Tag: 52 Churches

A Fresh Experience At Church (Visiting Church #21)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date September 12, 2019

If you view church in a tradition manner, then we didn’t go this Sunday. However, if church is two or more people gathering in God’s presence, then we had a most significant time.

The pastors begin by sounding the shofar (a trumpet made from an animal horn, as mentioned in the Old Testament) and we sing one song a cappella. The pastor then begins her teaching, interspersed with dialogue.

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

We turn to Hebrews 6, but as she establishes the foundation for her planned message, the Holy Spirit guides her in a different direction.

I think the Holy Spirit should lead all our meetings, and I’m dismayed to realize this is the first time it’s happened in 21 Sundays.

She jumps to Ephesians 4. We go through most of the chapter, focusing on verse 11; we never make it back to Hebrews. I’m not sure what the teaching from Hebrews was, but I know Ephesians was what God wanted us to hear today.

We discuss how the passage applies to us. Although church services generally consist of a one person giving information and the rest receiving it, I see mutual interaction as being not only appropriate but preferred.

We then segue into a time of praise, moving to a different room. We part curtains as we enter. Inside is a recreation of the Ark of the Covenant. I feel as though we’re entering the Holy of Holies.

We only sing two songs, but the first one lasts for an extended time. I’m drawn into it. We conclude with a typical benediction, but instead of leaving, we end up talking even more.

We pray again and finally leave; we were there almost three hours.

Today was not a typical church experience, but it was a fresh—and refreshing—one.

[Read about Church #20 and Church #22, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #21.]

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 teacher

Visiting Churches

No Language Barrier (Visiting Church #20)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date September 5, 2019

There’s a Mandarin service followed by one in English;. We attend both. The worship team leads us. The words to the song are displayed in Mandarin and have the English translation underneath.

They sing and I listen to voices of a different tongue. God’s presence engulfs me.

When others raise their hands, I wonder if I should too, even though I don’t understand the specific reason why. It’s a question I can’t answer.

A prayer follows. I comprehend not one word until “Amen.” Next is the scripture text, read in unison. The woman in front of me has a parallel bilingual Bible, so I know they’re reading Exodus 19 or 20.

Later, the projector displays “20:3-17” surrounded by Chinese characters. I turn to Exodus 20:3-17 and see the Ten Commandments.

The minister is a dynamic speaker, animated, and at times joking. I find myself laughing too, even though I don’t know what’s funny. Laughter is contagious, a universal language.

I don’t expect to understand the message, but I do expect the Holy Spirit to speak to me. He doesn’t—or perhaps he did and I missed it. I know the sermon is over when I hear “Amen.”

We sing the “Doxology.” The tune is familiar, but the words are Mandarin. I consider their English equivalents as others sing. The service concludes with the “Threefold Amen.” This time I can join in.

The second service uses a different song set, but the scripture and sermon are the same, albeit in English.

They invite us to stay for lunch, something they do every Sunday. “Sharing a meal is important to us,” one lady explains. We gratefully accept and sit down to eat, making new connections as we enjoy the food.

Today is a great day at church. Although our only language is not their primary one, we manage just fine.

[Read about Church #19 and Church #21, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #20.]

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 music, praise, worship

Visiting Churches

A Counter-Intuitive Mission (Visiting Church #19)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 29, 2019
2 Comments on A Counter-Intuitive Mission (Visiting Church #19)

We almost skip this church since efforts to contact them were unsuccessful. It took a Saturday evening drive to confirm they’re viable and learn their service time.

On Sunday a small crowd gathers, mostly older. The service is traditional, but in an informal way. At times it seems evangelical and other times mainline, with periodic hints of charismatic.

This might just be an ideal blend of traditions.

The sermon is an expository teaching from Acts 22 and 23; the theme is truth.

After the sermon, we sing a cappella to lead us into communion. Without the covering of music, the hymn’s words are unavoidable, providing a meaningful path to the communion table.

