So, tomorrow is Easter. With nothing else to do, I’ll be dropping by Living Hope with my parents. Which I’m really not sure I want to do. I used to like to the place. And really, John Bishop seems to be a pretty cool guy. I really can’t say the same for the string of tools that is the “chain of command” (Remember, having the campus’ service be a bit-for-bit digital copy of the main one is not enough, you must USE THE SAME VIDEO TRANSPORT. And don’t mention the lossy compression thing. Remember, we walk by faith, not sight. In any case, it’s important. We want to make sure the current conservative Christians aren’t feeling uncomfortable, even if that means alienating people). I think I’m just going to ignore everyone tomorrow. It will probably make me look like a jackass, but there are some people I REALLY don’t want to run into. (although, there are some others I’d like to say hi to again)
So, time to move past that. By the next big “religious holiday” (christmas eve), I need a “regular church” to go to. Where? Anybody know of a good place? I’m fairly liberal as far as Christians go, so, I really don’t want to hear about the fight against gays, or whatever, when I’m trying to grow in my faith. (That sort of junk has a habit of making me go backwards, or just out the door). Music….far from what they play on 104.1 The Fish is great. As long as I don’t fall asleep. Hymns (could be different), death metal (metal hymns?), whatever. In the end, I guess it’s not that big of a deal. Just some place with people interested in following God, not “Christianity”.
How did your Easter go? LHC treat you well? Did they actually celebrate the holiday and make it clear that Jesus life, death and resurrection actually means something and that by conquering death, Jesus allows us to come to the Father through him and have everlasting life? If so, they did better than New Heights. That being said, I can say that Pastor Matt Hannan is an amazing teacher and when he’s there teaching, it’s totally worth going to. However, the staff they bring in when he’s not there don’t quite measure up.
We were really disappointed by the service! So disappointed in fact that we’re trying out a couple new churches here in town in the next few weeks. Yes, the search continues. You’re looking for something different? Maybe somewhere to actually learn and grow? Somewhere that’ll challenge you? Look up an independent baptist church. They’re going to stick with hymns, however the teaching is going to be way deeper. And once you’re really plugged in, they’ll challenge you! I have a good friend who’s been challenging me to critically examine the place I’m at spiritually, relationally, and look at how my church is doing. He attends Longview Bible Baptist. I went there last summer and the church is amazing. There’s something to be said about small churches…
By: Josh on April 13, 2009
at 02:06pm
It was ok. If you recall their Easter service last year, it was essentially the same thing, but shorter and in a big-ass tent. Heck, they had the same general theme at the Rose Garden two years ago too. The message was very, very short this time though. It was probably the most condensed version of the prodigal son story you’ve ever heard, followed by BAPTISMBAPTISMBAPTISMBAPTISM
Overall though, I found myself cynical and uncomfortable the whole time. Just too many bad experiences with some of the staff there. I don’t want to go back, I can tell already it’s not good for me to be in there.
Yeah, the search rolls on.
By: Hurtful Goat on April 13, 2009
at 11:36pm
Dude. Understood. Completely. Easter this year just wasn’t… Easter-y. It lacked a certain celebratory quality. We’ll be checking out Northside Baptist Church this week. I’ll let you know how it goes.
By: Josh on April 14, 2009
at 01:39pm