Sunday, June 15, 2008

Missouri

Be the first to list your church. Simply post a comment with the following short info:

Name of church
City
Website
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?

19 comments:

angela said...

Name of church: Reliant
City: Stl. Louis (Central West End, specifically)
Website http://www.reliantchurch.org/
What's the worship music like? a guitar and piano, maybe bongo drums? we sing hymns, but in a contemporary way. :) not loud, not repeating same verses
What's the speaking like? honest, culturally relevant, prompts you to action and thinking about how your life is different because of what you just heard
What's the childcare like? not sure
What's your favorite thing? taking communion
What would you change? i'd make the air conditioner work better
Can I wear jeans? you sure can!

StellarRick said...

Name of church - Desperation Church
City - Liberty, MO (a Kanasas City suburb)
Website - www.desperationchurch.org
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?)
4-5 songs, usually popular contemporary songs. 2 or 3 slow, the rest faster. Lots of David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, etc. Worship leader has a faux-hawk.

What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?)
Fantastic. Verse by verse through the bible, but very good. Always able to relate, no matter your age. Usually gets intense, then funny to break the tension. Pastor tends to wear t-shirt and jeans. Has goatee.
What's the childcare like?
Thourough. Very good. Always at least two adults in every classroom. Background checks (got to be safe these days.)
What's your favorite thing?
Everyone is super friendly. Oh yeah, and it is in a warehouse.
What would you change?
The coffee bar needs an espresso machine.
Can I wear jeans?

Sure, all the staff does. I wear a mohawk and tatoos aren't uncommon.


Saturday night services and two on Sunday.

Stevi said...

Name of church: The Rock
City: Columbia, MO
Website: www.columbiarock.com
What's the worship music like?: Guitar-driven contemporary, rotating worship leaders.
What's the speaking like?: Culturally relevant, laid-back, story-telling style.
What's the childcare like?: Small group of kid-loving caregivers, not many kids though, this is a university-based church.
What's your favorite thing?: The community is amazing, lots of opportunities to interact outside of meetings and actually participate in each others' lives.
What would you change?: Because the Rock is university-focused, it kind of disappears when school isn't in session (like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break, and between semesters).
Can I wear jeans?: Jeans are highly recommended.

Anonymous said...

Name of church: Stonebridge Community Church
City: Dardenne Prarie (St. Charles County)
Website: http://www.stonebridgedp.org/
What's the worship music like?
Contemporary with some hymns done in a contemporary way. Guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, violin sometimes djembe.
What's the speaking like? culturally relevant, lots of video use and other visuals, etc. within the sermon
What's the childcare like? Very high quality, lots of kids, great staff of caring adults. FUN!
What's your favorite thing? Our focus- Bringing the Love of Jesus to the lives of others
What would you change? We need more space for the kids! We're working on that.
Can I wear jeans? Please do

amanda june said...

Name of church: Grace Community Bible Church
City: Kirksville
Website: http://www.gracecommunitybiblechurch.org
What's the worship music like? Usually there is an early (8:00) service and a 10:45 service; at the first service you will sing hymns, old-school, with piano and a worship leader. At the second service, it's contemporary -- still some hymns, but some praise songs, all with guitar, djembe, etc. This summer there's only one service (10:45) which features both the old-school hymns and the contemporary worship. (Wow, sorry that's so complicated...)
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?) Pretty old school Bible, but the word of God tends to be relevant anyway. Expository. It's good!
What's the childcare like? Great! Very reliable. You can rest assured your munchkins will be well cared for.
What's your favorite thing? Grace is a very missions-oriented church. They are truly outreach-focused and give to missions in so many ways. I also love the close community and their commitment to doing things in a biblical way.
What would you change? I love this church. It might be a bit old-fashioned or traditional for some tastes.
Can I wear jeans? YES you most certainly can!

Your Friend Amy said...

Name of church: EAGLE POINT COMMUNITY CHURCH
City: SECKMAN HIGH SCHOOL, IMPERIAL (south of St Louis)
Website: WWW.EAGLEPOINT.US
What's the worship music like?: VERY CONTEMPORARY (with a hymn sprinkled in on holidays)
What's the speaking like?: RELEVANT
What's the childcare like?: AWESOME -- BUT IT'S NOT BABYSITTING FOR US, IT'S LEARNING
What's your favorite thing?: THE PEOPLE, YOU'LL NEVER SEE A FRIENDLIER CROWD
What would you change?: AS A STAFF PERSON, IT'D BE EASIER TO HAVE A CHURCH BUILDING, BUT THE ENVIRONMENT WORKS
Can I wear jeans?: WEAR WHATEVER THE HECK YA WANT!

Anonymous said...

Name of church: Evangelistic Center Church
City: Kansas City
Website: www.evangelisticcenter.com/
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?): Contemporary - but not as contemporary as Hillsong. Kinda like Chris Tomlin, but a little more conservative.
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?): Old school Bible, but a little more fiery.
What's the childcare like?: Don't know. I have no experience with childcare.
What's your favorite thing?: Small town homey, churchy feel in a big Midwestern city
What would you change?: a bit more modern (I know that contradicts my favorite thing but hey. I'm complicated like that.)
Can I wear jeans?: Yes. : )

Anonymous said...