The pastor affirms that all who are in relationship with God are invited. “We do not know your hearts to reject you,” he says, “or know your hearts to accept you.” Only God knows your heart; this is between you and him.

Children of any age are free to participate when they are able to understand, he concludes. This is what communion should be: family-focused, community-centered, and God-oriented.

Afterwards we talk with the pastor. Given their small numbers they’ve considered closing, but he feels God is calling them to persist and for him to remain their leader.

Their mission is to help people on their faith journey, connecting them to other churches according to their needs and preferences.

If they happen to pick up members along the way, that’s a bonus, but it’s not their goal. Although it took some time, the members eventually agreed with this counter-intuitive mission.

The church Jesus founded needs more leaders like this man and more churches with this one’s perspective.

I pray God will bless him and this church.

[Read about Church #18 and Church #20, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #19.]

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

Visiting Churches

Catholicism, Part 2 (Visiting Church #18)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 22, 2019

The sanctuary of this Roman Catholic Church is grand without being ostentatious. Modern and airy, it seats several hundred, with pews arrayed in four sections, each group angled to face the front.

Behind the platform is an impressive marble wall with a large crucifix at its center.

To one side, at floor level, is a statue of Mary.

As people enter, most dip their fingers in a vessel of water mounted by each door and touch their foreheads. Some then turn towards the crucifix, bowing slightly.

Many, upon reaching their desired pew, quickly drop to one knee (genuflect) in the aisle. Once seated, about half flip down the kneeling rail.

Some kneel as a quick ritual, while others linger in pious contemplation. For each of these actions, making the sign of the cross is a common conclusion.

Perhaps my memories of Church #5 have faded, but this Roman Catholic gathering seems more steeped in ritual, with a service that’s harder to follow. While the hymns are announced, the rest of the liturgy proceeds without direction. We think we’re prepared, but we aren’t.

Some of the service uses a “Mass Prayer and Response” card and other parts use “Today’s Missal,” while much of the service follows neither, though perhaps we aren’t looking in the right place at the right time.

Much ritual surrounds the presentation of the Eucharist. Once again, I’m so fixated on the process that I miss contemplating its meaning. Then the service ends.

[Read about Church #17 and Church #19, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #18.]

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, Eucharist, liturgy, ritual, Roman Catholic

Visiting Churches

High Church (Visiting Church #17)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 15, 2019

The church has a contemporary service followed by a traditional one; we attend both. A Lutheran congregation, I expect a high-church experience (more formal and liturgical).

However, their idea of contemporary is far different from mine. Their music is modern, yet shrouded in formality.

Reading from the lectionary, we stand for the third passage, this one from John. After an informational message is “prayers.”

The minister concludes each petition with “Lord, in your mercy,” and we add, “Hear our prayer.” Then there’s the offering, and we recite the Lord’s Prayer.

For communion there’s no invitation for outsiders to participate, but the usher motions us forward, affirming that communion is open to all.

From the bulletin we know the minister will say “May the peace of the Lord be with you always.” Our response is “and also with you.”

The “bread” is a thin wafer; dry and flavorless, I struggle to swallow it. Next is the juice, only it’s wine; I’m quite unprepared for it.

It wasn’t the soothing sip of grape juice I expected to wash down the crumbs. We return to our seats, sing the final song, and are dismissed.

* * *

An hour later, we re-enter the sanctuary for the traditional service, receiving a different bulletin. This one is void of lyrics and full of liturgy.

We sing hymns from the Lutheran Service Book to organ accompaniment, followed by the same lectionary readings and message.

Afterward we stand to recite the Nicene Creed. Next are the offering, “prayers for the day,” and the Lord’s prayer.

For communion, ushers dismiss the congregation by rows and people go forward in groups, kneeling to receive the elements. Some partake individually, some with their row.

It’s more solemn than the first service and several people do not participate.

[Read about Church #16 and Church #18, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #17.]

