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Name of church
City
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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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June
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17 comments:
Please someone post...My husband and I live in Bloomington and are looking for the perfect church. To us, the perfect church is a blended worship of traditional and contemporary. Not all praise songs and a twist on traditional hymns. They gotta have great music and family activities that are fun, yet teaching us something too. We want going to church to be a no-brainer...pastors that are real, passionate and annointed! Does this place exisit?
This blog is a GREAT idea! Thank you for your blogs...some people do devotionals in the morning - I read your blogs. THANK YOU! :)
Hey anonymous, you could check out The River church at MOA, or possibly Woodcrest in Eagan, they are both sister churches of our church and sound like they'd be what you're looking for.
Northwood Church in Maple Grove, MN
A church that meets in the Maple Grove Community Center where people come to be known.
The pastor is consistently authentic (and a bit of a dork)
The worship is contemporary but spices the mix with Unicorn songs.
Worship leader scored a 14 (Tomlin Curious) on the Metrosexual Scale.
There are tons of families and so many kids running around it has become a rite of passage to knock one over in the lobby. (Toddler bowling)
The youth group resembles the island of misfit toys and is such a beautifully eclectic mix of personalities that any student can slide right in.
The youth pastor has a goatee.
People's stories are a main part of everything we do, we call them FaithStories, and it's a lot of people talking about when their life goes "Booty, God, Booty"
We often refrain from clapping because we're holding our Starbucks.
The first service could use some more Starbucks.
Basically a group of people who wanted a church that wasn't like what you think of in church, but not because they are a bunch of too-cool-for-Sunday-school hipsters chasing a trend, just 'normal' people trying to put a way-beyond-normal God first in life.
Check it out for yourself:
http://northwoodcc.org
I'm involved in a great church that is only 1.5 years old. We're located in South Minneapolis.
http://www.hiawathachurch.com
The worship style is just like you described: newer praise songs with some hymns and some original musical updates of hymns. The preaching is great and the childcare ministry is starting to really take off.
Everything you need to know is on the church website. We'd love to have you visit on a Sunday!
Peter C.
Name of church: River Valley Church (RVC)
City: Apple Valley, MN (Corner of Pilot Knob Rd and County Rd 42)
Website: http://rivervalley.org
What's the worship music like? Contemporary-easy-listening, new stuff.
What's the speaking like? Relevant, creative, videos, a lot of humor involved and object lessons. Down to earth. Not too much deep theology.
What's the childcare like?
I wish I was a kid again...They have their own cafe, flat screens all the place, video games, etc.
What's your favorite thing?
The people, everyone is very down to earth.
What would you change?
hmm....tricky
Can I wear jeans?
Yes, you can even wear shorts and sandals too!
Anonymous,
I'm sorry to tell you that the perfect church doesn't exist because we are not perfect.
Once a pastor said: "If you find the perfect church don't join them because you will ruin it"
But hey, we would love to have you check out our church, River Valley Church (http://rivervalley.org) I wouldn't say we are the perfect church but judging by what you are looking for our church may be a good fit.
Our Slogan is: Real People, With Real Needs, Worshiping A Real God.
Name of church: The Upper Room
City: Edina (hwy 100 and 70th st.)
Website: upperroomcommunity.org
What's the worship music like?: Contemporary, loud.
What's the speaking like? Completely irrelevant. Just kidding... some would say we're "emerging."
What's the childcare like? I hear it's good?
What's your favorite thing? The community, worship
Can I wear jeans? Yes.
Other: the church is for all ages but there's a huge spike of 16-30 year olds
Name of church: Northwest church of Christ
City: New Hope, MN
Website: http://www.nwcoc-mn.org/
What's the worship music like? Mostly traditional hymns but occasionally a few new contemporary songs thrown in.
What's the speaking like? There are two ministers, one is a bit more old-school Bible, but likes to throw in cultural references. The other is younger and more culturally relevant and will cut to your heart. They are both very powerful.
What's the childcare like? There is a nursery in the back for parents to take their children during services, but there is not a special group of people set aside to monitor the children.
