we pick up the right book.

The congregation sings with fervor. The kids participate loudly, with a few belting out the choruses, off tune but full of passion.

The minister announces a birthday and we sing, not the traditional birthday song, but an alternate version. There’s also an anniversary. We sing again, using the same tune with slightly different words.

The pastor doesn’t ask who has a birthday or anniversary; just as with family, everyone knows important dates.

They use an overhead projector, something I’ve not seen in years. One of the teens operates it, a role he takes seriously. After sharing prayer requests, the pastor prays for his flock and then gives his message.

Afterwards a couple people tell us their story of first coming to this church and how much the people mean to them. They found a family here, just as true church should be.

[Read about Church #36 and Church #38 , start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #37.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags 52 Churches, good music

Visiting Churches

Church Happens Anyway (Visiting Church #36)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date December 26, 2019

We arrive at church to find an empty lobby. Hearing an amplified voice, we head towards the sound. We find a large sanctuary with 162 chairs and 20 people.

Like last week, we slink into a back row. A young woman turns around, smiles broadly, and mouths “hello.”

I assume Sunday school is running late, but if that’s the case, it’s lasted 90 minutes. The speaker makes a few concluding remarks and asks everyone to stand.

He publically acknowledges the presence of visitors and apologizes that there is no church service today, just Sunday school. Their minister had an emergency and they canceled church. He hopes we’ll visit another time.

After a short prayer, the people begin leaving. The young woman comes up and greets us, embarrassed for there being no service. With a late starting time of 11:30, there’s no opportunity to go elsewhere, so we linger to talk.

Our new friend shares her faith journey. Her testimony encourages me. Perhaps we’ll have church after all, unofficially so. She introduces others and we learn a bit about their history.

She asks if I know what an apostolic church is. We’ve been to several claiming that label but possessing little in common. “It seems apostolic means different things to different people,” I say. She nods and then explains their doctrine.

Then she shares God’s work in her life, including starting a youth program, leading worship, performing clerical tasks at church, and preparing for next week’s Christmas program. She smiles with joy as she speaks of her faith in action.

Though a formal church service did not occur, an informal fellowship did. We proclaimed Jesus, worshiped the Father, and celebrated the Holy Spirit—and it all happened without any music or sermon.

[Read about Church #35 and Church #37, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #36.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags 52 Churches, laity led service

Visiting Churches

Confusing Signals but with a Good Result (Visiting Church #35)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date December 19, 2019

Two weeks ago we stumbled upon this church. They are new to us, not coming up in any of our research. Once we know their name, my wife finds them on Facebook, confirming their location, but nothing else.

Their denomination’s website lists service times, but no contact information. Candy sends them two Facebook messages (our only means of contact), but there’s no response.

I wonder if they even want visitors.

We arrive to a pleasant sight: cars in the parking lot. We pull into one of the last remaining spaces and walk towards the entrance. Once inside, no one greets us.

Everyone is sitting and people are singing. Confused, I check the time; we think we’re early but seem to be late.

We slink in, easing into the last row. I nod at the man to my left and try to smile. He returns the courtesy but then looks away. The song ends and nothing happens. We sit in complete silence.

We squirm for about ten minutes, and finally the service starts for real. We open with a hymn and hear a message from Zechariah; then we take Holy Communion. They share the bread in typical fashion, but skip the cup.

Perplexed, I feel I’ve only received half of communion. Is omitting the wine a theological statement or a practice of convenience?

The service ends. Only then do people talk. Up to this point, they’d been stoic, but now they’re friendly. Many introduce themselves, ask our names, and thank us for visiting.

I’m appreciative of worshiping with them today and glad we went despite a lack of communication.

Today we worshiped God—and isn’t that the point?

[Read about Church #34 and Church #36, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #35.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags 52 Churches, communication

Visiting Churches

The Holy Spirit Grows the Church (Visiting Church #34)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date December 12, 2019
2 Comments on The Holy Spirit Grows the Church (Visiting Church #34)

Today’s destination is a tiny country church. Their pastor resigned a couple months ago and some families left as well.

Another church from their denomination (some forty miles away) has come alongside them, providing assistance in their revitalization.

Three couples from this other church now rotate in leading their Sunday services. “We’re in a rebuilding phase,” says one man.

The service begins with singing five songs, ably led by today’s assigned couple. The message, about revival, connects the birth of Pentecostalism in the 1900s with the early church, as portrayed in the book of Acts.

I’m glad to hear our speaker acknowledge and celebrate the Holy Spirit’s role in God’s church.

In Acts 1, the people wait and pray; this is part of their preparation. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit shows up, just as Jesus promised. The church is born.

Nineteen centuries later, the Holy Spirit again takes a lead role, as exemplified with the Azusa Street revival in 1906. Their denomination traces its roots to that event.

Unfortunately, “the church got complacent.” We need to “expect God to do miracles in our lives.” Our speaker shares an example from his own life, as well as from some of the pillars of the charismatic movement.

