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Name of church
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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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24 comments:
Calvary Baptist Church
Ypsilanti, Michigan
www.cbcypsi.org
Our worship style is blended, using a mix of praise choruses and hymns accompanied by keyboards, guitars, strings, and brass.
Our messages are mostly expository, with relevant life applications.
Childcare is great, with classes for all ages. We renovated our CBC Kidsville in the summer of 2007. I personally have 4 children that enjoy the church very much.
My favorite part of my church is the family atmosphere. I know that I am loved here, and it is a pleasure to serve others.
I would probably like to add more multimedia and creative arts to our worship services.
Can I wear jeans?
I knew I would have to answer this question eventually. Jeans are pretty much accepted every time except for Sunday mornings. I've worn them on Sunday evenings and mid-week services. Honestly, though, I don't mind not wearing them for our Sunday worship services. It's just not a big deal.
Name of church: Bowne Mennonite
City: Clarksville (25 minutes from Grand Rapids)
Website: n/a
What's the worship music like? Hymns--it's kind of a mixture of a hymn sing (where you make song requests) and a sharing/testimony time
What's the speaking like? the church is part of the Conservative Mennonite conferense, so it's pretty "Old-School Bible" BUT if you're not conservative or Mennonite you won't feel out of place--they don't shove the conservative-ness down your throat, but it would be impossible not to notice it
What's the childcare like? there is no childcare during the service but the children's sunday school is great
What's your favorite thing? it's a really small church (about 60-75 ppl) which could make you feel like you stick out as a visitor or a new person but they welcome you in SO fast and make you feel wonderfully at home. plus they have carry-in meals once a month!
What would you change? more people between the ages of 20-35. the church would love to have more people in that age range, but it's tricky because of it's rural location
Can I wear jeans? yes, you can...but the first time you may not want to. there are regular attendees that wear jeans, but it's not the norm.
Riverview Church
Holt (near Michigan State University)
http://rivchurch.com/
What's the worship music like?
Varies--mostly rock, but there's also a bluegrass band. Check out http://www.myspace.com/rivish for a typical example.
What's the speaking like?
Culturally relevant, targeted at college students. Sermons rotate between expository and thematic.
What's the childcare like?
Large.
What's your favorite thing?
It's a large church that actually feels pretty close and intimate.
What would you change?
I'm not always thrilled with the music, and while the preaching is always sound, sermons tend to be aimed more for non- and new-Christians.
Can I wear jeans?
Absolutely.
Marimont Community Church
Pontiac
http://www.marimontchurch.com/
What's the worship music like? Hymns and old-school praise.
What's the speaking like?
Highly expository, with a lot of depth.
What's the childcare like?
There is Sunday school for all ages, a Wednesday night kids program, and childcare/junior church through age 10 or 11.
What's your favorite thing?
It's quite obvious that people love and enjoy serving God.
What would you change?
I'd prefer more contemporary music, and the sermons are heavy on theology but light on practicality.
Can I wear jeans?
I wouldn't recommend it on Sunday mornings. On the platform, women are required to wear skirts of at least knee-length, and men are required to wear ties, which won't affect visitors but is indicative of the church's culture.
-Mars Hill Bible Church
-Grandville MI
-http://marshill.org/
-Worship Music: Contemporary, usually with a few hymns. It's usually loud, theologically heavy and the musicians play a variety of instruments (anything from electric guitars to tubas)
-Preaching: Old school bible with plenty of talk about the original language and context as well as being culturally relevant. You can listen to sermons online to get an idea.
-We have childcare, I don't have kids so I can't speak to it's quality.
-My favorite part of the service is the teaching, which is superb.
-In a perfect world, I would like more older voices in the congregation.
-Dress: Anything you want.
Ada Bible Church
Ada, Mi
www.adabible.org
nice variety - mainly original, contemporary music peppered with hymns put to contemporary music
culturally relevant and engaging messages
phenomenal volunteers who work with the kids. kids are involved and engaged and cared for
the love that is evident in most people there
i would like to see a little more diversity both economically and ethnically
if the pastor does, it must be ok
Name of church: NorthRidge Church
City: Plymouth, MI
Website: www.northridgechurch.com
What's the worship music like? Usually about 2-3 contemporary worship songs performed by a band followed by a performance. The performance is either a song or a skit related to the talk.
What's the speaking like? Very relevant. There's never a day that I feel like I learned something that doesn't apply directly to my life. The talks are interesting, inspiring, thoughtful, and backed by Biblical truths.