What's your favorite thing? The people--they are so welcoming, down-to-earth, not pretentious and very God-fearing.
What would you change? The songs could be a bit more upbeat at times, more contemporary, but it's where I learned most of the oldies!
Can I wear jeans? Sure! Half the members probably dress a bit more formally than jeans, and the ministers wear a suit or a dress shirt and slacks, but many members wear jeans, khakis, skirts, casual dresses, etc. There's a wide spectrum.
A suggestions from a former MN resident now in Haiti -
Church of the Open Door
Maple Grove, MN
www.thedoor.org
Contemporary worship
Two strong preaching pastors - listen on the web if you want
tons of childcare
Jeans are a go.
Eagle Brook Church
3 Locations: Lino Lakes, White Bear Lake, Spring Lake Park
www.eaglebrookchurch.com
Pop/Rock driven worship led by some of the best musicians and vocalists in the Twin Cities. We use a lot of video/motion graphics and lighting.
Bible based, relevant teaching. We often use video and other creative elements to enhance the teaching.
Excellent! Safe, fun atmosphere where kids can engage in age-appropriate worship and teaching. And there are a bunch of sweet video games as well.
The fact that I can invite anyone to come and they won't feel awkward...if anything, they'll probably have a great time and want to keep coming back. And the coffee...the coffee is tasty.
I'd open a site closer to my home.
Jeans are acceptable...as long as they're not too tight.:)
Living Rock Church - Norwood Young America, MN
(about and hour southwest of the twin cities)
www.livingrockchurch.com
The music is mostly contemporary with a hymn or two thrown in...not too long, not to short. Around 6 songs a service.
The preaching is Biblical...not really topical. The Pastor is crazy yet passionate and he really sets the laid back tone of the church.
The children's programs are high energy, fun and safe - I think they have their own services with music and drama and stuff.
The church doesn't feel "showy" which I dig but the elementary school building they are meeting in isn't the most attractive space.
Jeans are safe there.
North Heights Lutheran Church
Arden Hills/ Roseville
www.nhlc.org (it's not the greatest or most user friendly Web site...but don't let that stop you)
What's the worship music like?
Our church has a few different options for services.
The very traditional lutheran type service happens at 8am and 9:30 at the sanctuary at roseville. Worship would be mostly hymn type stuff.
Also at roseville in the fellowship hall at 9:30 and 11am (and 7pm on sat) is a "contemporary" service. (i've never been, it's mostly families, and has a larger charismatic influence) worship is a band style with guitars, banjos, harmonicas, drums, (but not all of them always.)
At Arden Hills at 9/10:45am in the sanctuary is a service that blends traditional and contemporary. Worship is a band, organ, choir, kind of a blend. You won't hear the newest hillsong worship but it's not just hymns either.
Also at Arden Hills at 10:45 in the Great Hall is "The Heights" service (which I attend) which is a progressive relevent service. (insert other in vogue christian adjectives.) Our worship leader is a wonderful young woman with a true heart and passion for God and teaching others to worship Him through vocal worship. The band usually consists of drums, guitars (acoustic and electric) bass, keys. There are updated version of classic hymns and current worship songs as well.
At 6:30pm at Arden Hills in the Chapel there is the "River Of God" service which is very charismatic. Worship incldues dancing and flags.
What's the speaking like?
I'll only comment on "The Heights" service cause it's where I have most experience. But the church as a whole has a team of pastors that have their "home base" service but also kind of rotate around so there isn't really "one" style to any of them. But at "The Heights" the main pastor is good at speaking from the Bible in a culturally relevent way, that includes life application. If it doesn't make a difference in your day to day life then why bother?
What's the childcare like?
Both campuses have a nursery for infants and toddlers. There is sunday school for preschool-6th grade.
What's your favorite thing?
I love that our church has the ability to be a blend of so many things, without losing any integrity. We have different services because there is an understanding that not everyone worships in the same way. We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit and are a spirit filled church. I'd best describe it as "charismatic lutheran" People are pretty friendly although because it's kind of big sometimes if you are new or visiting you may have to make the first move to meet someone. Don't be shy.
