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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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31 comments:
Providence Baptist Church
Raleigh
www.pray.org
Contempo-hymns...this is my least favorite part cuz it's kind of cheesy in the main services, but in Sunday School and our bi-monthly Wednesday meetings it's better
Old school Bible and how it affects culture
Not sure, but it's big and there haven't been any dingo-related disappearances lately
The singles ministry is the best balanced ministry in a church I've experienced. Some folks come with the meat market attitude, but the leadership discourages such things simply by keeping the whole affair God and biblically-focused (redundant?) and being honest and candid with such issues.
The worship music on Sunday mornings. Sometimes I have nightmarish visions of Gaither Homecomings...
Wear the jeans proudly. Such apparel is in a bit of a minority, but it's growing.
Calvary Chapel Cary
Cary/Apex
http://www.calvarycary.org
Contemporary Worship...Generally follows the praise...worship...praise arc..
Old School Bible / Verse-by-Verse Teaching
Childcare is awesome. Plus, the lady who heads it up is British. You know who else is British: Super Nanny, that's who!
My favorite things are the laid back atmosphere, and incredible availability of the staff. Also, I love verse-by-verse teaching, because no matter what Sunday I show up, I always know where we will be reading from.
Least favorite...The doors shut and lock after praise and worship finishes. This means if you leave to go to the bathroom during service, you'll have to take in the rest of the service in the overflow room.
Can you wear jeans? Absolutely. 3 out of 4 Sundays, the pastor will be wearing them.
Port City Community Church
Wilmington, NC
portcitychurch.org
Contemporary/Rock...Last week, for example were selections from Tim Hughes, Todd Fields, Candi Pearson Shelton, and Nicole Nordeman. Week before that was Tim Hughes and Hillsong.
Speaking is Bible based but not Bible teaching. It's more Bible application. It's upbeat, positive, and fairly innovative.
There are different programs for kids of different ages. I don't have any kids, but I know that people choose our church because of the childcare and children's programming.
My favorite thing is that PC3 strives to be culturally relevant(for whatever that's worth) and that when it comes to small group fellowship, they are committed and don't just give it lips service.
The only thing I would change, though it would affect many aspects of the church is the way they use money. The building, the production values, the sheer number of staff and their salaries is, to me, audacious. I think more of the churches resources should go towards feeding the hungry, clothing the naked...you know, Biblical Jesus stuff.
Wear jeans, but only if you want to fit in. The pastor sets the example wearing jeans and flip-flops on Sunday mornings.
Name of church: The Summit Church
City: Raleigh/Durham
Website: www.summitchurch.cc
What's the worship music like ? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?): All of the above really. We do a lot of contemporary, but also will do the occasional hymn, ranging from very slow to fast. Something for everyone really.
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?): I take it you mean the sermons...Hands down my favorite part. J.D. is great, as are the other pastors. The pastoral staff are not puffed up, they are involved w/the community, worldwide missions, and are passionate about concentrating on the grace/forgiveness/love of God in Jesus Christ on the cross for all of us. They don't glaze over the hard issues, but they don't get caught up in the secondary issues. The motto is simply "Love God. Love each other. Love our world." and the people at this church really practice and believe that.
What's the childcare like? The childcare is great. I don't have kids but I help out w/"KidsLife" and there are so many who are passionate about teaching and loving our children.
What's your favorite thing? The people. I was turned off by churches who were too old-fashioned and out of touch w/the reality of today, yet I was equally turned off by churches who were more concerned about being relevant and hip than preaching truth. Summit has been a breath of fresh air both in the sermons, the accepting atmosphere ("a hospital for sinners, not a museum of saints"), the music, and the contagious love/passion for serving and the gospel.
What would you change? Not much that I can think of to be honest. There's always room for improvement in anything (especially church), but I fell in love w/this church and I think it's well-balanced.
Can I wear jeans? Absolutely. The pastoral stuff and the congregation range from collared shirts and khakis to jeans and flip flips. "Come as you are, we believe you'll leave different."
Name of church: Church of the Good Shepherd
City: Durham
Website: www.cgsonline.org
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?): A mix of hymns and contemporary.
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?) Relevant Bible Teaching
What's the childcare like? Really good. Available from 12 weeks up
What's your favorite thing? How the church is structured -- 1 pastor for every flock (regional area), with Elders and small groups folding into that.
