Sunday, January 5, 2014

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.
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4 comments:

  1. laurieJanuary 5, 2014 at 2:58 PM

    phony plastic people gathering for worship...God have mercy! I am thankful that He got you out of there before things even started. Isn't it amazing how we think God will accept whatever we offer up as 'worship', including light shows, loud 'praise' music, etc.? Most of what passes itself off as Christian in this nation is anything but...and that includes several 'big names' within the Evangelical circle. I refuse to listen to most of the pastors of our day, with the exception of maybe one or two. They all seem to think they can serve God and mammon; they all continually seek financial donations - even though some are already making triple digit salaries from book sales and speaking & conference appearances. There is a reason why we are to trust NO man, I don't care how sound his theology may be!

    May the Lord be gracious to you and your husband and guide you in your search. What does that say about the spiritual state of churches in America when you cannot find one that doesn't resemble a three-ring circus or a rock concert?!?

    Be encouraged, for He IS coming again. Let that be our hope, our constant beacon in an ever-growing world of darkness.

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  2. aliJanuary 5, 2014 at 3:53 PM

    thanks lyn - we will continue to look. We know the LORD commanded us not to forsake the assembly of ourselves - but it is most difficult to continue to search and search. We read The Word and pray together on Tuesday and Thursday nights. We were hosting a prayer group in our home before we moved - we miss that terribly.

    thanks for your encouragement. Our hope is indeed in Him and Him alone - in the ever-growing world of darkness.

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  3. Glenn E. ChatfieldJanuary 6, 2014 at 10:48 AM

    I think it was dishonest of them to not post their Willow Creek association on their web site.

    I have a friend in Canada who is going to be spending a few months in Myrtle Beach and is using the 'net to find a church. She has been asking me to review the various links she already review because she doesn't see the details I see. The ones I find suspicious are this with virtually no information other than a doctrinal statement. She is having a difficult time finding one which she would feel comfortable attending.

    There are just too many "seeker-sensitive," "market-driven" and focus group oriented assemblies who think they have to be part of the world to reach the unsaved. A major problem is that they forget what the purpose of the assembly is - and it ISN'T to pander to unbelievers, nor is it to invite unbelievers, nor is it to make people feel good, nor is it to provide entertainment or be a social club!

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  4. aliJanuary 6, 2014 at 4:41 PM

    Thanks Glenn, you are exactly right. Sadly it appears Florida and Texas where we are have much in common. It is becoming very disheartening, but we press on praying for His guidance and direction as He leads us to our new faith family.

    We understand there are no perfect churches but had hoped there were not so many unbiblical congregations from which to choose.

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