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| - I have been to churches before that I didn't feel like were a good fit for what I was looking for, but this is the first church that actually rubbed me wrong. I am not one to speak negatively about a church usually, but things just really do not sit right here in my opinion.
To be honest, the first few times I went I thought I loved it. I was looking for a contemporary church and this was exactly that. I mean, you get a free tshirt (a nice one!) your first visit, you're welcomed by a DJ and 25+ greeters and the band is excellent. The worship felt "powerful."
However, each time Pastor Steven spoke, things would catch my attention (as well as my boyfriend's) that seemed to not fit the bill. If people did not yell affirmation ("yes pastor" "preach pastor" "amen") back at him, he would comment that "he must not be moving anyone." Multiple times. He did a variety of things during his sermons that seemed to be more self absorbed than encouraging a personal identification with the messages. It all seemed to be about himself, and not the real reason we were there.
This is the first church that ever made me feel weary of giving money during the offering. They broadcast weekly about different causes they are using your money for and non seemed parallel with the magnitude of funds they are clearly receiving. As they would pass the offering around they were almost salesman-like asking for donations. Telling everyone that they should donate a certain amount of their earnings and that good favor will come to them for doing so. They are also not transparent about the allocation of your donations. I do not have an issue giving money. But in order to do so, I don't want to feel obligated and I certainly want to know (generally speaking) how it's being used.
They had an event that they sold tickets for and advertised as this huge worship experience for the taping of their new CD that you can't miss at TWC Arena. I was so excited to go and it turned out that I paid to spend 3 hours helping them make money. The first hour was spent having us clap at different speeds, cheer at different volumes, being told not to speak between songs, etc. The following two hours were spent singing an entire albums worth of music back to back while standing. Then we were thanked and dismissed. Thanked for what, paying to sing their album for them to sell and make more money? It was so uninspiring.
Once I started catching notice of this pattern, I started noticing more and more small details of those tendencies. I felt as if it was a cult and just a pawn in their game.
I have been in the process of looking for a new church and recently came across a few articles that totally validate the unexplainable vibe I was getting. Not to mention that the Pastor apparently lives in a new, 16,000Sf home and his salary is not disclosed. Google his name or check out the articles in the Charlotte Observer. They are certainly an interesting read.
I will admit that I was almost sucked into the elevation cult. My gut instinct is just telling me that something is off here.. I'll give it two stars because the people that go are great. The band has some incredible singers and talent. And you get a sweet tshirt. However, I can't say those are the factors of utmost importance when deciding on a church. If they get a new pastor, I would definitely reconsider checking it out. If you decide to attend, I just encourage you to not let your enjoyment of the concert, I mean worship, each week distort your perception of the realities here.
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