What would you change? I'd make it a tad more "user-friendly" for new folks.
Can I wear jeans? Yes -- lots of college kids make this common
Lifepointe Church (yes we have the "life," the "point," and the "e")
Raleigh
http://www.lifepointechurch.com/
Contemporary with the occasional hymn. It should be noted that we meet in a movie theatre, so we are naturally going to be non organ-based. As lead guitarist in the band I should say that, though I am biased, the music is really rather good and we work hard to keep our rotation of music varied so nobody gets to hear the same 3 songs over and over. And if you dislike loud music, this could be a little on the loud side...
Our speaking style could be considered more "new school" (whatever that means). We do reference the Bible a lot and keep the message "Biblically based" but we use a good amount of personal stories to carry the teaching into real life.
Our kids program is very very high energy, but I guess that's a good thing? I have no kids and haven't really seen but one or two of the programs so I'm not the greatest authority on the subject. I do know there is singing and lots of skits from the leaders. And for the kids younger than elementary school, there are two other areas where volunteers take care of the kids.
My favorite thing is the message because it always manages to be relevant, no matter the topic. (and the music is nice too.)
If I could change something, it might be to create a Sunday school. Given that we are a small church, we don't have much space or enough volunteers and stuff to have a real full fledged Sunday school. So we don't have the full instruction on Sunday mornings.
And yes, you can wear jeans. We're in a movie theatre! People generally wear jeans and a polo shirt, but I tend to wear a tie because I want to. And I wear Pumas with my shirt and tie...
C3 Church
Garner/Clayton
www.C3Church.com
Our worship team rocks!! I may be a bit biased because my husband plays guitar in the band, but they crank it up for God. The typically play contemporary songs like David Croweder Band and stuff like that.
Pastor Matt teaches straight from the Bible but it's very culturally relevant. The motto at our church is real hope for real people in a real world.
We do tag the kids like whales and have bad kid bingo, but the children's ministry is great. My kids are always asking to go back because they love it so much. Even my teenage daughter can't get enough, which is great.
My favorite thing about C3 is that you are accepted just as you are. I've been going to C3 for nearly two years and everyone I've met has been real. It's nice to be among real Christ followers who care about you and not where you live or what you drive or what you're wearing.
I can't think of anything I'd change about the church itself. The only thing I wish I could change is the assumption that because we're a larger church, we're impersonal, which couldn't be further from the truth.
Not only can you wear jeans, but you can wear flip-flops, shorts, and a tank top too. Most people dress casually and comfortably. There are a few who do dress more formally, but they're the exception and not the rule.
Turner Memorial Baptist
Garner
www.tmbconline.org
What's the worship music like?
We blend contemporary with hymns. Our church has a diverse age range so we try to have something each age group can relate to and enjoy.
What's the speaking like?
Pastor Phillip teaches straight Bible truths. He is culturally relevant and very down to earth. No big churchy words to confuse you.
What's the childcare like?
Our children's leaders are amazing. We have children's programs for all ages. We take seriously the welfare of our children and are very mindful of security and take all precautions to ensure our children stay safe.
What's your favorite thing?
The people. They are my family. They are very inviting and genuine.
What would you change?
Our building size...we have outgrown it! We are actually moving up the street in the future.
Can I wear jeans?
yes yes yes
Name of church - Mosaic
City - Charlotte
Website - www.mosaicchurch.tv
What's the worship music like? The music is young, contemporary and loud - like you're at a concert - but it's heartfelt and that's the most important thing to me.
What's the speaking like? Najim, the pastor, is a Muslim convert and is an extremely engaging speaker. I personally feel like his background gives his passion for Christ a realness that only can come from people who have truly tasted the "other side". His sermon series are very culturally relevant and you will definitely NOT fall asleep in the service. He's hilarious.
What's the childcare like? I'm sorry guys - I don't have kids, but I see a lot of them in service, so it's family oriented I know...
What's your favorite thing?
The pastor's unique, witty, down-to-earth application of real life junk and how our world and Christianity truly collides. I walk out of there every week feeling like I applied truth to my life.
What would you change?
I would put a few more traditional songs in the worship, but that's pretty much it.
Can I wear jeans? If you want them to unleash the eagle, um, yes. Sorry, bad joke. for real, yes you can.
Graceway Community Church
Greenville, NC
www.myg2c.com
Contemporary Praise and Worship. Very guitar driven, with lights and cameras. Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, New Life Worship, ect. type songs.
We use the NKJV Bible. Messages are introduced with videos on the big screens and stage props are common. Solid biblical principles relevant to todays culture.
Complete nursery and Kids program 1st through 5th grade use a high energy video based teaching curriculum called "Kidmo".
This is a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Location: we are a young growing church that is seeking a more permanent location for worship.
And finally Yes you can wear jeans and you'll fit right in!!!! (Pastor wore them today!)
Celebration Family Church
Raleigh, (North Raleigh)
www.cfch.org
What's the worship music like? Contemporary praise and worship with some Charismatic energy, the congregation is diverse enough that we also mix in some gospel. Love it. Words are on double screens from projectors at the front so it is easy to read and follow along.
What's the speaking like? The preaching/speaking is great. Pastor Lynton is from Australia and has a real good Biblical foundation but makes it relevant for today. He makes you laugh and moves you to be a better person and Christian.
What's the childcare like? It is a BIG deal. Much energy and volunteer force goes into the children’s ministry...I don’t have any kids but they seem to be excited and have a good time on Sunday mornings.
What's your favorite thing? When my wife and I found it, we were new to the area and the place just felt like home. I love the worship and the preaching. I love that they are active in the community and the church challenges you to personal growth.
What would you change? I could worship longer sometimes on Sunday mornings.
Can I wear jeans? Please do! I do, but people do wear jeans, khakis, slacks, suits, whatever. Be who you be, do what you do...
Name of church:
Seacoast Church
City:
Greensboro
Website:
www.seacoast.org/greensboro
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?):
Worship is great! Contemporary style, mostly upbeat, our electric guitarist and drummer are supremely impressive!
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?):
Seacoast was started in Charleston, SC and now has campuses in NC, SC and GA. Each campus connects via video, like a podcast. It may have been a little weird at first, but the teaching is very sound and life-applicable. Pastor Greg is a very Biblical teacher, not a preachy sort. He definitely doesn't give a holier-than-thou attitude at all!
What's the childcare like?:
I don't have children, but I have met the leaders of the children's church, and love them!
What's your favorite thing?
I'm not sure I could pick a favorite, probably the teaching. The messages are great, and everyone really encourages taking a next step for the Lord. It's great. Also, we're doing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace right now in the evenings, so that's great too!
What would you change?
I would probably add a few songs to the worship service. They usually have 3 or 4 in the beginning, but I love worship time, but that's just me.
Can I wear jeans?
Yes, please. Our campus pastor, who is also the worship leader, does every Sunday. I think I've seen one man wear a tie, so its a very casual environment.
True North Church
Garner, NC
www.mytruenorth.org
What's the worship music like? Contemporary (Tomlin, Hillsong) and probably on the loud side depending on where you sit in the stadium seating.
What's the speaking like? Culturally relevant based on Biblical principles. Upbeat and positive. Listen to previous messages.
What's the childcare like?
kiDZ Discovery Zone is not what you remember as "Sunday School". Our kiDZ volunteers will take care of your children (infant through 5th grade) so you can focus your attention on the worship service.
What's your favorite thing?
It's hard to pick. The focus is on worship, community and service. If I had to choose, I would say the messages really speak to me.
What would you change?
We are a mobile church in a theater (everything is set up and removed on Sunday morning). Our volunteers are awesome! It would be nice to be able to not have to cart things in and out.
Can I wear jeans?
Yes. Definitely. True North is a "Come as you are" kind of church. We want you to feel comfortable in whatever you choose to wear and focus instead on the message of Christ's love for you.
CharlotteONE
(A Unified Movement Of Local Churches)
Charlotte, NC
www.charlotteone.org
Worship is very honest wether it's a remake of an old hymn or a remix of newer one. They also provide a lot of "space" for folks to settle in and worship. It's not just noise and music.
They bring in some of the best speakers around. Voddie Baucham, Stuart Hall, David Nasser, Joel Thomas, David Hickman (on staff at CharlotteONE)
No child care as it's geared towards young adults and singles.
The best thing is that CharlotteONE is all about unity in the body of Christ. It's not about "my" church verses "your" church...it's just a night about "the" church and honoring Jesus' prayer in John 17.
I'd change the fact that they only meet once a month through the summer. I think they would have a larger group if they continued weekly though the summer.
Jeans? Oh yeah. You'd feel out of place if you didn't.
NAME OF CHURCH
Freedom House Church
CITY
Charlotte
WEBSITE
www.FreedomHouseChurch.org
WORSHIP MUSIC STYLE
We do contemporary music, and we have a full band. It's fairly loud! We also throw in an occasional updated hymn. Worship usually lasts about 20-25 minutes. Our worship pastor is definitely metrosexual! He uses product in his hair ...
SPEAKING STYLE
Culturally relevant. Our church emphasises discipleship and healthy relationships, be it within families, with co-workers or with complete strangers. Our pastor is great--hilarious but straight-forward. We use video a lot to augment messages.
CHILDCARE
Childcare? Bah! We have Kids' Church! My kids are ages 6 to 18, and they ALL love FHC. Our children's ministry is amazing!
MY FAVORITE THING
I love that our diversity. Now, I don't mean we have two black people--for a lot of churches, that's diverse! Ours is SERIOUSLY diverse. If you look out at our congregation, you'll see black, white, hispanic, asian, young, old, rich, poor. It's a little sampling of heaven!
WHAT I WOULD CHANGE
The location. We currently meet in a school. The church is over 5 years old and has about 1,000 members, so we're ready to move on! We're in the process of building, but I wish we were at the end of that process instead of the middle!
CAN I WEAR JEANS?
Goodness yes! Or you can wear your Sunday best. Again, we're diverse!
All Saints Anglican
Charlotte, NC
www.all-saints-anglican.org
Traditional Anglican liturgy with Praise & Worship, Hymns, Healing Prayer, AWESOME PREACHING! Our Pastor preaches the pure gospel and excellent bible teaching.
We offer Nursery for kids 3 and under, Children's Church, Sunday School.
The people - they really are like extended family.
I'd love for us to have our own building! We are working on it!
You can dress up or dress down. Each Sunday you'll see people dressed all across the spectrum.
Name of church:
True North Church
City: Garner
Website: www.mytruenorth.org
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?): Contemporary - upbeat, occasionally loud and proud, but always with community worship at the core
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?): Jon McClarnon is a tremendous teacher, always teaching directly from the bible in a relevant, often humorous, always heartfelt manner.
What's the childcare like?: I'm prejudiced, because my lovely wife is in charge of the pre-schoolers, but next to Jon's teaching, our KidZone is the best part of our church!
What's your favorite thing?: The people - our folks are solid and down to earth. They don't have all the answers (who does?) but they love the Lord and love our church.
What would you change?: I'd like to see us get enough momentum to be able to change our community. We strive to reach out, but we're a small influence right now. We want to combine with other churches in the area and get more people involved in changing Garner and Raleigh as the bible directs us to.
Can I wear jeans?: Yes, except when above 80 degrees, then shorts are the fashion of the day.
Name: North Wake Church (because we're in the northern part of Wake County)
City: Wake Forest, NC
Website: www.northwake.com
Music: Contemporary sprinkled with hymns. Being Baptist, this is the only time we sprinkle. Our worship leader would not score very high on the metrosexual scale, but he does get the Chris Tomlin/Hillsong points. Very cool guitar players and drummers....
Speaking: The pastor is the best teacher I have ever heard. Solid, biblical teaching that is always relevant, encouraging and challenging! This is the part that makes it hard for us to miss a Sunday.
Childcare: Got it covered up to 5 year olds for both services. From Kindergarten up, the children are encouraged to attend the service with their parents during one of those services, although childcare is still available during both hours. The kiddos are in a secure area with very competent teachers. The children look forward to their classes.
Favorite Things: The teaching by the pastor! We also have a Study/Serve program where each person is encouraged to serve in the hour that they don't attend the service. After six months, they switch to study during that hour.
What I Would Change: The study session(no longer "Sunday School," but "Life Change" :-) has only one choice of class per semester for the adults even though two classes are meeting during each time period. I would add alternatives.
Can I wear jeans: If you want to be perceived as a regular, jeans will help you blend right in. If you want us to know right away that you're a visitor, wear the tie (male) or the dress suit with heels(female.) Business casual is the predominate dress.
Evergreen Community Church
Raleigh
www.evergreench.org
Music? Contemporary, fast, loud, praise
Culturally relevant, interactive message
Childcare: interactive, separate nursery... great program
We have a very "come as you are" attitude. We welcome everyone, no matter where they are in their spiritual journey.
I can't think of anything that I would change off-hand.
Can I wear jeans? YES... you can wear pretty much whatever you want. We had one guy stay at the church because he wasn't asked to take off his baseball hat!!
Name of church: True North Church
City: Garner, NC (White Oak Theater)
Website: www.mytruenorth.org
What's the worship music like?: Contemporary. We normally have a rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass guitar, drum, and keyboard. Normally 2 singers harmonizing. Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Hillsong, etc.
What's the speaking like? Good! We do 4-6 week series based on bible and he does a great job relating to issues we face today. The service is normally over by 11 so we always get seated right away at lunch, too! :-)
What's the childcare like? Great! My kids are both in nursery, which is well staffed and equipped and from what I've seen of the elementary and middle school groups, it looks educational and fun! The church is growing and is mostly younger couples, so there isn't much of a youth group (15+) that I know of.
What's your favorite thing? chocolate. Oh, you mean about True North? The people! Everyone was so welcoming and we have made some fast lifetime friends!
What would you change? nothing I can think of right now.
Can I wear jeans? yes please! But you can also dress up if you wish. It's all good.
Hope Community Church
Charlotte, NC
Website: www.hope-community.net– we also have a Facebook page that is more current on happenings (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlotte-NC/Hope-Community-Church/12885809910)
Music: contemporary, acoustic guitar, lots of worship music hymns, couple folks on stage with us singing off the PowerPoint
Speaking: Bible teaching that is culturally relevant. We often go through a book of the Bible chapter at a time for sermon series applying it to daily life. I feel like a lot of people go to Hope for Mark Upton’s teaching.
Childcare: Childcare for kids up to age 5. Then Sunday school during the sermon for ages K-5. Family focused children’s ministry so want the kids in the service for part of it.
My favorite thing: The preaching is great. I love how focused the church is on community groups (a motto being we’re a church of community groups and not a church with community groups) so there is a real sense of living life together in community throughout the week. The church has a couple hundred folks there with most adults in the 20s to early 40 age range then tons of kids. It was a church plant and is about 6 years old.
What I'd change: Hmm maybe more mercy ministry opportunities. We’re not really a church with weekly programming. But it could be nice to have more chances to serve the community or ways to get involved.
Jeans? Definitely! Probably wouldn’t wear a t-shirt if you want to blend in but most else goes. Pastor is often in khaki’s and a polo shirt. It’s laid back.
(Note to visitors – we meet in the gym of a Korean Church – because this congregation came to us and said “hey, we want you to use our extra space for free.” – so when you pull up and see that you’re at this Korean Church, don’t be confused. Come in the front door and head to the left.)
The ROCK
Wilmington
rockwilmington.com
What's the worship music like? Music is modern worship with pop-culture tunes mixed in occasionally.
What's the speaking like?
You're gonna hear old truths brought into our modern world. If Jesus walked the earth today, I'm pretty sure He would use a big screen to illustrate His points. Recently, we have experimented with some video teaching as well.
What's the childcare like?
Kid's ROCK is a kid's dream. If church, Chucky Cheese and another random fun place formed a strategic partnership, Kid's ROCK would be the result.
What's your favorite thing?
I love that we are a truly diverse church. There are people from many races, cultures, backgrounds, economic classes and education. We are a family who actually love each other and our city.
What would you change?
If I could change anything, we would have spinning lights, laugh a lot, launch t-shirts into the crowd and make fun a priority... wait, we do that now... nevermind.
Can I wear jeans?
Last week, I preached in jeans with holes in them. God showed up anyway, so I guess it was OK.