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, high church, lectionary, liturgy, Lutheran

Visiting Churches

A Different Venue (Visiting Church #16)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 8, 2019

The church we visited this Sunday is a nondenominational gathering that meets in a public school auditorium. In some parts of the United States it’s unheard of for a church to meet in a government building, but in our area, it is not.

Though some would overreach, citing a need for “separation of church and state,”

I see this as a wise way to increase the use of public buildings, generate revenue for the school, and save the church from needing to purchase and maintain a facility.

It’s an older building but with an updated auditorium complete with theater seating, movable armrests, and cup holders—beverages and snacks are a prominent part of their gathering. The auditorium has a sloped floor for easy viewing.

The main level seats about 225 and is mostly full; I’m not sure about the balcony.

Casually dressed, people of all ages fill the place. The worship team is much like what we’ve seen at other contemporary services, as is the “teaching,” though it’s more informal.

The pastor sits on a stool while speaking, weaves pop culture into his message, and banters a bit with some people in the front.

There’s more AV technology in play than we’ve seen so far. They use cameras to project the pastor’s image on the large screen behind him. If song lyrics or Bible verses aren’t being displayed, a shot of the pastor is.

Three stationary cameras mounted on the front face of the balcony provide views from different angles.

Though they lack the ability to pan or zoom, the cameras are a nice addition and I suspect provide a welcomed alternate view from the balcony.

There are many things I like about this church, the service, the pastor, and the message, but I’m most impressed with their use of technology and especially their venue.

[Read about Church #15 and Church #17, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #16.]

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, churches meeting in schools, nondenominational

Visiting Churches

A Glimpse into the Future (Visiting Church #15)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 1, 2019

Sunday we visited our third United Methodist Church. I enjoyed all three, even though this one’s in sharp contrast to the other two. Based on our experience, it’s an anomaly for their denomination.

I consider them an “outlier congregation,” a group unlike the norm, one that may be an enigma to their denominational leadership.

Their website says we “will find a laid back coffee house atmosphere” with “an unconventional setting where a blend of people…can gather and feel at home.” The website is correct.

The building was formerly a corporate headquarters, so it’s laid out like a business, not a church, but it works nicely anyway. With seating for about 150, it’s spacious and smartly decorated.

Three videos are used during the service: one to start it, one to preview the message, and one during a time of healing prayer.

Having people come forward for prayer is a welcomed first on our journey. There’re two prayer teams and plenty of takers, with this portion of the service lasting several minutes.

They anoint people with oil and pray for them, but they don’t publically share their needs or the prayers.

The music provides a comforting background, with hugs of gratitude as the typical response. It’s a beautiful thing and I’m glad to witness it.

As an “outlier congregation” this church parallels church #8, “A Bold Experiment.”

These churches may be the result of their respective denominations’ attempts to move into the future or merely the reluctant willingness of leadership to allow them to try something new.

Regardless, they advance God’s kingdom.

Will they be a short-lived experiment or a glimpse into the future? I hope and pray it is the latter.

[Read about Church #14 and Church #16, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #15.]

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, congregations, Methodists

Visiting Churches

A Pentecostal Experience (Visiting Church #14)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date July 25, 2019

This Pentecostal church receives us warmly. The greeter is an amazing ambassador and will interact with us several more times throughout the morning.

He introduces us to the pastor’s wife and it’s not long before her husband seeks us out.

The pastor pointedly asks if we’ve ever been to a Pentecostal Church. When I say “no,” his eyebrows rise, but instead of sharing what he’s thinking, he merely smiles and asks for us to keep an open mind.

Many more people welcome us, too. We’ve been to many friendly churches, but this one excels at pre-service interaction.

Throughout the service we’re encouraged to clap praises to God or express agreement. “Amens” are also solicited and heard but not as frequently.

During corporate prayer everyone simultaneously prays aloud. The words I hear are in English, but I suspect some people are praying in tongues, too.

