Since moving across the state to be closer to family and friends we have struggled to find a faith family - a church home. Each Sunday we venture out to visit yet one more church; with Bible in hand and expectations high. This Sunday was no different - or so we thought.

After doing extensive research we decided upon the church we wanted to visit this week. We had read their website and listened to the pastor’ sermons online. Nothing amiss so we made our plans.

We arrived at the church a few minutes before time for service to begin. Entering the “auditorium” we were greeted with lights dimmed to a shade of blue and a stage full of music equipment - the drums surrounded by plastic. We began to feel a bit uneasy, at our age...

A greeter came and introduced herself. Nice lady - ask if it was our first time to visit the church - we said yes. Introductions were made and then she ask if we were seeking a Willow Creek church affiliation. My antenna began to rise, Willow Creek, Willow Creek.???. Why did I know that name.? Then I ask who the pastor of Willow Creek Church was - with a smile she said Bill Hybels.

Then I remembered. What I can’t remember is how our conversation with the nice lady ended. I only remember getting up, walking out and the look on the face of the man at the front door who greeted us just 5 minutes before. He smiled and said “ have a nice day” as we made our exit.

Sadly, churches don’t come with warning labels.