What's the childcare like? The childcare is awesome. It teaches Biblical principles and helps the children to grow a relationship with God as well as with the volunteers and each other.
What's your favorite thing? My favorite thing is that the church focuses on Faith and not Religion. They understand that rituals and traditions are not what Christianity is about.
What would you change? More connection between the pastors and the congregation. It's a large church, so you really have to make it a point to meet up with one of the pastors.
Can I wear jeans? Absolutely. I usually go in shorts and flipflops. We believe church is about worshiping and learning about God, not dressing up for each other.
Bangor Church of Christ
Bangor, MI
www.bccisonfire.com
This is a small town, bible based church. Great for families.
Worship and hymns are fairly modern. There are hymn books but the put everything up on the screen. Drums, piano, sax, horn...
Child care: Lots of young children-I wish there were more middle and high school age but they are a close knit group with a very active youth minister.
Our church softball league is kicking butt. (in a loving, Christian way)
The church welcomed us when we started attending less than a year ago. We were really looking for a church to call home and these folks welcomed us with open arms. It's a small congregation but we do a lot outside of church-everyone is so supportive and caring. My family loves it. Even my husband who used to look for ways to get out of church, has gotten involved.
The messages are bible based and not hesitant to answer some of the tough questions. Our minister is young and vibrant.
Yes! Wear jeans, shorts-whatever. Just show up. I think we draw the line at swimwear. :)
Ada Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
As far as music goes, we are pretty broad. We always have a full band--drums, electrics, piano, etc--but sing a variety of classic hymns to contemp songs to original worship tunes written by our own leaders. (They are phenomenal, by the way. We have an excessive amount of amazing musical talent.)
The sermons quite often are both culturally relevant and just great Bible teaching. We use a lot of different media and the teaching style is more story-oriented than the typical 3 points.
Our kids ministry is amazing. We have over a 1200 kids birth-12th grade and have great volunteers, teachers and small group leaders to connect with each of them. I personally coordinate the music for elementary and we have a riot. No sitting still around here! All of the kids are very well loved and cared for. We have even begun a great special needs ministry for several of our families.
Favorite part? Probably how even though we are a pretty large church, we have opened several different video venues on our campus so you get the benefits of a big church (fantastic kids programs, good coffee, amazing sermons) and the plus of feeling like a smaller church (200-300) in most of the rooms.
What would I change? It's hard to say. Being on staff, I know we are always changing and updating and improving and I usually know why we have made the choices and decisions that we have. We have great volunteers who keep this place running and there is always a place for everyone in a small group and to serve their community.
Can I wear jeans? Well, I do it every Sunday. Granted, I'm also jumping around on stage leading the kids in worship every Sunday, but the worship leaders in the "grown-ups" services wear jeans as well. Yep, it's pretty comfy around here. Sure, there are folks who prefer to dress up, and I often wear "nicer" stuff but there's definitely no dress code other than modesty! Come as you are--you're always welcome at Ada!
Mars Hill Bible Church
Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.marshill.org
Worship is typically guitar driven with a wide range of accompanying instruments (including the occasional penny whistle!). The rhythm's are strong, whether we're singing a re-arranged hymn, current praise song or original piece. Worship may include quotes or Scripture passages on the screens, group readings, or times of meditation. Worship is almost aways at the beginning of the service and lasts 40 minutes. The seating at Mars is circled around a stage in the center of the room, so no matter where you sit, you'll be looking at someone's backside. Sitting behind the drums can be loud, but if you're into a percussive worship experience, go for it!
Messages typically have a significant emphasis on context. They are direct (not to be confused with "obvious"). You will make new connections between Scripture and our existing thought or behaviour patterns. You may come away with more questions. Hey, it's Rob Bell.
The childcare is safe, well organized and includes age-appropriate teaching. Workers are often in short supply, so be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the service starts so you're sure to get your child in before they run out of help.
My favorite part of the church is the teaching.
I would add additional ways to help facilitate connecting with smaller groups of people.
Can I wear jeans? Absolutely! You'll see people in jeans, shorts, slacks, skirts, sundresses (but rarely a tie or suit). Just put on what you plan to wear the rest of the day and come.
Storyline Church
St. Joseph, MI
www.storylinechurch.org
Worship style: Everything we do is worship - singing, listening, serving, loving, talking, etc. Our lives are to be worship to our Savior.
Messages: Depends on which Sunday...1st and 3rd Sunday of the month are set aside for non-regular church attenders while 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month is more diving into scripture. On the months with a 5th Sunday..the message is to SERVE and be Jesus to the community -- we hold service projects to do just that.