Towards the end of the service the pastor moves into what sounds like a typical alter call, asking people to respond to his message of commitment; I’m perplexed when virtually everyone goes forward.

Next is a baptism; it symbolizes the washing away of sins. Immediately after the young man’s immersion, he’s instructed to pray for the Holy Spirit so he can speak in tongues.

Family and friends gather round, laying hands on him and quietly praying.

Though the focus shifts to other things, I keep watching the lad. Eventually I hear unfamiliar sounds coming from his direction. Apparently satisfied with the outcome, his smiling supporters return to their seats.

One person invites us back for the evening service, when “we Pentecostals will get wild.” That’s what I was expecting this morning, so some Sunday evening we may join them for the full Pentecostal experience.

[Read about Church #13 and Church #15, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #14.]

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, Holy Spirit, Pentecostal, pray, tongues

Visiting Churches

A Husband and Wife Team (Visiting Church #13)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date July 18, 2019

The church has no website and its Facebook page is nothing more than a placeholder.

Given this lack of presence on contemporary channels, our experience suggests they are a smaller, aging congregation with a traditional service. My assumption proves true.

The pastor is the first person we meet. He’s perhaps in his thirties and not a contemporary of his parishioners. As we talk, his wife arrives and we exchange introductions. She’s also the pianist and will later sing the special music.

Accomplished at what she does, she plays with passion and joy. The pastor leads the singing, both vocally and visually as his hands keep time.

He has a beautiful voice, which he projects with polished confidence. They make a great team.

The message is an expository teaching from the opening verses of Revelation 21, part of an ongoing series. After verse seven he checks the time and ends the service.

Afterwards he seeks us out. I enjoy our conversation, but we’re blocking people in the aisle. So when there’s a lull in conversation, I thank him for his time and wish him a good afternoon.

We turn to exit. I see his wife standing by the door, apparently in her husband’s stead, shaking hands and chatting with people as they leave. We also have an extended conversation with her.

Had it not been for a previously planned family get-together, they would have invited us over for lunch. Perhaps some other time. Their suggestion honors me. Sharing a meal is a great way to make a connection and form community.

We say our goodbyes. This young couple stirs my soul, faithfully serving God as they pour themselves into this tiny church. God, bless them and their ministry.

[Read about Church #12 and Church #14, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #13.]

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, serve God, soul

Visiting Churches

A Patriotic Day (Visiting Church #12)

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date July 11, 2019

Next on our list is another United Methodist Church. Their website has a helpful “what to expect” section. Described as “a quaint, country church,” visitors may “come as you are.”

The facility reminds me of the Methodist church we visited three weeks ago, as do the age of the attendees and the service style.

The children’s message has a patriotic theme about flags. We say the pledge to the American flag and then to the Christian flag.

For the offering they don’t pass the plates across the rows; it’s up to givers to get their donations to the ushers who walk up and down the aisles.

The minister receives the collection, turns to the cross, and lifts up the donations, symbolically presenting then to God.

Then she prays. I like her reverent style.

The patriotic theme continues with a message about the US Constitution. “Do you have a religious constitution?” “What does it cover?”

She suggests several possibilities, concluding with the question, “Have you ratified your constitution?”

Communion follows, open to all. The minister lifts the bread and then the juice to God, presents them to the congregation, and prays over the elements.

We go up by row to partake as the congregation sings. The server hands us the bread and we dip it into the juice.

We sing “God Bless America” to conclude the service.

Refreshments follow; many people encourage us to stay. We gladly do, enjoying the chance to meet others.

The minister introduces herself. Today she’s wearing a simple, yet elegant white robe, something she reserves for special occasions.

She says they have different service styles throughout the month, with varying instrumentation and song selection.

To fully experience their worship, we’ll need to come back the next four weeks.

We leave this Methodist Church well fed, both spiritually and physically.

[Read about Church #11 and Church #13, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #12.]

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, Methodists