Think. Love. Live.
These are the three pillars of Praxis Church. And this three fold cord is amazingly strong.
Praxis, like the Second Mile, is a missional church networked with Acts 29. Both churches are vibrant with sound bible teaching. Praxis has more singles, while Second Mile is more geared to families; but both have all ages. Praxis also seems a little more open to the charismatic – though that is just our sense, and you would need to check with leadership to confirm.
Praxis has been around for a while and they are negotiating a permenant location. Currently they use two different churches for their meetings. Check their website for locations and time. We predict when they have their own place they will grow even more.
Worship on Sunday is vibrant and passionate. The worship band has incredible talent – even wowing our son-in-law who is a musician and is very discerning. And they impressed us as well – not only with their talent, but with their heart towards God and their ability to lead us into worship. And we worshipped with new songs, old songs and ancient songs. These young men led us from God of This City to a remix of the old Jesus People standard, I’ve Got Joy Like a River to Great is Thy Faithfulness. All in one service… and it was seamless… and fantastic.
And we were wowed by Pastor Justin Anderson sermon – both content and presentation. Pastor Justin, like the other missional pastors, doesn't use a podium. Scary! How do they do that? He preaches expositorily. The morning's text was Mark 1:14. For 45 minutes we listened attentively as Pastor Justin teased out this verse and provided ample application for today's living.
We loved the approach of looking at the verse in context. Pastor Justin took us back to verse one, reminding his hearers to take note of what these eye witnesses saw and heard. Often he stated we create our own Jesus that looks nothing like the eye witness account. So he went on to exhort that our goal is to understand what the eye witnesses say about Jesus, not necessarily what a professor might say about Jesus. Good advice! We remember from our college days the professors questioning everything like God, the Bible, and family, but never encouraging us to question them.
From verse 14 Justin talked about repentance, which he defined as changing direction when we "re wrong. Then he unpacked the idea of the Kingdom of God: It is more than fire insurance from hell or Sunday night church attendance. The Kingdom is gigantic. It covers all aspects of life, including family, work, school, community, country, the world. It covers attitudes, actions and beliefs. The cross was the turning point of all history. Pastor Justin highlighted this portion of the sermon talking about Act 17:6, 'these men who turned the world upside down.'
So after worshipping with this flock and listening to this young, animated, on-fire-for-Christ pastor, we could not help but think that this congregation was in capable hands.
The services allow children in the service – in fact they encourage parents to get their little ones for the closing song and weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper. This congregation is heavily young adults. The church is strategically and purposefully located in Tempe – and though most of the congregation is college/ young career age, there are some young families, some teenagers and even some of the more mature crowd.
But let’s move on to the second cord or pillar.
Praxis has small groups - called missional communities. We have not visited any of them, we were invited to attend - and they are not age segregated. In fact when I asked about it they were puzzled that anyone would want to divide up by age.
And, finally, the pièce de résistance: The Learn Pillar. Praxis has Live Training courses. One can sign up for a class on Tuesday or Thursday evenings, or perhaps both. The courses are oh so appetizing: Gospel Centered preaching – with lecture, discussion and practice. Hermeneutics, Church History, Foundations of Christian Theology (using Dr. Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology), New Testament Survey: Epistles, Biblical Marriage and a “Pop-In” class on the spiritual disciplines on each night. We were not only impressed, and hungry to sample these delightful offerings, but all of our (grown) children were equally intrigued. Wow – a church that is serious about equipping their people for the work of the ministry.
Are you hungry to LOVE God passionately, to LIVE in missional community and to LEARN. Head on down to Praxis and enjoy the feast.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Spiritual Holiday - City of Grace
Thirty five years ago we attended Gospel Echoes Bible Church in northwest Phoenix which planted a church in Mesa in 1980. We then attended this fellowship from 1986 to 1995 as it changed names to Word of Grace. Work of Grace has now transformed to City of Grace under the leadership of Terry and Judith Crist. We still have a lot of friends there and so decided to visit a few weeks ago.
City of Grace meets in a large and well known facility near downtown Mesa. The spacious auditorium was only about half filled the Saturday night we visited, but the large worship band filed the auditorium with vibrant and enthusiastic music. Many talented singers and musicians on a variety of instruments were led by the outgoing worship leader, Daniel Stringer. This is classic and sophisticated charismatic music which encourages and inspires the listeners.
The congregation is very mixed – youth, families and a large number of mature saints. And it does seem to be a “city church” with a great socio-economic as well as racial mix.
The senior pastor Dr. Terry Crist has an easy to listen to style. Rather than expository teaching he is topical in his approach. He mixes plenty of scriptures that are consistent with the context with personal and practical and often humorous stories to make his point.
His message on our visit was, “Living with a Sense of Humility,” which is part of a series titled, “Live Like You are Dying.” The key passage was Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what the LORD requires of you. To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Pastor Crist did a good job of explaining that humility is not weakness but dependency on God.