Name: Crestwood Christian Church
City: St. Louis, MO (Crestwood area)
Worship: Currently looking for a new worship person so we shall see.
Speaking: Just got a new minister and he talks really fast but his message is good and definately applicable to life today. I like his methods.
Childcare: We have lost some kids but the teachers have great heart and awesome classrooms!!! Good curriculum.
Favorite Thing: Changes. Big changes for Crestwood and hopefully the shall be awesome.
Change: Alot but hopefully that is happening. I would like to see some younger families again that would be SWEETNESS!!!
CAN I WEAR JEANS?: ABSOLUTELY!!!!

Annie said...

Name of church
City: Bolivar, just north of Springfield
Website: doesn't have one... i know i know, how could they possibly be relevant with out one ;)--joke!
What's the worship music like? honest and simple... folk-rock like, they pick songs that actually have meaning
What's the speaking like? simple, and it encourages you to actually live it out... there are even a lot of services where people just share what is going on with them, or confess sin, or minister to eachother...they take being the body of Christ seriously
What's the childcare like? good, organized
What's your favorite thing? how they seek to know God no matter what, they aren't concerned with how uncomfortable a message or activity is... if the word says it will bring them closer to christ, they are on it... i love their passion
What would you change? its much more discipleship centered than evangelistic but honestly i liked that
Can I wear jeans? yep, or shorts or whatever...

Anonymous said...

Name of church: Living Water Christian Church
City: Parkville, MO (KC area)
Website: www.livingwaterchristian.org
What's the worship music like? Guitars, drums, contemporary, loud at times, reflective at others
What's the speaking like? Relevant, theologically-grounded, creative, biblically-based, evangelical and progressive all at the same time - some video clips at times to spice things up.
What's the childcare like? We're a new church, and our families typically worship together. We have an awesome class for kids at 11:00 and child care for little ones.
What's your favorite thing? We worship in a converted house, so everything's very intimate, yet we have high-tech sound and graphic equipment. We worship in a coffee house setting, around tables, eating bagels and drinking coffee while we worship.
What would you change? It will be great when we are finally able to get a bigger building and have room to stretch out.
Can I wear jeans? Yes, or shorts, or skirts, or even a kilt if you like :-)

Annie said...

ps- the one in bolivar... the name... its Alliance Christian Fellowship

Relentliss said...

Name of church: Christ Church of the Heartland

City: Cape Girardeau

Website: http://www.ccoth.org

What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?) Good variety: mostly contemporary with some hymns and choruses. We don't have hymnals but all the words to the songs are on the overhead. We do fast, slow, long, short, and even some in Spanish. We typically have a team of about 4 singers, piano and jeyboard player, drummer (complete with plexiglass), bass guitar, two electric guitars, acoustic guitar, and the occasional bongos.

What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?)
The speaking is culturally relevant but very much based on the Word; bibical truth and practical application but also a lot of prophetic.

What's the childcare like? There is nursery for children under 3 and we have an excellent children's program for ages 3-12. They have a children's choir, dance team, puppet team, worship team, etc. We have family day once a month where the kids perform in our service and stay for the entire service.

What's your favorite thing? My favorite thing is the freedom allowed for the Holy Spirit to move. Each service is entirely different but not chaotic. God likes order and there is honor and respect but at the same time we follow where the Holy Spirit leads.

What would you change? I would have more volunteers so that the same people didn't have to do everything. If everyone would volunteer to do nursery just once, we would only have to do it once a year!

Can I wear jeans? You can wear whatever you like and feel comfortable.

Anonymous said...

Name of church: Levi's House
City: Kansas City, MO
Website: www.myspace.com/levishouse
What's the worship music like? Contemporary with a few hymns sprinkled in, all with modern flair.
What's the speaking like? Sometimes chapter by chapter through the Bible, sometimes topical, always with a conversational, honest tone.
What's the childcare like? We keep the children in the room with us - it's a house church, we want them to participate as much as they are able.
What's your favorite thing? It's very easy to make friends in a small house church. No one will feel left out.
What would you change? We want some more people!
Can I wear jeans? Yes! In fact, it would look weird for you to wear anything less casual.

L said...

Name of church: The Rock of KC
City: Kansas City
Website: http://www.rockofkc.com/
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?): Contemporary with some hymns thrown in but with a modern flavor.
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?): Always scripture, always relevant, always applicable to real life today.
What's the childcare like?: GREAT! 2 adults per class (background checked), classes by age group starting at newborn. Great childrens ministry for k-6th with games, worship and scripture based teaching.
What's your favorite thing? It's real relationship not legalistic religion.
What would you change? Adding a Saturday service.
Can I wear jeans? ABSOLUTELY! The leadership team does!

Mandy said...