He concludes by quoting William Booth. “I don’t pray for revival; I am revival.”

Through the Holy Spirit, this tiny church can grow, just as it did in the book of Acts.

[Read about Church #33 and Church #35, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #34.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags 52 Churches, early church, Holy Spirit, Pentecostal

Visiting Churches

Be Thankful (Visiting Church #33)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date December 5, 2019

We only recently learned of today’s congregation, discovering them in a printed directory of churches. Their rural location seems further removed from us than our 8.8 mile drive.

Their scripture for today is Habakkuk 3:17-19.

Verse 17 recaps the dire conditions of the day, with a transition occurring in verse 18 when the prophet proclaims, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” A verse later Habakkuk affirms, “The Lord is my strength.”

It’s four days before Thanksgiving. The minister’s message “Thanksgiving Anyhow!” follows Habakkuk’s tone. This rural congregation seems needy, with the implication that some will only eat one or two meals today.

The message includes mentions of helping others in need. This isn’t to call attention to the giver, but to show how this church family takes care of one another. Behind the church is a sizable garden, planted with the intention to share.

“When God blesses you,” the pastor says, “you need to pass it on.” Though the growing season is over, there are some onions and potatoes remaining in the ground should anyone need them.

Deer hunting season began a few days ago and the pastor has bagged two. If anyone lacks meat for Thanksgiving, he offers venison. From his property, he cuts trees for those needing wood for heat.

He also has two acres of fruit trees. Usually he shares the produce with others, but due to an early spring and a late freeze, the harvest this year was nil. He refers back to Habakkuk’s mention of no fruit. “Yet I will rejoice”

We must “be thankful in hard times…and be thankful for our salvation.” He shares some more verses and additional stories of need and provision. “In everything, give thanks—even on your bad days.”

[Read about Church #32 and Church #34, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #33.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags 52 Churches, Habakkuk, holiday, Thanksgiving

Visiting Churches

A Simple Gesture (Visiting Church #32)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date November 28, 2019

We ascend the steps of the church, and a gregarious woman approaches. She’s wearing a white vestment, and I spy a clerical collar underneath. We’ve never been received so cordially.

She thanks us for visiting and asks if we’re familiar with the Episcopal Church. We say no. She smiles broadly, “Here’s what I’m going to do.”

She quickly scans the sanctuary. “Our services can be hard to follow if you’re not used to them, so I’m going to seat you by someone who can guide you.”

She introduces us to a couple our age and explains the situation. I sit next to the husband, and he’s eager to help.

The choir starts our service, and he cues me on the liturgy as we bounce between two books, often in quick succession. Plus, we sing one song from the bulletin.

The priest also provides verbal cues when possible. My new friend takes his assignment seriously and performs it admirably.

The simple gesture touches me. It makes so much sense, but no one’s ever done this for us before.

After a short message is the Holy Eucharist. Open to all, the priest thoroughly explains the process. When we go up, if we just want to receive a blessing, we cross our arms over our chest and she will bless us.

To partake in the Eucharist we receive the bread (and it really is bread, not a cracker). Then we proceed to the wine, where we can dip the bread or drink from the cup. Most dip their bread and so do we.

Though we’re growing to understand liturgical services, they’re still daunting. Having someone to guide us is most helpful and much appreciated.

The service ends. I sincerely thank our guide for his assistance; today was good.

[Read about Church #31 and Church #33, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #32.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags 52 Churches, blessing, Eucharist, friendly church, liturgy

Visiting Churches

A Traditional Yet Modern Service (Visiting Church #31)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date November 21, 2019

It’s Saturday, and we head to church, a Seventh Day Adventist gathering. The focal point of the sanctuary is a large stained glass array. Modern and abstract it portrays an arm reaching up, with a dove upon an open hand.

I’m not sure if the dove is being held, given to us, or presented to God. I ponder the spiritual implications. Isn’t that the point of art?

To its right are pipes for the organ, prominent, but not ostentatious. Next to them, on an angled wall, resides a large flat-panel monitor. Announcements sequence as the display counts down the time to the scheduled start.

The service is the most technologically integrated one we’ve seen so far in our journey and certainly the most professional with its application.

The comforting modern feel contrasts with several traditional elements of the service: singing hymns, the pipe organ, and a male chorus.

In addition to the organ and hymns, we also hear the piano a couple of times as well as two contemporary tunes.

It’s World Kindness Week, and today’s service reflects that theme. Two girls read about the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:33-37. The first reads in Spanish. (The only time we hear a second language.)

The second girl reads from the KJV, even though the pew Bibles are the NKJV.

Some middle school students perform a skit, presenting modern-day scenarios about helping others. In the message, “Giving at a Cost,” the minister shares a story from Native American lore, again illustrating the theme.

The service is an ideal melding of the traditional and modern. With professional execution, engaging speakers, and compelling content that draws me to their worship.

