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| - Much of these posts are correct. We attended two Sundays in a row and the teaching is outstanding. There was first a guest pastor who was witty, insightful and fully anchored in God's word. The following Sunday was Pastor Jamie. He is truly heaven sent. His messages are profound and empowering. We've contemplated whether we go back because while the campus is beautiful, the church-goers are very impersonal. It leaves you feeling very sad and unwelcomed. The experience is more like going to a theater performance with everyone rushing around trying to get to their seats. No one really seems to care that you're new and that you want to get connected. My 11 year old (an only child) also attended the Youth Center - Club 56. No one greeted her and there was no registration; we were told because "kids this age can fend for themselves". When we exited our service this morning, she was wondering around the campus. The kids had been let out early. These are 11 and 12 year olds, and she's new to the church, not knowing anyone. That aside, she also told me they played more games than they taught the bible and that she really hadn't learned anything or connected with anyone. I knew it wasn't good when she instead asked us to attend the adult church service as we really enjoyed the pastors. But that's not the right experience for her. We want her to meet other Christian kids and she grows in her faith. It's such an unfortunate missed opportunity.
In all, I'm sad to share this post because Pastor Jamie is so exceptional, but he's one person. The congregation is so cold and it's hard to not put a non-judgmental ending here, but as we looked around it felt more like folks showing up in their Sunday finest and checking-off the box. It's such a head-scratcher given how profound the sermons are. I'll leave it at that, and if we do attend again or there's any additional outreach, I'll be sure to provide an update. In the meantime, we'll try another church until we find God living throughout the entire church.
Yours in faith and many blessings.
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