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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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13 comments:
Cornerstone Christian Church
Medford, Oregon
cccm.org
The worship music is a mix of hymns and praise choruses. Not much contemporary music (like Chris Tomlin and the like), and it's pretty laid-back, like a folk concert. No drums.
The preaching is exegetical (my pastor usually goes through a book rather than speaking topically), and we lean more on the Reformed Theology side of the spectrum.
Childcare: Nursery and Pre-K through 2nd grade are cared for during the entire service; 3rd through 6th grade join the congregation for worship and then go to Sunday School during the sermon; 6th through 12th grade join the congregation for the entire service.
My favorite thing is that we're a very chill church. Some people dress up, some don't; we start late (a practice that has been dubbed "Cornerstone Time"); when something goes technically wrong during a service, the general reaction is, "Meh."
There are a couple things that I would like to see change. One is that we can be pretty snobby... because we lean in a more reformed way, sometimes we act like reformed theology is the only right way to salvation, and then we look down on other churches because they use *gasp* the Message instead of the ESV or sing "Trading My Sorrows" instead of "Holy, Holy, Holy." The other is the fact that by being very chill, we've lost some of our passion. That's the downside of being calm-- you're not excited! I feel like the worship is good, but that sometimes there's no feeling behind it. I would love it if we would do more contemporary songs, and dude... bring back the drums.
Yeah, you can wear jeans.
Athey Creek Christian Fellowship
West Linn, OR
http://www.atheycreekfellowship.org/
Worship is contemporary and loud (but not obnoxiously so). You'll see lots of hands raised, but no flag waving or dancing in the aisles.
The teaching is expository. The pastor started in John 1 when he started the church, worked through the New Testament, then worked through the Old Testament, and is now in Matthew. No Power Point. No props. Just the pastor sitting on a stool and teaching through every verse in the Bible. Wednesdays are verse by verse. Sundays are a little more topical, but pulled from the upcoming Wednesday.
The people who do childcare are awesome!! Kids from birth through 6th grade have a class to attend during the sermon. Birth to three can be checked in on arrival. Three and older sit through worship, then go to class. You can keep younger kids with you during worship if you prefer, but they don't allow little kids in the sanctuary during the sermon as it's a distraction to everyone else. There is a room for parents with sick kids and a room for nursing moms. Both have TV monitors with a live feed of the service. Children five and under are checked in, child and parent get wristbands for security reasons. Parents of children two and under get pagers in case they need to come get their child during the service.
I don't know if I have one favorite thing. I love that we are being taught the entire Bible. I love how much my kids are learning about the Bible.
I don't know that I'd really change anything. The only complaint I hear from people is that it can be hard to get connected in a large church. However, I firmly believe that has more to do with the complainer than the church.
Jeans are required. Ok, not required, but the norm. The pastor wears shorts 364 days a year. It's totally casual dress.
Name of church - Redmond Community Church
City -Redmond, OR
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, loud - and exceptionally well-done)
What's the speaking like? Mostly exegetical. Very open to questions from the congregation - DURING THE MESSAGE! I love that!
What's the childcare like? don't know. My kids are too old for that.
What's your favorite thing? The real-ness. Real people. Real preaching. Real struggles.
What would you change? nothing
Can I wear jeans? absolutely. or you can dress up. It's all good.
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
Tigard, Oregon
www.orlc.net
Worship Music: It depends on what service you go to. 8:00 a.m. service is straight up hymns and organ. 10:45 a.m. service is praise songs led by our praise team. However, the services are still way more liturgical than most non-Lutheran churches.
Speaking: I'd say compared to other non-Lutheran churches, this church is pretty old school. The Pastor right now is on a sermon series about Communion. Powerpoint is used for the sermon. Usually it's about some relevant life-topic.
Childcare: There is a volunteer staffed nursery for 0-3 year olds or something like that during the 10:45 a.m. service only. Our church likes for the whole family to worship together. The whole church is wired so you can hear the service if you've got to walk your kiddos around.
Favorite thing: I think it's funny that there is no way to escape the sanctuary except through the middle (all the other Lutheran churches I've seen have side exit escapes). So basically if you want to sneak out, it's not that sneaky. :-)
What I would change: I would like to have more activities for young adults sans children. I am the only person my age there (27) without kids. There are things to do for folks with kids, but not for someone in my situation.
Jeans: Go ahead. There's people with jeans and sneakers and old ladies dressed up at the same time.
Mirror Pond Church
Bend, Oregon
www.mirrorpondchurch.org
The worship music is pretty standard, with mostly newer contemporary songs and the occasional hymn to mix things up. Tends to be at the same time every service (start and end), so hopefully they'll get around to mixing it up a little and maybe throw in some other vehicles of worship besides music.
We have a different speaker every service, and for the most part they're topical rather than expository in teaching styles. It's culturally relevant and has no technology attached outside of using PowerPoint.
The childcare is done well, which is great because almost 1/2 the church is made up of children!
I'd say my favorite thing is the way people feel free to be themselves and not feel as if they have to dress up for the occasion or even be on their best behavior. And we get together for the occasional talk over a frosty cold microbrew!
I would find the most gifted speaker among the group of speakers and have he or she do most of the teaching/preaching. Having a different speaker each service never allows us to get into a rhythm that can come from one person on a roll.
You can wear pretty much whatever you want to this church!
Westside Church
Bend, OR
Westsidechurch.org
Worship: Depends on the service you attend. Young Adult Thursday night, modern and loud and also intimate at times. Saturday and Sunday service, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong and an occasional Hymn. Wednesday night is about the same, more celebratory though.
Speaking: Weekend services are seeker sensitive and someone who'd never heard the Word would be able to understand what the Pastor is talking about. They're main focus is salvation. The mid-week services are more in depth and challenging for committed followers.
Childcare: Freaking Rocks!!! All ages infant to High school
Favorite thing: the college service, it's super relevant and makes Jesus really approachable.
What would you change: every church has it's shortcomings, but I love the heart behind the leadership, it's very genuine.
Can I wear jeans: you can where whatever the heck you want to!! Jeans or super dressy on a sunday.
Counrtyside Community Church
Sherwood, Oregon
http://www.countrysidechurch.com/
What's the worship music like?
Contemporary, upbeat with keyboard, electric, bass and acoustic guitars and drums
Lots of clapping (which I skip since I can't seem to sing and clap at the same time....bad, I know)
What's the speaking like?
Alternates between old school and culturally relevant. Pastor Paul is quick with a funny antecdote and we hear a lot about baseball season.
What's the childcare like?
Very kid oriented!
Nursery for 2 and under; children's church through 5th grade during both services; week night activities for 6th-12th grades
What's your favorite thing?
Great children's ministry. I really like that there are two services to choose from...9am and 10:45am
What would you change?
On the whole it is a very welcoming church, but once you start to get involved it gets really clickish. Part of this is heldover from our community.
Can I wear jeans?
Yes! But you wouldn't be out of place dressed up. (save the tie for holidays)
Life Connections Church
Hillsboro, Oregon
www.makelifeconnections.com
The music is very contemporary, occasionally infused with hymns to mix it up a bit.
The speaking is culturally relevant and designed to help people grow in their 'connections' (relationships) with God, spouse, children, co-workers, neighbors, etc. Mostly topical studies are done, but a straight book of the Bible based sermon series is not out of the question.
The childcare runs from Nursery through Pre-K. Kindergarten through 6th grade joins the congregation for the worship service. Following the service, children attend their own Life Groups (LCC version of Sunday School) while the adults are in their Life Groups.
My favorite part is the people. We have some great people, even though we are just starting out, that want to see the church grow and want to see lives saved through the loving power of our Lord.
I wouldn't change anything ... yet. We are still a new church so we are working through things and giving them a go.
You can wear whatever you want. We desire to meet people where they are and where they feel comfortable. If you feel most comfortable in shorts, wear shorts, if jeans, wear jean, if a suit, wear a suit. Most people (including our pastors) wear jeans though.
Life Church
Salem, Oregon
life4u.org
Worship: We sing a mix of new contemporary worship songs as well as older songs as well as original music written by people within our church. We sing both slow and fast songs, depending on what the Spirit is leading, and it usually goes pretty long.
Speaking: Depends on who is speaking. It's always biblically based words that encourages people in our church motto, "Leading people into real life." So it's often about identity and community.
What's the childcare like?
The nursery has two workers who are there every Sunday (rotate 1st and 2nd service each week) and then parents come in and assist them. Kids ages 3-1st grade are separated into two classes which uses Veggie Tales curriculum, and the older kids through 6th grade are in a children's church setting. Sunday school is dismissed about an hour into the service.
What's your favorite thing?
I think my favorite thing is the sense of community and that leadership is not afraid to change as the Spirit leads. I have grown up in this church and the people there are family to me. New people come in and it just amazes me how God pulls them into community.
What would you change?
Probably just for people to realize that serving isn't about just doing your duty but comes out of relationship and care for one another (as a ministry leader I get this).
Can I wear jeans?
Definitely! I love the fact that I can wear jeans one Sunday and be totally dressed up the next.
Hey,
Also for Westside Church, The youth ministry is awesome!
Sunday Morning:
9:00 service: 6th grade through 8th grade.Lasts till 10ish
10:45 service: 9th grade through 12th grade, goes till about 12.
Tuesday Nights: During school it's High school only. During the summer it's on Wednesday night.
Wednesday Night: During school it's for Jv (6th through 8th) During the summer it's for 6th grade through 12th grade and TUNS of fun. We call that one "The Gathering"
Check out www.180bend.com or www.everyonegather.com
Westport Church
Hillsboro, Oregon
www.westportchurch.org (Website is amazing) Check it out!
What's the worship music like? Contemporary + contemporary hymns, Truly one of the best worship pastors our there. Great Music!!
What's the speaking like? Real life topics, real honest truth, all about the bible.
What's the childcare like? It is the best out there. All helpers/teacher have to be certified to work with your kids. Website will give you more details. I fully trust all the workers there and leave my kids there every Sunday.
There are great community groups, to meet people. They have a women’s ministry and a moms group, along with high school and men’s groups. Lots to offer people.
What's your favorite thing? That Westport give you a place to know Jesus, to server people in the community and to get involved. So many time you go to a church and for months no one know who you are, they love and care for people.
What would you change? Nothing, every church has ups and downs and options are just options. As long as the message is Gods word and the people are seeking Gods will it is just right.
Can I wear jeans? Of course! It isn’t about what you wear to church that makes you a believer!
Check out the website for more information.
Name of church: The Bridge
City: NE Portland
Website: http://thebridge-pdx.org/
What's the worship music like? The loudest most fantastically, energetic, and heartfelt original music you'll experience in a church.
What's the speaking like? VERY relevant, raw, and real
What's the childcare like? Amazing. for ages 2-12
What's your favorite thing? The community. People actually like each other there.
What would you change? =
Can I wear jeans? You can whatever you want and still fit in. the more casual the better.
Doxology
Corvallis, OR
doxcorvallis.org
What's the worship music like? contemporary, indie-inspired
What's the speaking like?
culturally relevant, down to earth, personal
What's the childcare like?
great! lots of loving people serving kids and families
What's your favorite thing?
young atmosphere, tribes (small groups), focus on the arts
What would you change?
honestly, nothing!
Can I wear jeans?
yes! any style too: tight, baggy, purple...and our pastor wears shorts.
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