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What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?)
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?)
What's the childcare like?
What's your favorite thing?
What would you change?
Can I wear jeans?
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29 comments:
Savannah Christian Church
Savannah, GA
http://www.savannahchristian.com/
Music: Very contemporary--live band with wonderfully talented musicians
Speaking: Very culturally relevant, but strictly Biblical. If it's not in the Bible, it's not preached--no ponderings of what was possibly meant, only focus on what was said in context.
Childcare: Very large childcare focus...they've got it down to an art. Our son LOVES going to church and always returns having learned about Jesus and singing songs (he's 2-1/2). Very focused on the safety of your children while they are at chruch as well.
Love: How REAL it is. No masks, no pretense, no judgments. Just people who love God and each other. People from all walks of life and backgrounds, so everyone has a home. Focus is in the right place rather than on image, which has magically resulted in an awesome image in the community (imagine that!)
Would change: I would personally love to be more involved, but they give me no reason not to be, as there are plenty of opportunities. However, in a megachurch, if you don't get invovled, it is easy to feel left out or lonely or unnecessary. Highly recommend finding your niche quickly upon arrival and they do a great job of helping you do that!
Jeans?: You can wear anything (although I would request that it be tasteful for God's house). However, no one will turn you away if they feel what you are wearing is "inappropriate". Jeans, shorts, flipflops, suits, polos, dresses, whatever you want. Whatever makes you comfortable.
Church:
First Baptist Woodstock
Woodstock, GA
www.fbcw.org
What's the worship music like?
9:30 service worship is *ultra* traditional (just short of hymn books).
11:00 service is more contemporary, but not let's-all-throw-down-and-dance contemporary. It's more "this is the service for younger people who like to sleep in, so let's make the music a little younger-sounding for them"
contemporary.
What's the speaking like?
Pastor Johnny is an amazing preacher; I always walk away feeling refreshed and ready to do God's work. He is pretty old-school, but he also helps you to understand that the Bible is relevant today, and that we can absolutely walk in love and light.
What is the childcare like?
I don't have any kids but there are TONS of options for childcare. It's a very large church, so there are rooms broken down by age-groups, with at least two adults watching/teaching the kids.
What's your favorite thing?
My favorite thing about FBCW is that they are really involved in the community. I also love Pastor Johnny and the feeling of love and acceptance I get at FBCW.
What would you change?
If I could change anything, it'd be Worship. I'd like it to be a little more lively in there. There are hands in the air, and a lot of clapping, but I'd love to see some joyous praise-dancing. ;)
Can I wear Jeans?
YES!! I wear jeans and a tie-dyed shirt nearly every Sunday!
Graceland (alternate location from main campus of Liberty Square)
Cartersville, GA
http://www.libertysquare.cc/graceland.htm
Music: Live Band, Eclectic Contemporary (from Passion to Desperation Band)
Speaking: Practical and easy to apply, yet deep in the Bible
Childcare: This branch is just opened in May. There is a nursery, preschool and K-5 area with great dedicated workers. The K-5 area has a "studio theme" called Graceland Studios. Lots of fun!
Love: How friendly everyone is. And, how willing everyone here is to work together to reach out fo the community. LOVE the music too!
Would change: The only thing I would change is for more people to come! (running around 100 now)
Jeans?: definitely!!!! The pastor usually wears jeans! But, you won't be overdressed if you want to wear a tucked in shirt or a dress.
St. James United Methodist Church
Athens, Georgia
www.sjumc.org
Music: 1 hymn at beginning, and the rest are contemporary songs. We have a band and very talented musicians.
Speaking: Very Biblical and challenging for long time believers and also those who are new to their faith.
Childcare: Great children's program, and youth program. Tons of family activities and there's a true since of a church family because of all of the involvement with the kids and youth.
Favorite thing: The sense of community and family I get by being a part of my church. I know the people because everyone wants to know and help, and pray and care for each other. It is truly an amazing place, especially because everyone is so different, and all different age groups are represented. I just love it more and more every time I am there.
Would change: Sometimes we lack in communicating to the whole Body. I want everyone to feel included, and sometimes that is hard when we are so close that people could feel left out.
Jeans: of course! no one minds what you wear as long as your comfortable. Jeans are great!
Vineville North Baptist Church
Macon, GA
www.vinevillenorth.com
Music: Two services; band driven Contemporary and guitar driven very Contemporary.
Speaking: Biblically sound, culturally relevant -- check out our lead pastor's last message series "Relics of the Lost Ark" on the website!
Childcare: We have a preschool program (Waumba Land) and an elementary age program (Superheroes), as well as Student Worship (element).
Love: yes!
Would change: Any church could always use more communication.
Jeans? You bet! And since we're in GA -- we tend towards lots of A/C -- bring a jacket!
Cloud Springs Baptist Church
Fort Oglethorpe, GA
www.cloudspringsbc.com
Worship: mixed worship, hymns plus newer songs, transitioning more towards newer songs
Sermons: Pastor Hall is a very Biblical down the line preacher who jokes around quite a bit but has a passion to see people grow. His sermons are not long, but he says what he needs to say.
What's the childcare like? Do have programs for the kids. It is by no means advanced technologically based programs, but there is a student minister who oversees all of it.
What's your favorite thing? The preaching is Biblical, down the line with great care towards application and changing our lives. Nothing is watered down, but at the same time is not all high church.
What would you change? Music could be better, but we have a volunteer music Pastor (who does a great job), but it could be better.
Can I wear jeans? of course. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
Mt. Bethel UMC
Marietta, GA
www.mtbethel.org
What's the worship music like? We offer a traditional service (if you've attended a UMC before, it'll feel familiar) as well as a contemporary service (with music from artists like Tomlin, Crowder, etc).
What's the speaking like? The traditional sermons tend to be story-driven and inspirational, with no video. The contemporary sermons are usually in-depth looks at scripture, with ties to your life, often using video or other multi-media components.
What's the childcare like? A well-staffed nursery, along with Sunday School for most ages. In addition, K-5 can attend Live it Live a weekly televised childrens worship program.
What's your favorite thing? The focus on missions, both locally and worldwide, is showing how well the church can work together as the body. Plus, our contemporary worship leader does a great job. :)
What would you change? I'd love to see a second contemporary service added, and I'm always wanting to add more features to the website.
Can I wear jeans? Of course! However, I suggest you attend our contemporary service if you do. While you're certainly welcome in the traditional service in jeans, you might feel out of place with all of the suits and khakis around you.
House of Joy
Valdosta, GA
houseofjoy.info
Music: Live band, soulful rock, great mix of rock, gospel, worship
Speaking: Culturally relevant, Biblically sound, life application, media included
Children: Nursery & Clubhouse for birth - 5th grade, great volunteer staff, Clubhouse media driven
Love: We meet in a movie theater. This makes for a very dynamic presentation of media/music. Children's ministry meets in a theater room of it's own, very relevant. One of the most welcoming/friendly places in town.
Would Change: Not much. We are a dynamic, growing church, very guest oriented, and committed to discipleship
Can I wear jeans? entire leadership team wears jeans and/or shorts every sunday, Wear what you would wear every day.
St Simons community Church
st simons Island, ga
http://www.sscommunitychurch.com/
Music- contemporary for the most part with a few of the classics thrown in occasionally. Even the classics get a fresh spin though most of the time.
Speaking- relevant, easy to understand but strictly biblically based. our pastor is a very gifted communicator.
Childcare- Phenomenal!! all the way from nursery aged kids to the junior high aged is just great.
Love- This is what most people who attend for the first time rave about. People will greet you with smiles and help you find your way around the church. People are accepting and friendly.
Would change- can't think of much... The traffic can be a bit much if you don't get there at least 15 minutes early though.
Jeans- Yep... you can wear pretty much anything. On a given sunday I usually see everything from suits to shorts and flip flops.
Johnson Ferry Baptist Church
Marietta, GA
www.jfbc.org
Music:Several service to chose from. Traditional service with hymns & such; contemporary service with contemporary music; and a "contemporary kicked-up a notch" service with louder, even more contemporary music.
Speaking:Very relevant teaching, but always absolutely Biblical. Good, sound, not politically-correct teaching. Some services will be by video because it's two simultaneous services.
Childcare:K-3rd graders have a wonderful "Kids Church" service-- I've enjoyed that service a few times myself! I've heard great things about the nursery, though I don't have a child that age right now. Good Sunday school classes for K-5th, middle schoolers, and high schoolers. 4th grade and up attend service with their parents.
Favorite thing:That EVERY single time I am there, I feel that God has spoken directly to me through friends, my Sunday school teacher, the music, and the pastor.
Would change:I really can't think of anything. It is big, so I know some people might think it is impersonal, BUT if you get involved, as my family has done, it is very personal, we have SO many wonderful friends there already and it feels like HOME even though we've only been here about a year.
Jeans:Absolutely! Some of the older folks still like to dress up, and if that's your thing, go for it! But we wear jeans almost every Sunday and we sure aren't the only ones.
Stonemill Church
Suwanee, GA
www.stonemillchurch.org
Music: The music is contemporary, loud, and done with excellence.
Teaching: Relevant, real and excellent. Very illustrative and practical. Also, very multi-cultural with a service in English and one in Espanol.
Childcare is excellent, with something special and unique for each age.
I really love staff and their effort to be authentic with their lives. Family is not something that is just taught on Sundays, but it is lived throughout the week by the staff and with the staff.
Not sure about the one thing I would change. No church is perfect, but not sure what else is needed here right now.
Jeans? Absolutely. From jeans to grandma's Sunday best. Whatever you prefer. It's a heart thing, not a fabric thing.
Stonemill Church
Suwanee, GA
www.stonemillchurch.org
Music: The music is contemporary, loud, and done with excellence.
Teaching: Relevant, real and excellent. Very illustrative and practical. Also, very multi-cultural with a service in English and one in Espanol.
Childcare is excellent, with something special and unique for each age.
I really love staff and their effort to be authentic with their lives. Family is not something that is just taught on Sundays, but it is lived throughout the week by the staff and with the staff.
Not sure about the one thing I would change. No church is perfect, but not sure what else is needed here right now.
Jeans? Absolutely. From jeans to grandma's Sunday best. Whatever you prefer. It's a heart thing, not a fabric thing.
Name of church: North Point Community Church
City: Alpharetta, GA
Website: http://www.northpoint.org/
What's the worship music like? Modern, Worship/Rock, short-set often with opener/closer
What's the speaking like? Bible based teaching that is made personally relevant in all aspects of life; often illustrated by multimedia and objects
What's the childcare like? Amazing, it's an environment where children are encouraged to grow in their relationship with God and others as much as the adult attendees
What's your favorite thing? Can't pick just one: The music, the message and small groups!
What would you change? Parking is usually tough and we could use another exit from campus.
Can I wear jeans? Absolutely, and don't forget the t-shirt and flip-flops
Name of church: Mountain Lake Church
City: Two locations in Cumming, GA - North Forsyth (near Browns Bridge Rd.) and West Forsyth (meets at the West Forsyth High School).
Website: www.mountainlakechurch.org - great website with lots of information
What's the worship music like? Contemporary -Hillsong, Tomlin, Crowder, Passion, Fee, etc.
What's the speaking like? Relevant. The messages makes sense. Both campuses intentionally have identical services - same worship songs, same messages.
What's the childcare like? Fun while still teaching. Small group based. Uses Northpoint curriculum, but it is modified to fit this church. We visited Northpoint for a while after moving to Alpharetta. A friend (Worship Leader at previous church) mentioned Mountain Lake. After our first week attending, our eight year old son asked if we could keep going there. He now wants to stay for more than one service every week. He doesn't want to leave! Also has great middle school and high school programs.
What's your favorite thing? I have a bunch of favorites. Everyone seems so caring and open to "outsiders." The church leadership believes in church planting - the church offers and funds a church planting residency for future planters. Mountain Lake is small group based. The church is designed so that it doesn't rely on one pastor. It relies on the team. The pastor who spoke last week may not be the pastor speaking this week. I've never been to a church that "did church" like this, but it is great. Mountain Lake Church strives to "change the way you think about church."
Jeans - of course. Come as you are!
All Souls Fellowship
Decatur, GA
www.allsoulsfellowship.org
Music: The music is mostly contemporary but they put their own spin on old classics. The worship leaders are alternating which gives each person of the church a chance to share their gifts with God.
Speaking: The speaking is very culturally relevant. Most of the people that attend ASF are young families and college students, so being culturally aware is often the best ways to get their attention. Also, like the music staff, the speaker of the week alternates between different members of the pastoral staff. One week will be the head pastor, the next week could be the young adults pastor, another week it could be the music minister, etc. It's great because you get to see how God has touched their lives and having the different people really gives you a different perspective.
Childcare: Childcare is great! Each age group has their own "Sunday School" class that they attend during the church service.
Favorite Thing: My favorite thing is the interaction time that the church provides. Before each service, the lobby area is set up with coffee (all Fair Trade)and yo have a chance to interact with everyone from the church. It also helps that the church is very driven towards being eco-friendly and even had a sermon series entitled "God is Green".
These things are great but what I love the most is that the pastoral staff really is great. They're all on Facebook and MySpace, they're very approachable and you really get the sense (from their sermons to the way that they talk to you) that they're real people who are also struggling with issues in their life, but they're using God and His word to help them through it. It's really powerful to see how the Word of God is instilled in these people and it really inspires me to do more in my spiritual life.
What would I change?: Personally, I'm a college student and I wish that the church had more programs specifically for me. They have group sessions (kind of like Bible study) every week but I want to be more active in the church, which can be hard when you're in college. They're working to improve that, so I'm looking forward to it!
Can I wear jeans?: Of course! I actually think the pastor does most Sundays!
Church of Our Saviour, Atlanta
http://oursaviouratlanta.org
What's the worship music like?
traditional hymns accompanied by organ and choir. we do some chant now and then, too. We're a liturgical church, so the service is formal--from scripture readings to preaching and after that communion. Once a month, there is a healing service, with laying on of hands and anointing with oil.
What's the speaking like?
preaching follows the lectionary. it's a short meditation on the text.
What's the childcare like?
The nursery worker has been there for many, many years and she's absolutely wonderful. My children just love her. There is a small Sunday school during the first part of the worship service. Children generally join their parents for communion.
What's your favorite thing?
the community. It's a delightful and charming collection of oddball people who wouldn't fit in anywhere else.
What would you change?
I wish the service were more reverent, the way it was when we started attending.
Can I wear jeans?
absolutely. Despite being high church and very reverent and formal in worship, no one will think twice if you wear jeans...or a three piece suit for that matter. We see all kinds and it really makes no difference.
Church:
The Church at Greenbrier
Evans, GA
www.tcag.cc
What's the worship music like?
There are two identical services, 9:09 and 10:39. The worship time has contemporary, energetic music from a live band. Songs from Hillsong, Tomlin, Crowder, Passion, Fee, etc.
What's the speaking like?
Biblically sound, culturally relevant. Very real. The pastor encourages me each week to continue studying God's word.
What is the childcare like?
3D Kids (K5 - 5th)is an environment where kids are led to Discover God, Develop Christ-like character, and Depend on God. This one hour is packed with God’s Word, singing, sketches and building quality friendships.
BrierPatch (6wks - K4) is a place to experience the truth of God's word in a safe, loving, fun environment. My 16 mo old has a great time each week and I have great confidence in all the volunteers.
What's your favorite thing?
I love how comfortable I feel each week, from the happy greeters to the relaxed atmosphere of the high school auditorium.
I also love my community group (a small group of people in the same life stage as I am). We meet once a week and encourage and pray for each other, and study God's word together.
What would you change?
Not much. We meet in a high school so setting up and breaking down can be a big job each week. We could always use more volunteers! But meeting at GHS is also a neat quality of the church. It creates a different and more laid back atmosphere.
Can I wear Jeans?
Yes! The pastor wears jeans and flip flops! No one minds what you wear as long as your comfortable.
First Baptist Church of Christ
Macon, GA
http://www.fbcmacon.org
What's the worship music like? Traditional hymns in great variety; choral anthems of the highest caliber.
What's the speaking like? Relational but intellectually solid (as befits a "university church"). Expect some humorous stories and challenging life-application points. Don't expect stuffiness, technological gimmicks, or overheated emotionalism.
What's the childcare like? The best I have seen anywhere, any time. No exceptions. We joined this church largely on the strength of their children's ministries and the church's overall commitment to family life.
What's your favorite thing?
What would you change? More frequent communion; more liturgy; a wider variety of music, including spirituals, gospel songs, and international praise music.
Can I wear jeans? Yes. Most people dress up. Some men wear jackets and ties but not all, and certainly not during the summer! Some women wear pants instead of skirts or dresses. But I honestly cannot imagine anyone looking askance if someone showed up in jeans.
Re: First Baptist Church, Macon GA: I neglected to tell you my favorite thing!
Everybody is involved in ministry!! People have the freedom to use their gifts and are often called upon to do so. There is strong lay participation in worship as readers, etc. (even children can be Scripture readers) and many, many opportunities to serve through crisis closet, teaching ministries, childrens activities, and so forth.
Prodigal Jon, feel free to paste this comment into my previous one and then delete the separate posting if you so desire! :-)
First Baptist Church of Christ
Macon, GA
http://www.fbcmacon.org
What's the worship music like? Traditional hymns in great variety; choral anthems of the highest caliber.
What's the speaking like? Relational but intellectually solid (as befits a "university church"). Expect some humorous stories and challenging life-application points. Don't expect stuffiness, technological gimmicks, or overheated emotionalism.
What's the childcare like? The best I have seen anywhere, any time. No exceptions. We joined this church largely on the strength of their children's ministries and the church's overall commitment to family life.
What's your favorite thing? Everybody is involved in ministry! There are a variety of opportunities to serve through crisis closet, mission trips, various caring ministries, etc. Children are often heard reading Scripture in worship. Ph.D.'s are often invited to teach elective classes in Bible, theology, church history, etc. If you can't find a way to use your gifts, you just aren't trying.
What would you change? More frequent communion; more liturgy; a wider variety of music, including spirituals, gospel songs, and international praise music.
Can I wear jeans? Yes. Most people dress up. Some men wear jackets and ties but not all, and certainly not during the summer! Some women wear pants instead of skirts or dresses. But I honestly cannot imagine anyone looking askance if someone showed up in jeans.
Name of church: Grace Fellowship Church
City: Snellville
Website: www.gracefellowshipchurch.com
What's the worship music like? Amazing! Contemporary. Truly prayerfully designed and executed. Our worship leader is fantastic. www.aaronkeyes.com
What's the speaking like? Clear solid Bible teaching "culturally relevant." We bring our Bibles and dig through each week. Services are 9,10:40 and 5:15. You can also listen or watch online. To get a feel for the teaching go to the website and watch a sermon.
What's the childcare like? Ridiculous! There truly are no words to describe the children and youth programs at our church. Solid Bible teaching from the youngest to the oldest and the people teaching actually want to be there. Middle and High school meet at 9:00 only. They have their own worship services and teaching time during this service.
What's your favorite thing? That the heart of the church is discipleship--take it in and take it out--neighborhoods, nations, next generation! All for the glory of God.
What would you change? More cushy seats, less folding chairs.
Can I wear jeans? Yes-very casual yet you don't feel stupid if you dress cute.
The Pointe
Albany, GA
http://www.thepointega.com/
What's the worship music like? Contemporary, like you're watching a Third Day coverband in an intimate venue.
What's the sermon like?
Having formally attended a North Point Ministries Church (Love Andy Stanley!!!) I came in expecting to be disappointed. How could anyone fill the void left in my life by Andy? But, I was impressed at how great the minister is at The Pointe. Very personal, real and relevant.
What's the childcare like?
They call it Discovery Kids. Instead of Sunday School or Children's Church, it's Small Groups for kids.
What's your favorite thing?
The church that planted it (First United Methodist, Albany, GA) did so because they wanted to reach "the unchurched" through means that wouldn't quite fit for their own congregation. I have loads of respect for FUMC for that!
Also, the host team is amazing! The first time I attended, I was greeted so warmly (but not suffocatingly) by at least a half dozens people before I got to my seat.
A nice bonus feature is that they serve Krispy Kremes, coffee, sodas and iced bottled water as you walk in. You can either stand around and eat and drink or take it to your seat.
What would you change?
I've only attended a few times, so I haven't seen anything yet that I think needs changing.
It would be nice if the church had its own home. Currently, they meet at the local movie theatre. But, I'm sure God will show them the right place for a home at the right time.
Can I wear jeans? Um, yes. Anything more dressy than jeans would probably make you feel uncomfortable. A lot of the people there (volunteers, I would assume) wear jeans and a T-shirt that says something like, "These are my church clothes." Love that!
Name of church: 12Stone Church
City: Lawrenceville, GA
Website: www.12stone.com
What's the worship music like? Very LOUD and contemporary. Worship is filled with amazing songs (many written by the team), but they often open with a "secular" song. (We've heard Kansas and Coldplay recently.)
What's the speaking like? Focussed on meeting people where they are and challenging them toward life change. You can hear a sermon on our site.
What's the childcare like? Fantastic. Amazing staff and volunteers. I have 3 kids who've gone since infancy. The oldest is 5th grade.
What's your favorite thing? Probably the preaching.
What would you change? I'm gonna sound old, but the volume in worship is SOMETIMES a little much for me. (I'm 40)
Can I wear jeans? Yes, yes, yes. Most people do. Only a few dress up. Rare to see a tie on anyone, anytime of year.
Dunwoody Baptist Church
Atlanta
www.dbc.org
What's the worship music like? 2 services--the early is traditional and the later is contemporary (complete with band, praise team, etc.)
What's the speaking like? pretty culturally relevant. the sermons aren't always "knock your socks off", but the pastor is committed to his flock and strong in all other areas. and sometimes he hits a homerun with the sermon.
What's the childcare like? quality. the little ones are in good hands while you fellowship/worship.
What's your favorite thing? missions/outreach focus, lots of places to plug in
What would you change? not much--might mix up the Sunday morning speakers
Can I wear jeans? sure. you wouldn't be the only one.
West Acres Baptist Church
Evans, GA
www.westacres.org
Music: blended - plenty of hymns mixed with newer stuff; great choir
Speaking: combination of Old School with some real life application
Childcare: kids are well taken care of ... security system
Favorite thing: friendly, Christ-focused
Change: better communication from the top down
Jeans? Yes
Oak Grove Curch of Christ
Rincon, Ga.
http://www.rinconchurchofchrist.com/index.htm
Music: A Capella
Speaking: Bibical but relevant for today's world.
Childcare: Nursery provided.Children's church for those 6 and under if you want. Some do and some don't.
Friendly,family oriented church. These people love God.
Jeans?- Yes. Be comfortable.
Name of church: Crosspoint
City: Smyrna
Website: www.crosspointsmyrna.org
What's the worship music like? Led by a band. Lots of hymns to new tunes. Solid biblical lyrics. Some gospel, some Spanish in a diverse church. Worship pastor leads from the drums sometimes.