Childcare - yes.
Favorite Part - - You can be yourself...don't have to put up a front and a fake smile -- it's a place where I can bring a non-christian and I believe they will feel accepted.
I would probably add --- don't know...I think that the over "programming" of church can be a down-fall -- as it was said, the church is the people and relationships...not the programs.
Can I wear jeans? Yup...you can where whatever you feel comfortable in...jeans, shorts, flip-flops, dresses, skirts, hats, tank tops, khakie's, whatever. Last time I checked...there wasn't a dress code for loving God and being a Christ-like example to the people we come into contact with whether that be at church or in our communities.
Mars Hill Bible Church
Grandville, MI
www.marshill.org
Our teaching pastor, Rob Bell, is a very gifted speaker and gives a lot of cultural and literary context for the passages he teaches on, and does a great job of transferring that to be applicable information for everyone... he isn't afraid of shaking things up sometimes either, or talking about things that real people struggle with in America and throughout the world today, ie, greed, complacency, sex, anger. It is officially Non-Denominational, but it's beliefs fall in line with most protestant denominations and you can read more under the "roots" and "directions" sections of the website.
There is childcare through 6th grade at the morning two services (9 and 11) but I'm not sure if there is any at night (6).
I have personally been involved with both the preschool ministry and the fifth and sixth grade ministry, and both are excellent.
The student ministries (5th through 12th grade) are excellent as well. There is a strong focus on showing students that they are loved and matter and have the power to bring about effective change. It is an amazing ministry to be a part of!!
Our church has a lot of other ministries, from AA to prayer groups and house churches and support groups for mothers and military families and just about anyone. We are widely known for having an active role in the surrounding community and the world and are involved in Turame, a micro financing project in Burundi, Africa as well as many youth mentoring and community building projects in Grand Rapids and other ministries throughout the world.
Our worship leader is Troy Hatfield, who is both a talented musician and an amazing person. Our worship consists of anything from hymns to David Crowder songs, to songs written by Troy or past worship leaders. We often have instruments like penny whistles and accordions, and have sung both country style worship songs, and songs to techno beats. We have also had drum corps, beat boxers, and choirs of acoustic guitars, recorders played by 5th and 6th graders and horn Sunday (approximately 50 people playing different brass instruments).
How metero is our worship leader? or our pastor? or our church in general? since owning nooma videos (made by Rob Bell, our teaching pastor) and owning Rob Bell glasses were two criteria, then I would say we are probably up there. Both Rob and Troy have white belts (Troy has white boots to match).
Can you wear jeans?
yes. definitely. you might be out of place if you aren't wearing jeans.
What do I love?
I love the size, but not everyone does. There are some 10-15 thousand people each week (spread out between three services) but I love standing with so many others who are worshiping the same God as me, it is an incredible experience. And in a church that size, there is a place for everyone... there is no room for the drama and politics that smaller churches (in my own experience) often have to deal with.
I also love how passionate the church is about bringing redemption to the world. We have been changed to bring change.
Mostly, I love the people I know who go there. We are family. I see Jesus in my brothers and sisters who go there each and every day.
What would I change?
That is easy. 95% of the church is English speaking, white, born and raised in America. I would love for it to be more diverse, or even to reflect the diversity of the area it is in.
I would also love for there to be a college ministry. We have a pretty high percentage of college students, and have a lot of great programs through high school, and some wonderful ways for adults to connect, but very little for people in between.
I would also have the accordion play more often. although, last week, there was cowbell, and that was quite satisfactory.
Name of church: Resurrection Life Church Grandville. It is a non-denominational Spirit-filled church with an attendance of about 8000 members.
City: Grandville, MI (just outside of Grand Rapids)
Website: www.reslife.org
What's the worship music like? We actually have a blend of worship depending on who the worship leader is, and the services you attend. Our primary worship leaders are Ken Reynolds (kenreynolds.com) who would be considered pop gospel in the vein of Israel Hougton. Our other primary worship leader is Curt Coffield who is more in the vein of Paul Baloche. As Michael Gungor was our worship leader as of last December, many of the other worship leaders tend to be in that pop-rock style. We do not tell you who will be the worship leader on a given service, it is really hit and miss with who you get.
What's the speaking like? Pastor Duane Vanderklok is the pastor and his teaching is very "life application" with emphasis on biblical aspects of finance and marriage.
What's the childcare like? The childcare is excellent. Very organized and they do background checks on all thier workers.