Name of church: Vineyard Community Church
City: Columbia, MO
Website: http://columbiavineyard.org/
What's the worship music like? Contemporary. Acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums (djembe, set), keyboard, etc. We'll have words in case you don't know them!
What's the speaking like? Our pastor, Matt Perona, has a passion for making sure to cover the basics in a culturally relevant way...while still keeping his talks encouraging and challenging.
What's the childcare like? Fabulous! Bring those babies.
What's your favorite thing? The family. We have people from all walks (professors, students, homeless, young professionals, grandparents...), and it feels like a huge family.
What would you change? It would be great to have a building (we meet on campus at Mizzou - Middlebush Auditorium), but having a 'church in a bus' to unload every Sunday keeps everyone involved. And the necessity of meeting in people's homes during the week makes it a GREAT way to get to know people better.
Can I wear jeans? If you want to look like the pastor, worship team, and most everyone else...yes. But no one is going to look at you funny if wearing your best is part of how you worship God.

Amanda June said...

Name of church Emmaus
City Springfield, MO
Website http://www.emmausspringfield.com
What's the worship music like? Contemporary, fairly loud, but some slower stuff too. Our worship pastor & another guy who helps lead worship actually write great original songs, so that's one unique part of our worship.
What's the speaking like? Centered on the Word, but fairly laid-back style. Pastors rotate, so there's some variety in speaking style.
What's the childcare like? Pretty great.
What's your favorite thing? Emmaus is committed to helping meet needs within the body as well as reaching out to those in the community. We rent a space on Sunday mornings right in downtown Springfield, so no mortage means that a huge part of our income goes straight toward missions and local outreach. Housechurches throughout the week also add to the feeling that it really is a family. I also love that there are four pastors--no one All Powerful Pastor Guy.
What would you change? I wish we had communion more often. We only have it every couple months.
Can I wear jeans? Most definitely.

kate fried said...

Name of church:
Harvest Evangelical Free Church in Branson, MO
Website - http://harvestefc.org/
meets 9 a.m. sunday morning...
usually between 150-215 people attend...

What's the worship music like?
90% contemporary, 10% hymns, the worship service includes liturgical traditions (prayers, responsive readings) in a contemporary way.

What's the speaking like?
very logical & rational - easy to apply to real life - not a focus on hyperspiritual emotionalism. 3 rotating teaching elders, one of which is the staff elder who is very gifted with discerning leadership. all the teaching elders are also full time professors at college of the ozarks.

What's the childcare like?
5-10 kids per class, fun-loving, organized, follows curriculum with bible lessons, 1-2 teachers per class who have a heart for children's ministry and shepherding the hearts of our children.

What's your favorite thing?
that this body is truly my family - my most meaningful relationships are here.

What would you change?
our congregation is one of 3 that meets in our building - right after our service another service starts. i would rather we meet at a different time so we wouldn't feel the time constraint and could have more space for longer worship and fellowship. we've had one evening service (in place of the morning service) and it went pretty well - we might shift to that eventually.

Can I wear jeans?
sure - but people also wear skirts, dresses, slacks... whatever you feel comfortable wearing is perfectly accepted.

Melanie said...

combulName of church: INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER

City: KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Website: IHOP.ORG

What's the worship music like? IHOP IS A 24/7 HOUSE OF PRAYER THAT HAS SERVICES ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. THE HOUSE OF PRAYER'S MUSIC IS REALLY DIVERSE (WE HAVE OVER 20 WORSHIP LEADERS) BUT IS CONTEMPORARY AND MOSTLY COMPRISED OF WORSHIP MUSIC. FOR OUR SERVICES, THE MUSIC IS ALSO CONTEMPORARY AND IS DEFINITLY OF THE LOUD & FAST VARIETY. OCCASIONALLY, SOMETHING OLD SCHOOL WILL SNEAK IN.

What's the speaking like? THE SPEAKING IS VERY CULTURALLY RELEVANT WITH A LOT OF BIBLE VERSES TO BACK UP OUR VIEWS. NOTES FOR THE SERMON ARE PROVIDED.

What's the childcare like? WE HAVE SOMETHING CALLED THE CHILDREN'S EQUIPPING CENTER WHICH DOESN'T BABY THE CHILDREN BUT INSTEAD TEACHES THEM.

What's your favorite thing? THE WORSHIP. THERE'S NO PRESSURE TO SIT OR STAND, RAISE YOUR HANDS OR NOT. YOU CAN SIT OR DANCE OR DO WHATEVER THE LORD IS CALLING YOU TO.

What would you change? A LOT OF THE MESSAGES FOCUS ON END TIMES.

Can I wear jeans? YOU CAN WEAR WHATEVER MODEST CLOTHING YOU WANT!

Anonymous said...

Name of church: James River Assembly
City: Ozark
Website: www.jrag.org
What's the worship music like? Very current, wonderful songs, a whole worship team, choir, band. Warning - it's loud.
What's the speaking like? Awesome. I leave "challenged" evertime. Easy to pay attention to the message.
What's the childcare like? My children have grown up in this church and it has been great all the way. It could be overwhelming for a visitor but there are a lot of people able to help direct to the right area.
What's your favorite thing? the preaching and seeing friends. AND that this church cares about the people in the church and in the community. Very much an outreach church.
What would you change? The volume. The music is too loud.
Can I wear jeans? Absolutely! Casual dress.