Week 4: The Dome on I-85 or Can you Disagree and Still Worship Together?

WHERE I WENT AND WHY: 

I had decided that this Sunday would be a "mega church" Sunday and I chose Northside Baptist.  Again, the timing factored into my decision.  David wanted to go to Advent and their times and proximity coordinated.  Plus I had always been curious about the large dome and campus visible on my way out to the University.

WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU WANT TO GO:

While the sanctuary is visible off I-85, you have to drive through a neighborhood via  University City Blvd., Neal Road and Mineral Springs Road to get there.  Parking was plentiful and dress was "church casual"... men wore collared shirts and women were in pants or dresses.  Because the service is broadcast it was exactly 1 hour long with the seconds counted down on the large screens!  I went to a 10:30 service.

MOOD:  GREETING AND ATMOSPHERE

While folks were friendly, no one engaged me in conversation or asked my name.  I thought it inventive that a large sign on the long drive asked visitors to put their flashers on so that they could be directed to special parking.  Two very young (less than 10 years old) children greeted and waved at folks at the top of the drive.  Visitors were asked to fill out a pew card and folks were asked to greet each other for about 30 seconds during announcements.

I'm not sure if it was just the contrast from last Sunday, but my first impression upon entering the Sanctuary was how dark it was.  With no windows, all of the lighting is theatrical (no chandeliers).  There was a very small, plain cross above the Baptistery, otherwise there was no liturgical art. Preaching is the obvious emphasis here, so perhaps the lack of visual distractions was intentional.  The bulletin was more like a large post card with very brief announcements on the back and the title of the sermon on the front.  Two huge video screens had running announcements when I entered the Sanctuary and then were used to project the words to the hymns and anthems.  The nursery was visible from the parking lot, but otherwise, children were not mentioned during the service (except that Northside  had won its football game on Friday night).  Several families with young children sat near me.  The Sanctuary, which must seat close to 1000, was about half full. According to the bulletin, last Sunday's attendance was 623.  From the video monitor and bulletin, there was a simultaneous service in Spanish being interpreted in the Fine Arts Center (attendance 66 last Sunday).

MUSIC:

The screens counted down the beginning of the service with 2 songs sung by a large choir, accompanied by 3 guitars and a grand piano.  The tone of the songs was very upbeat and joyful and the music leader encouraged folks to stand, clap and join in on the choruses.  However, the words were very militaristic with phrases such as "overcome the enemy", "conquerors , and  surrender" dominating the words.  I found the tone and words very disconnected from each other, even for the "victor".   Later after the choir was dismissed, the congregation sang, How Great Thou Art and Just As I Am, though the latter had several unfamiliar verses.

MESSAGE:

Rev. Joe Brown has served at least 2 churches in Charlotte and has a reputation of preaching "fire and brimstone."  I was not disappointed.    He ended his first personal story with a preacher telling the Board of Directors, that the meeting was not about budgets or books, but "Our house is on fire and if we don't get out, we'll all go to Hell!"  That will get your attention!  While he prefaced his remarks with them being based on The Sermon on the Mount, he concentrated on the end of the Sermon  (Matthew 7: 13-23) and declared that Jesus said (all points emphasized on the big screens)... Everyone is not going to Heaven, More folks will go to Hell, Beware of False Prophets, and No one is Saved after Death (during which he made fun of  a fellow he met in India, and condemned all folks who believe in reincarnation, to Hell.)

I kept wanting that "nugget" that would help me through the week.  In a brief mention of Grace, he said, "Jesus not only gets you into Heaven, he gets Heaven into you."  I took that to mean that our lives need to, and will, reflect the Heaven we are assured of through our beliefs.

While I absolutely recognize evil and believe in the Devil, I do not see my faith as a battle, rather as a joyful renunciation of evil and a reflection of Heaven on Earth and thereafter.   I also find it offensive to make fun of other religions.  But I will say, he made me think!!

Outreach and other Observations:

• The congreogation is being asked to contribute to the "Chest of Joash" (a special offering in the Jewish tradition) to raise money for the "repair and refurbishment of the church".
• The only outreach highlighted was volunteers needed for a "Good News Club" at Hidden Valley Elementary after school.
• I did notice a clothing ministry in a building on the perimeter of the parking lot.
• I knew going in, that this church held several beliefs that do not correlate with mine especially regarding the role of women and LGBT folks.  Except for a few pointed references to men-only Deacons, these beliefs were not "thrown in my face." I asked a friend of mine to pray with me that I would not be critical, but just seek to worship.  And while the worship experience was passionate, I just could not find my center in the mood, music, or message.  So I know my prayer was answered,(yes, Rev. Caldwell-Williams I was listening last week!) but how?  I did find one "nugget" in the message, but was not moved by their passionate style. So, were they serving tuna casserole today? Or was I just tasting it? (see 1st blog!! LOL)  While the worship experience may not have touched me deeply, it was obviously serving those around me.
• After a month of being the "eternal visitor" (no one's fault but my own!), I am finding I miss being greeted by name.  Only at the first church (First Methodist in Isle of Palms) did I have a "real" conversation with a parishioner.  I have had several interesting email exchanges with the various Pastors.  Perhaps, I need to make myself more "available."  Now I must ponder what that means.  I usually think of myself as "easy to talk to", and not especially shy....Any ideas, readers?  One thing I know I could do differently, is not be in a rush to leave after the service.
• ·Addendum to Week #2... Rev. Cleghorn (Caldwell  Presbyterian) did say in one of our email exchanges that "Where Crying Children are Welcome" was an attempt at humor!  (I told him, "inquiring minds want to know!! LOL)

Bulletin: