CSI: Church

September 30th was a big day in our household, for it was the Sunday that we ended a six-year relationship at the church where we are members. We have found that even though you feel like God is leading you to take a stand--it doesn't make it any easier. Leaving (since we were the oddballs, so to speak) has been one of the most difficult things we've ever done as a couple. I would put it right after the whole immigration fiasco, and the dual deaths we experienced in 2002 and then again in 2005.

This post has been a long time brewing. I have so much to say. With each Sunday that we visit and investigate a new church, and with each interesting person we meet, I kind of feel like I'm a part of a TV show and this mystery is unravelling with each step we take.

I thought we were going to be placed into a dry and weary desert and I was gearing up to experience a dehydrated spiritual life. But I am very happy to report that it seems that God had other plans.

Healing...
We took the first Sunday off and just went walking on the Silver Comet Trail. What a lovely time.

Surprise...
The next Sunday, we visited Fellowship Bible Church where Crawford Loritts preaches. We know some people there that Danny will be playing at a concert with next month. We also ran into an old friend there. But I did get this feeling of--how is it we can be around all these people, and not know anybody?

The girl who sings so cool...
On Sunday nights, we have been involved with a ministry that is helping traditional churches go contemporary. Currently, we are at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Cobb. It's been an adventure. I usually go walking while they practice and then attend the service. The "girl who sings so cool" is Kaitlyn and she will be joining Hillsongs (yes, THE Hillsongs) in January. I guess I need to get her autograph before she takes off.

Small cup of tea...
The next week, we decided to double-up and go to 2 churches. One was Vinings Lake, which is a church planted by Woodstock Baptist, and it's only 4 miles from our house. While it was good (and the pastor and other people were very nice), it was not our cup of tea. Too small.

Crush...
The next church experience blew us away! I had gone to Mt. Paran Central for concerts, but never for a worship service. Oh my goodness! The entire package was incredible--the music, the choir that made me say "this must be what heaven's like", and the preaching. Dr. Cooper can quote Scripture! He was starting a series on Job. I didn't want to leave the building. As we were going to our car, Danny said, "Now THAT was church." They have surpassed any "test" we may have given them--as in, they've done all the right things. They know how to "court". They've sent a letter, called us, and very quickly got back to me on a specific question I had. I've never had a crush on a church before. This is kind of strange.

Studio time...
My hubby and 2 of his friends spent Saturday at our house recording one of Danny's worship songs. It's neat to see that come together. It's a really cool song. Can't wait until you can hear it.

Between the altar and the door...
If you don't know that reference, you may not have heard Casting Crowns' new album. And if you haven't, you're missing it. Have you heard "Slow Fade" and "Everyman"? Wow. Yesterday, we decided to take a little trip down south and go to Heidi and Clayton's church--Eagles Landing. An intensity filled the air as we watched a team "miraculously" transform the stage from traditional to contempory. (Aha! There is a secret door behind the stage.) They didn't make any fanfare that Casting Crowns leads the worship, but the guys (and girl) got up and led us in a short worship+concert experience. And Heidi had not made much fanfare about her hubby singing with Casting Crowns, but I'll do that for her. It was awesome! The teaching was real good too. They seem like a tight-knit community of believers. Afterwards, we ate lunch with the McClures, including their three adorable boys.

So, that's where we are right now. Next week, we may visit one of Johnson Ferry's contemporary services. We have a few more visits before we make a decision.

Of course, the geek in me created a spreadsheet because I wanted all the info in one place and I was afraid we'd forget stuff or get them mixed up. I don't know how other people "shop around" for a church, but this has certainly been an eye-opening experience for me. I know I have these ideas of what certain churches are like and some of those ideas have turned out to be fairy tales. And like what I felt at that first church--there are a lot of people "out there"--a lot of Christians. And we have a varied menu of spiritual appetizers, generous helpings of the main course, and hopefully a dessert that's rich (but not fattening)--all to get us to drink of the Living Water. It's almost like we need a guide.

Hey, we could do a TV show that helps people through the maze of finding a church. We could go to churches and check out the spiritual barometer. We could do an investigative report on what's happening, what's offered, and the after-effects. We could help dispel some denominational myths (and maybe solidify some others).

While I certainly miss our church--I also realize we wouldn't have been able to have many of these experiences that have enriched our lives these past few weeks.

Bom dia.