Name of church - HillSong
City - Chapel Hill, NC
Website - http://www.hillsong.org/
What's the worship music like? Contemporary praise and worship music; we do Darlene Zschech, Vineyard Music, Willow Creek music, and we mix in some hymns; (3-4 vocalists, two keyboards, occassional guitar, occassional violin, drums most weeks)
What's the speaking like? The Goal is to meet at that point where the Biblical text intersects with life in the 21st century; we start with a premise from the Biblical passage of the day and identify where it speaks in our lives
What's the childcare like?
Fantastic - we have sunday school (9:45-10:45) for ages birth-12th grade, and then during worship (11AM-Noon)we have groups for babies up to 3rd grade
What's your favorite thing? The people - friendly, welcoming, nonjudgmental, passionate about Jesus
What would you change? Get more people involved in hands-on mission projects; get more people involved in intentional discipleship-mentoring relationships; get more people involved in intentional evangelism efforts
Can I wear jeans? Absolutely - you'll fit right in
Clifford already posted about Providence (first comment), but since he didn't know about childcare, I thought I'd add my two cents. Disclaimer: I work at the church, but I'll try not to be too bias--I know we're not perfect :)
Providence Baptist Church
www.pray.org
Worship:Most of the time it's contemporary (the 11 a.m. service is a little more traditional) with a full band and sometimes an orchestra. They mix things up sometimes and will have different styles. And worship at smaller gatherings (the college class, singles groups, etc) is different and more 'acoustic' in style. But they usually have contemporary songs as well as hymns.
Speaking: I love the teaching. The senior pastor does most of the services, but they also rotate the other pastors, so you hear several speaking styles. But Prov is all about being 'principle-based' and basing those principles on the Bible. So even though the Bible may not be explicit about some things, it gives us principles to make decisions about those things.
Children: We have a big Children's Ministry and it's great. Very safe (all volunteers older than 18 have a background check done). The student ministry (middle and high school) is great too with a lot of focus put on parent involvement.
Favorite thing: I agree with Clifford that the Singles Ministry is great, but I also love the teaching. It's applicable, easy to follow and keeps your attention without straying to the side of ridiculous (like putting a car on stage). I also like the fact that Prov literally has people of every age and demographic and background.
Least favorite: This isn't something that is necessarily wrong, but b/c Prov is large (around 2700 each Sunday), it's easy to get lost in the crowd unless you make an effort to get involved. It's key to find a small group.
Jeans: Sure thing. You'll see anything from full suits to ripped jeans on Sunday. And lots of Rainbow sandals--lots of them.
Name of church:
Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church
City:
Raleigh/Wake Forest
Website: www.wakecrossroads.com
What's the worship music like?
We have a great mix of hymns and contemporary music. I wouldn't say that we are on the cutting edge of what is trendy in Christian music, but we sing anything that is good quality. We have a small orchestra (complete with guitars and electric drums) and a great worship team that sings with the worship leader.
What's the speaking like?
We have THE greatest pastor, Dr. Bill Bowyer. It's always great old school exegesis, and since God's Word is always culturally relevant, well, it's culturally relevant.
What's the childcare like?
We have two services on Sunday morning, and we offer excellent nursery care for infants to 4 year olds. Kindergarden and up go to Sunday School and attend the service with their parents. We just wrapped up an awesome week of VBS. The childcare workers and Sunday School teachers absolutely love working with the kids. We also have a special needs ministry for families with children who have special needs. We have an Awana program during the school year and an outdoor program called Fun in the Son during the summer.
What's your favorite thing?
My favorite thing is our church's emphasis on service and evangelism. We are located in a rapidly growing area of Raleigh, and we spend alot of effort and resources reaching out to the community. There are always opportunities to serve in the church or go on mission trips all over the US and the world.
What would you change?
I wouldn't mind some more updated music, but I can always listen to my music at home.
Can I wear jeans?
Absolutely. We have a great mix of people. We all wear whatever is comfortable, whether it's a suit and tie (pastor) or whatever is clean (me and my husband).
Name of church
Shiloh Advent Christian Church
City
Monroe, NC
Website
None right now
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?)
Mostly hymns....special music tends to be more contemporary
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?)
Old school Bible and with focus on accepting Christ as Savior and how to follow Him daily.
What's the childcare like?
Family like environment. Nursery and Sunday School classes provided. Small church so you get to know the people looking after your kids very well...like family.
What's your favorite thing?