What's the speaking like? Christ-centered, sinner sensitive, culturally aware but not trying to be hip or cool. Always from a Bible passage, usually in a series through a book. Always try to connect with real people and real issues. Non-Christians there. Pastors are honest about struggles.
What's the childcare like? It's good and safe. All volunteers have to have background checks. Nursery and toddler care available during 10am service. Some people keep their kids in worship.
Kid's church during sermon. Full kids and youth classes at 1130.
What's your favorite thing? God gets the glory. The people are real. There is a lot of variety and diverse backgrounds but everyone is welcome.
What would you change? Bigger building would be cool.
Can I wear jeans? Yep. Lots of people do.
Trinity Vineyard Church
Atlanta
www.trinityvineyard.org
Music: Sort of like a combo of Brit Rock and Americana. The downside is that we mostly just sing songs written by the various worship leaders. Singing time is quite short for a Vineyard church (30 minutes exactly) and not very charismaticky at all (also unlike a Vinny church). We sometimes sing one of three hymns, and once in a blue moon an old-school Vinny song happens (which makes people really happy).
Preaching: Our pastor teaches/preaches mostly according to a Scripture that comes from that Sunday's reading in the liturgical church calendar. Very good, solid, and engaging. Barebones--no videos or technology or props, so as to prove that we are really truly honest to God not emergent.
Childcare: Children's ministry is only at the two morning services. I have heard mixed reviews about the latest style (called "Godly Play" which I think was sort of Montessori in flavor), but in the past it's been very simple but good, with a lot of storytelling and relating together--treating kids like spiritual people instead of half-people who need entertainment to be happy.
Best thing: The pastors. Kris (main pastor) is just an all-around great person--straight up, no overinflated ego, super relational, and honest...nothing fake about him whatsoever. Jason, the pastoral care-type pastor (used to do the children's ministry as well) is the most genuinely caring ever, and is also a walking library who has read just about every theology or philosophy book out there. Marty, the worship pastor, is equally genuine and down-to-earth, and is one of the least annoying worship leaders in my book. (Although I personally long for variety!) No pretense would be the best way to describe them.
Change: Honestly, there is a lot that could use some examination. One, we are a very white church that doesn't really reflect our community in the city. We're also super young. The pastors are all in their early 30s, which is on the older side. Plus, the congregations in the morning and evening differ too much due to children's ministry only being in the morning (evening service has always been a main service since we began as an evening-only church)--so all the families are in one congregation, and all the young single people are in the evening--which makes for total homogeneity...which is never too good of a thing. Also, there are not many outlets to get involved. There are pretty much 2 ministries going on, and one of the things we're trying to work on is helping people find outlets to use their gifts...there's a real hunger to be needed there.
Yes, you not only can wear jeans, you will stand out sorely if you don't (which is something we wish wasn't true--I always feel bad for visitors who come dressed up and feel awkward because of the sea of jeans).
Bethel Atlanta (a plant from Bethel Church in Redding, Ca)
Currently in College Park (we're looking to buy a building closer to ATL)
www.ibethelatl.org, or www.ibethel.org
What's the worship music like? Spirit led, very contemporary
What's the speaking like? Spirit-filled, Biblically based, will blow every religious box you've ever had, will push you into more freedom and love than you've ever felt, will teach you to hear God's voice in every minute of the day
What's the childcare like? classes for all ages of kids
What's your favorite thing? I've never gotten so intimate with God so quickly. Bethel really hammers home our true identities so that we can live out of that place of confidence, security, and freedom. They are anything but performance based. They aren't afraid to tackle the tough "glossed over" topics of the Bible. They teach you that honor is recognizing the move of God in someone, and that if you "honor the prophet in the name of a prophet you receive a prophet's reward." you gain access to new revelation by honoring what God IS doing in someone (not what He's not doing, or what you don't agree with). Bethel will bring in speakers they don't agree with just to train us to see God in them (but they won't tell you what they don't agree with because they trust you to think for yourself and to pay attention to the Spirit in you).
What would you change? nothing
Can I wear jeans? You could wear a bathing suit.
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