What's your favorite thing? Excellent coffee! Excellent music! Excellence is the key word that I like most.
What would you change? Because it is so large it can at times seem a little impersonal.
Can I wear jeans? You can wear whatever you want, there is no sense of a true dresscode. Some people wear a suit and tie, others have jeans.
Real Church
Hamtramck
http://1realchurch.com/HOME.html
Worship is contemporary, Spirit-led
Speaking is culturally relevant, down to earth level yet challenging for "raised in church" people. Also on podcast via the website & Itunes.
Childcare is the best I've seen. Every worker really cares. They teach Bible stories to & sing songs with infants, toddlers, preschool & elementary. My 2 kids love it.
My favorite thing is the genuineness. Everyone really does love each other. The staff/pastors hold each other accountable & true discipleship goes on there. They are a true Acts 2:42-47 church.
They need more space cuz they are getting bigger. Not anything else I can think of yet.
Yes, you can wear jeans. I do almost every week.
What would you change?
Can I wear jeans?
Trinity Presbyterian
Plymouth, MI
http://www.trinityepc.org/
Sunday morning - Early Service: Traditional
Sunday morning - Late Service: Contemporary
The speaking is like talking. By people, usually.
Childcare: No children are roaming the hallways or the pulpit during church. I'm assuming it's done well.
Favorite thing: The people.
I would change: The way the music is done in the contemporary service. It's mediocre contemporary, not real contemporary.
Can I wear jeans? Of course. You might get some looks at the early service, but don't let that stop you.
Kalamazoo Community Church
Kalamazoo, Michigan
www.mykcc.org
What's the worship music like? Contemporary, loud, full band, lights down, personal, sometimes standing, some not (not an awkward half-ovation, just whatev you feel like)
What's the speaking like?
Speaking is great - we use a team approach, so could be either one of our pastors or possibly one of our teaching team. Biblical, topical, missional. Use video clips, drama, etc.
What's the childcare like?
Great - my kids are teens now, but always enjoyed kids church and now serve there. And you didn't ask, but I'll add it anyway (cuz that's how I roll), we have a rockin teen ministry too - very open, welcoming, authentic.
What's your favorite thing?
God is in the house.
Worship/music.
Small groups.
Great coffee.
What would you change?
Ah silly humans, are we EVER happy? I don't know... maybe have more people take off the bib and put on an apron?
Can I wear jeans?
Absolutely, jeans, shorts, sweats, slacks, whatev... Very casual and comfortable. We know you're a visitor fo sho if you wear a tie.
Addl comment cuz I think I would like to know if I were shopping: We have about 200-250 adults on a typical Sunday morning. Not so huge that you get lost in the crowd, but not so small that you can't blend in if you want.
REAL Church
Hamtramck, MI
www.1realchurch.com
What's the worship music like?
Loud, fast rock music - 2 to 3 songs
What's the speaking like?
Live Relevant Expository Bible Teaching
What's the childcare like?
About 20 infants in nursery - kids this young leave talking about Jesus.
About 30-40 kids age K-6 - fun, fast-paced kids ministry complete with its own dressed up mascot, Buddy the dog.
What's your favorite thing?
Challenging messages that NEED to be applied to your life that week. Plus FREE Starbucks coffee and Einstein Bagels.
Can I wear jeans?
Absolutely! Our pastor even preaches in Detroit based sports team jerseys sometimes.
First Church of God
Saint Joseph, MI
http://www.myfirstchurch.com
What's the worship music like?
First Church has four services, three of which (Higher Ground) are modern contemporary music driven by guitar, bass, keys, drums, lead vocals and the occasional electric violin. Music in Higher Ground tends to be a little loud with low lights and a strong baseline (or "heartbeat"). Music in these services tends to be very good to great and is led by a young and talented lead guitarist/singer. The other service is more traditional early 90s contemporary with multiple singers and updated hymns.
What's the speaking like?
Sermons are usually based on a series that may last for several weeks and tend to be very light on theology and stronger on personal reflection and application. This is both a positive and a negative. Most weeks are taught by our lead pastor with several other pastors filling in when needed.
What's the childcare like?
From what I gather, kids have a great time in Sunday School! The check-in counter is filled with gumballs and bouncy balls. There are colorful kites hanging in the rooms. There is worship specifically garnered for kids.
What's your favorite thing?
The community of the church is very strong. It's a church suited well for families of all ages. First Church is one of the largest churches in the area, which adds to the amount of resources for community service, equipment, budgets and programs.
