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Visiting Churches

Reflecting on Church #24: A Variety of Worship Styles

A Traditional, Friendly Congregation

With our journey of visiting fifty-two churches over, I can reflect more on the complete experience. Today, I’ll add to my thoughts about Church #24.

The people at this traditional church were friendly, much friendlier than most. The message was good and gave me something to contemplate, but it was the teens who led music that left a lasting memory with me. Their worship felt pure.

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

With no pretense, their focus was solely on God. They gave me a glimpse of what it might mean to worship God in the spirit and in truth.

The pastor of this church saw my original post and forwarded it to the music director. She contacted me, thanking me for my words, which she shared with the musicians and singers.

A week or so later, we met at a coffee shop to talk about worship, church, and faith.

She likes to offer the congregation a variety in worship styles and content, from traditional to contemporary.

Her goal is to bring in youth once a month or so. I really want to go back and hear them again, but I fear a second experience would pale in comparison.

Instead, I choose to let my memory of this service suffice.

[See my reflections about Church #23 and Church #25 or start with Church #1.]

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.

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