That this is a family like supportive church. It's a small church that feels like family. But also a supportive church that gives you opportunities to grow in Christ and to serve.
What would you change?
It does need more praise and worship music....but the music director and others do they're best to bring in some with the choir and specials.
Can I wear jeans?
Yes. Again this church is like a family...they're just glad you came :)
Chapel Hill Bible Church
Chapel Hill
www.biblechurch.org
*Worship music is great contemporary mixed in with hymns now and then-fast, slow, soft, and loud
*Speaking-wonderful pastor who is genuine and able to keep my agnostic husband engaged and wanting to come each Sunday-he is very funny and easy to follow-Bible based-culturally relevant, videos, skits
*Childcare- both my kids attend childcare-very safe and my kids love going -sunday school for ages over 2-very organized
*My favorite thing about this church is that you don't leave church feeling guilty (I grew up southern baptist) you leave wanting to be a better person and get closer to God
*If I had to change something I would recommend real wine when communion is served
*Yes you can wear jeans, jean shorts, dress up, whatever, everybody wears different things
Name of church: Emmaus Way (this is a plant from the aforementioned Chapel Hill Bible Church)
City: Durham
Website: www.emmaus-way.com
What's the worship music like? Um, neo-liturgical? We kind of use a liturgical format or mentality, but usually incorporating meaningful (frequently secular in origin) songs. Guitar usually. Sometimes drums, cello/violin, bass, etc.
What's the speaking like? Dialogical. The seating is in a circle and people are generally invited to participate in the "sermon". Which isn't to say there's no teaching, but it's much more two-way than in most churches.
What's the childcare like? Decent, for as small a church as we are. We recently hired someone to handle childcare (with the assistance of rotating volunteers) so there will be consistency in that area.
What's your favorite thing? The community. And pub group (we meet Thursdays at Bull McCabe's to talk theology and stuff).
What would you change? I miss a more charismatic worship style.
Can I wear jeans? You'd better. Although it's summer now, so everybody pretty much wears shorts.
Summit Church
Durham, NC and RTP
www.summitchurch.cc
www.jdgreear.com
This church and it's staff simply rock! Come once and you'll be hooked.
A couple of logistical notes on the post listed below - Charlotte ONE is not, in fact, a church. But they really want to help young adults and singles in Charlotte to get plugged into a church, and have a bunch of information at their meetings.
Which leads me to the second point - they meet on Tuesdays, and starting September 16, 2008, it's every Tuesday for the fall semester.
Other than that, I totally agree with what Josh said. It's a really unique environment, and I encourage folks to check it out.
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Josh said...
CharlotteONE
(A Unified Movement Of Local Churches)
Charlotte, NC
www.charlotteone.org
Worship is very honest wether it's a remake of an old hymn or a remix of newer one. They also provide a lot of "space" for folks to settle in and worship. It's not just noise and music.
They bring in some of the best speakers around. Voddie Baucham, Stuart Hall, David Nasser, Joel Thomas, David Hickman (on staff at CharlotteONE)
No child care as it's geared towards young adults and singles.
The best thing is that CharlotteONE is all about unity in the body of Christ. It's not about "my" church verses "your" church...it's just a night about "the" church and honoring Jesus' prayer in John 17.
I'd change the fact that they only meet once a month through the summer. I think they would have a larger group if they continued weekly though the summer.
Jeans? Oh yeah. You'd feel out of place if you didn't.
June 24, 2008 12:15 PM
Community Baptist Church
Clayton, NC
www.cbministry.net
Music: Mixture of hymns, psalms, sacred music and spirituals;
Sermons: Verse by verse analysis on a current topic
Sunday AM: nursery for birth-2 yrs; Primary Church for 3-5yrs; Jr Church for 6-11 yrs
Sunday PM: nursery for birth-2 yrs; Class for 3-4 yrs; Patch the Pirate Club for 5-11 yrs; Teen Bible Study for 12-18; Adult Bible Study
My favorite thing(s) is the family atmosphere and the in-depth Bible studies.
As of 2/17, we are still renting a middle school, which makes setting up and taking down everything a chore. We are in the process of renting a facililty full-time, and I can't wait for that to happen.
Sunday mornings tend to be a tad dressier than jeans, (dress pants and dresses) though we have many people who do wear jeans. Sunday nights is more casual.
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