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| - My husband and I visited on a Saturday night. We were immediately greeted and a few church-goers spoke to us inquiring how we were and thrilled that we were there.
Then we were told to wait in line "to get good seats". We proceeded to wait in line for over an hour-- we were early, but they don't open the church "arena" (for lack of a better term) until 8-10 minutes before Service started. We were told "you may not take in water so you need to throw that out" before getting inside. Not all people can be without water for 1.5 hours. At this point I was frustrated. Who is this all about!?
There is no coffee bar or place to sit where you have to wait. So despite me not being physically able to stand that long, I had to wait. I sat on the ground at one point to get off my feet. It seemed so weird forms church to have no meeting places, comfort or seating, or just places to hang with friends.
When we got inside the sanctuary, there are signs saying if you leave at anytime throughout the service they will make you stay in the overfill room. Hope you don't have to go to the bathroom. Your whole family will get to enjoy church without you since you can't go back in. Also not welcoming or warm. There was a ton of fog, lights, and drama. To me, as a church goer back home in Phoenix, it seemed more about the recording and the pastor than about Jesus. I was so disappointed. I had really been excited to go to this church. I constantly had over 10 huge lights in my face during "worship"-- and they weren't the songs on the radio. I found it hard to worship and connect there with God.
Then the pastor came out. Once again it felt more about him at times than the sermon or the church. The pastor does, however, speak biblical principles. There was also constantly a huge camera going everywhere to capture the stage and the people in the audience. (So distracting) There was no communion or mention of church events or prayer people or any regular churchy things.
After church I wanted to check out the "swag". Church shirts and sweaters, stickers, etc. There was no where to shop- there was a concert like table where you can ask to see things but not touch. And I was run into several times by the huge crowd clamoring for items. That also wasn't warm or churchy feeling.
Overall I was appreciative of the volunteers and church members. They seemed genuine and helpful and caring. But overall I left with a yucky feeling- not a feeling of being filled by Him in that place or filled up by the sermon. I would attend one more time to see if it was a fluke- but I really doubt those things I found unwelcome or cold will be changed.
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