What would you change?
Sermons are meant to be relevant but often miss the mark. They are aimed at older adults and aren't applicable (or interesting) to young adults or teens.
Can I wear jeans?
Jeans are welcome anywhere in the church, especially in Higher Ground. An older generation attends the other service in the Sanctuary and tends to wear more "churchy" clothes.
242 Community Church
Brighton
www.242community.com
What's the worship music like?
Awesome, rich, deep - amazing. Our worship leader was in a popular Detroit band for years called My Machine. He and the team are amazingly talented and are contemporary and relevant and tattooed.
What's the speaking like?
Topical sermons usually, very life-applicable - great orator in our lead pastor Dave Dummitt.
What's the childcare like?
Childcare is awesome, every kid I know loves it.
What's your favorite thing?
I love how real they are and accepting. They love their community very much and are working to make a difference.
What would you change?
Brighton is an affluent, mostly white area. I miss cultural/ethnic diversity.
Can I wear jeans?
You can come as you are, at least I do.
Name of church- Bedford Christian Community Church
City- Temperance
Website- http://www.bccag.org/
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?)Modern worship, loud, 45 minutes.
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?) funny, culturally relevant and life applicable.
What's the childcare like? Any age kid- super kid friendly.
What's your favorite thing? worship
What would you change? me
Can I wear jeans? every week.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Holland, Michigan
http://www.goodshepherdhollandmi.com/
Our worship is fairly traditional with singing, prayer, responsive readings, a penetrating sermon, and communion. We have special music about every other week.
Pastor Jim Foster has a great way of pulling you into his message, by use of stories and a real passion for Jesus Christ.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has an active Sunday School program ranging from pre-school age up through adults.
The great thing about my church is the openness we have with each other and a genuine caring for one another. I know that I am accepted and loved, just the way I am.
Jeans? No problem. We have people that dress up along with those who feel more comfortable wearing jeans. We value you and accept you no matter how you are dressed.
Name of church: Woodside Bible Church
City: Main Campus is in Troy, And then there are 4 other campuses- Royal Oak, Warren, White Lake, and the newest campus is in Lake Orion
Website: www.woodsidebible.org
What's the worship music like? 3 contemporary services and one traditional services (so 1 8:30 am service which is primarily hymns)
What's the speaking like? Relevant down-to-earth speaking by Pastor Doug Schmidt and the pastoral team.
What's the childcare like? From waht I hear, fantastic and relevant, there are fantastic and engaging programs for every age group even through college. The "children's hallway" prides itself on safety, and there is a rule that only parents and children and guardians are allowed down the hallway during church services
What's your favorite thing? I love how approachable our senior pastor is and how relevant his teaching style is to all ages. Most of all though, I love the atmosphere of the church. I know it may sound silly, but I feel energized when I walk into the building. It's like you can feel God moving there.
What would you change? While I think the church does a lot for outreach to new people, I think that because of the size of the church, it can be difficult to feel like you have a group of people to call friends. It takes a while to really feel plugged in.
Can I wear jeans? What I love is the range of outfits people wear. Some people are incredibly dressed up and there are definitely people wearing jeans. Come as you are, it seems.
inSpirit Church
Byron Center (Grand Rapids), MI
www.inspiritchurch.org
inSpirit is a brand new church plant that just opened their doors in September 2009. the verb "inspirit" means to infuse new life or spirit into; to encourage; to invigorate.
The church meets in a warehouse and has that warehousey feel. Panera coffee and bagels are served before the service. The service itself is very chill and contemporary. Keyboard, drums, guitar, and singers compromise the worship team. The preaching is fantastic, brought by a second-career pastor who knows what's it's like to be out in the real world.
inSpirit has awesome youth and post-high ministries, as well as Sunday childcare and Kids church.
And PLEASE wear jeans...come as you are!
New Life Church
Ann Arbor
nlcweb.org
What's the worship music like?
Energetic, Rock-ish, Loud, Lots of Hillsong
What's the speaking like?
This is a college ministry, so mostly aimed towards college students, but there are community members as well that love service. Uses slides for verses or main points. Doesn't cover too complicated of topics. Sermons are easy to follow and incorporate into your own life.
What's the childcare like?
As someone who personally helped with childcare preparation for the next year, I can say a lot of effort is put into the lessons. Childcare ranges from babies to kids (8 or 9 maybe?)
What's your favorite thing?
Worship and how important community is to them
Can I wear jeans?
YES, come as you are
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