What would you change?
Although I really like North Heights, no church is perfect, and like any other church we do have our problems. I think right now our church is pretty focused (although not entirely) on people inside the church. We have a ton of ministries to help people grow spiritually. These things are good, but I think we need to also have a larger focus on reaching those outside the church, and truely helping people in the community. What encourages me is that the church is making changes in that direction. And we aren't completely devoid of it. We have a great Missions department, and people of all ages getting involved locally and internationally. I like "The Heights" service because it seems to be more in that vein as well.
Can I wear jeans?
Depends on which service you go to. Most of them it's a yes.
The Heights absolutely. You can also dress up...it's a pretty interesting mix.
It's a group that's pretty open to things, a bit more laid back and organic, without chaos.
Name of church:
Remnant Ministry Center
City:
Brainerd, MN
(605 Laurel Street, 2nd Floor)
What's the worship music like?: Contemporary, but we do throw a jazzed up hymn in there every so often :)
What's the speaking like? Bible Centered. Truth is evident, but loving. There have been times God has turned the service upside down it was testimonies entirely or Words. NEVER miss a Easter Service when MN Teen Challenge sings, it's amazing!
What's the childcare like? Childcare during preaching, but not during the 1st hour of worship. Yes I did say 1 hour worhsip :) I don't have children yet, so I can't answer this totally.
What's your favorite thing? Oh my goodness how do I summarize?!
The balance of worship & preaching. Sometimes the worship is longer...sometimes the teaching is longer. Worship can be solemn, but it can also be very expressive (such as flags or dancing). Neither one dominates, it's however God moves. The Body of Christ submits to either very easily.
Can I wear jeans? Yes, or dress up if you like. You'll find both here.
Other: Nondenominational
Name of church: crossWinds Church
City: Rochester, MN
Website: www.crosswindschurch.com
What's the worship music like? Contemporary and loud
What's the speaking like? culturally relevant
What's the childcare like? There are different classes for all age groups
What's your favorite thing? The practical application of each message.
What would you change? More people would come.
Can I wear jeans? Almost everyone does, every week. Sometimes people wear shorts.
Anonymous, I'm hoping that you've found a church home since posting a month ago. If you are still looking, I would HIGHLY recommend visiting Sovereign Grace Fellowship in Bloomington. My husband and I visit there whenever we are in the cities for a weekend. The praise is phenomenal, the teaching is some of the best I've ever heard, EVER and the people are SO SO nice! And you absolutely can wear jeans or shorts or whatever you are most comfortable in. Services are held at Washburn Elementary. It's super easy to find. It's just a couple blocks from where 35W & 494 cross. Check out their website for more details http://www.sovgracemn.org/
Name of church THE ASSEMBLY OF GOD IN WILLMAR
City WILLMAR, MN
Website www.willmarag.org
What's the worship music like? Contemporary, has a 70 member choir that sings Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir stuff and more
What's the speaking like? The head pastor is a 50 something father of 4 children aged 5-18, he is very relatable and humorous
What's the childcare like? Childcare is very important in our church, no one is forced to serve, especially the parents themselves, we see children as the future and the members of the church are great at stepping up to the plate, a parent call system and tags for parents to claim their children is in place as well, a great brand new youth building is on the property (www.epik.us)and our VBS usually has around 500 children from the area each summer
What's your favorite thing? the praise and worship, the teaching, the membership
What would you change? more prayer services, more Sunday evening services
Can I wear jeans? yes, anything goes from jeans to suits
The AG in Willmar is an outreach oriented church with various ministries such as Teen Mops, AA, Al-Anon, Divorce Care and Divorce Care for Kids. Bible studies, kids scouting programs and gun trainig. You can find a lot here.
I'm interested in starting a "house church" in Austin. I'm sick of Christianity being a one-hour a week spectator sport. Would love a group of Bible-believing folks who love to get into the word, pray, worship, have a meal together, and just plain fellowship. no bells and whistles. just the desire to glorify the Lord and be the body.
and yes.. jeans work the best when sitting "Indian-style" on the floor.
kristyef@live.com
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