[Read about Church #30 and Church #32, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #31.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags 52 Churches, parable

Visiting Churches

Enthusiastic Faith (Visiting Church #30)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date November 14, 2019

As people drift in, excitement mounts. Anticipation surrounds us. The church seats about 150, with perhaps seventy present, although their milling about makes it seem fuller.

Most of the men wear coats and ties, with most women in dresses. All age groups are present.

A choir opens the service, singing with enthusiasm. We sing old-time hymns with piano accompaniment. They sing with vigor and draw me in. Our collective volume makes our number seem larger.

These folks certainly enjoy their hymns, singing with more gusto than I can ever recall.

We stand for the scripture and read it in unison. My wife scrambles for the lone pew Bible in our row so we can follow along using their King James Version. We read Hebrews 1 2 :12-17 about bitterness.

The minister likens the root of bitterness to the tenacity of a yucca plant, for which he has great disdain. He’s a gifted speaker, dynamic and entertaining.

He shares four characteristics of bitterness and concludes with steps to rid ourselves of this destructive trait, ending with Paul’s instruction to forgive one another (Ephesians 4:31-32).

He leaves us with the parting reminder that “forgiveness removes transgression, but doesn’t automatically restore fellowship.”

When the service ends, people shake our hands and invite us back.

Each time, I simply respond with “thank you.” To me this means, “I hear you and appreciate the invitation” without making a promise I won’t keep. But I’m not sure what they hear when I say it.

Today we heard a powerful message, one the best in the past thirty weeks.

We worshiped God with people who are passionate about singing to him and who enjoy each other’s company. They sure are enthusiastic about their faith.

[Read about Church #29 and Church #31, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #30.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags 52 Churches, good sermon

Visiting Churches

A Laity Led Service (Visiting Church #29)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date November 7, 2019
3 Comments on A Laity Led Service (Visiting Church #29)

The lighting of three candles ceremonially begins today’s service. The pastor is gone and a lay speaker is filling in. She opens with announcements and some updates. Then we sing to organ accompaniment.

Another layperson leads us in a liturgical call to worship. We sing a second song and a bell choir follows, which is a first for our journey

Then is a time of greeting. Many people flash wide smiles and give warm handshakes. The scripture reading is next with two selections from today’s lectionary: Job 42:1-6, 10-17 and Mark 10:46-52. Prior to each reading, the leader explains the context of the passage.

Afterwards we sing a third song to welcome the children forward for their message, given by yet another member; it’s based on the reading from Mark. The chancel choir is next, with their song preceding the message.

Today’s speaker connects the two readings, which she ties in with a poignant personal story. She wrote out her presentation and reads most of it. Though she’s not an accomplished speaker, I commend her actions.

Afterwards, she reviews a list of prayer requests and joys, followed by her reading of a liturgical prayer. The bell choir returns to play during the offering.

The congregation responds with applause, which also happened for the chancel choir and our speaker. They’re an appreciative group, supporting one another.

To conclude our time together, we sing the doxology and recite a prayer of dedication. A hymn of commitment follows and then the benediction, both using the piano.

Someone extinguishes the candles, ceremonially ending the service.

The entire service, led solely by church members, proceeds without the participation of clergy or a guest speaker.

This, it seems, is how it should be.

[Read about Church #28 and Church #30, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #29.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags 52 Churches, laity led service

Visiting Churches

I Want to Learn More (Visiting Church #28)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 31, 2019

Sunday we visit another small church. I expect a traditional, liturgical service. The sanctuary is simple, filled with color and symbolism. Several lit candles mesmerize as incense fills the air.

A worshipful instrumental piece, courtesy of a CD, plays in the background.

The music stops and the opening liturgy begins. We hear the minister but don’t see him. He enters the sanctuary and performs a series of rituals, perhaps preparing the altar for worship.

His actions produce a mystical aura, both comforting and confusing.

Ornately attired, he wears a combination of what I suspect a priest and a rabbi might wear for their respective services. The liturgy progresses and we follow along in the Book of Services: The Celtic Episcopal Church.

One member has already prepared us for the liturgy. Now, each time the service jumps to a new section in the book, she slides up behind us, whispering the page numbers. We appreciate her assistance.

To start his message, the minister looks at the congregation for the first time. He smiles, suddenly affable. The service, once solemn, now becomes casual.

The sudden switch from the formal to informal confronts me with a contrast I can’t fully grasp.

His concise message lasts only ten minutes. Then we celebrate communion and with more liturgy, conclude the service in the original reserved manner. Without any singing, the meeting ends an hour after it started.

Although most foreign to me, this tiny church and their worship intrigues me. I want to learn the meaning behind their rituals, understand the history of their practices, and discover the rhythm of their liturgy.

It’s there but will take repeated exposure for me to grasp and then to embrace it.

Though they worship God much differently than is my normal my practice, it’s no less viable and offers valuable illumination. I want to learn more.

[Read about Church #27 and Church #29, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #28.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags 52 Churches, communion, community, fellowship, high church, liturgy