In true fashion of the modern day missional minister, he delivers his message without a pulpit. This aids in connecting with the congregation. No pulpit, Wow! How do they do it? Judging from the congregation’s size, active involvement, cross generational and cultural makeup, Pastor Crist connects. The other claim to fame for this church family is Kurt Warner, quarterback for the NFL champion, Arizona Cardinals attends the church.
Afterward we spied the Pastor and his wife mingling with the people of the congregation. One can tell that they love the people and connect well, even in such a large church.
City of Grace seems to be a great place to be able to just blend into the crowd and grow in God… and it also seems to have a lot of programs and friendly people when you want to find and connect with a community.
City of Grace meets in a large and well known facility near downtown Mesa. The spacious auditorium was only about half filled the Saturday night we visited, but the large worship band filed the auditorium with vibrant and enthusiastic music. Many talented singers and musicians on a variety of instruments were led by the outgoing worship leader, Daniel Stringer. This is classic and sophisticated charismatic music which encourages and inspires the listeners.
The congregation is very mixed – youth, families and a large number of mature saints. And it does seem to be a “city church” with a great socio-economic as well as racial mix.
The senior pastor Dr. Terry Crist has an easy to listen to style. Rather than expository teaching he is topical in his approach. He mixes plenty of scriptures that are consistent with the context with personal and practical and often humorous stories to make his point.
His message on our visit was, “Living with a Sense of Humility,” which is part of a series titled, “Live Like You are Dying.” The key passage was Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what the LORD requires of you. To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Pastor Crist did a good job of explaining that humility is not weakness but dependency on God.
In true fashion of the modern day missional minister, he delivers his message without a pulpit. This aids in connecting with the congregation. No pulpit, Wow! How do they do it? Judging from the congregation’s size, active involvement, cross generational and cultural makeup, Pastor Crist connects. The other claim to fame for this church family is Kurt Warner, quarterback for the NFL champion, Arizona Cardinals attends the church.
Afterward we spied the Pastor and his wife mingling with the people of the congregation. One can tell that they love the people and connect well, even in such a large church.
City of Grace seems to be a great place to be able to just blend into the crowd and grow in God… and it also seems to have a lot of programs and friendly people when you want to find and connect with a community.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Spiritual Holiday - Heritage of Faith Family Church
Heritage of Faith Family Church (HFF) is a wonderfully unique church. It describes itself as a covenantal, multi-generational body of believers and a "family of families."
HHF was started on June 3rd 2007 in the living room of Dave and Valerie Monk. Although desirous to be a home church, it was hugely popular and quickly out grew the Monk's home and is now located at Greenfield Junior High, 101 S. Greenfield Rd in Gilbert. They have one Sunday service that starts at 10:30am.
Arriving at the church you quickly notice the vans and SUVs: usually a sign of families, large families. Approaching the church meeting area, the school cafeteria, you are warmly and enthusiastically welcomed by age integrated greeting teams. In addition to the adult greeters, the children and teens are not shy, but shake your hand and quickly involve you in conversation that makes you feel like you’ve met before.
Inside you will find the culture warm, casual and friendly. There is a sense of heritage here - while there were many casually dressed, there were also a few men in ties, a number of women in dresses, and children spruced up for church. No need to ask if children are welcome in this church; they are everywhere and well behaved, but not stifled. There are no nurseries or Sunday schools. That’s right! HHF encourages and expects parents to care and train their own. And this group is not nervous - babies and toddlers are in the back, making some, though surprisingly little, noise. There is patience with little ones, but also some wonderful modeling from the other more experienced families. And we saw many teens and other adults willing to step in and help those families with small children.
After the church service the motif of the area quickly morphs back into the cafeteria, just in time for you to partake of their potluck luncheon. These people love to eat, fellowship and get to know each other. Don’t be concerned if you didn’t bring a dish, they enjoy sharing from their abundance.
We liked the church's doctrinal statement, although they are not reformed. They are unabashedly charismatics who have found the balance of Paul’s exhortation of “doing all things decently and in order.” The music is upbeat, but conservative. Even the worship team was multigenerational - with teens and adults playing instruments and singing together. There were some hymns interspersed with the more modern choruses.
We also appreciated the balance they struck within the church government. They are led by a plurality of elders. The elders are primarily responsible for teaching, training, and shepherding of the congregation. New elders are recommended by the congregation and the elders and are voted in by the congregation. Preaching is mainly by the elders. They have a manifold approach in teaching style that traverses from expository to topical. Sermons run from raising godly children, to Christian courage, to studies on books of the bible such as 1 & 2 Timothy. At this time they do not have a full time pastor - but these godly, mature elders are doing a wonderful job teaching and leading the congregation.
Although this is a relatively small group of believers, they are involved in civic and faith ventures outside their church. They had sent a group to do missions work in Mexico, and had taught on supporting the Biblical view of marriage as between a man and a woman. Very healthy signs! We sensed no legalism, control, or doctrinal hobby horses but lots of empowerment, love of the scriptures, and fellowship. Although they announced from the pulpit that they are not a home school church, it seems that most people do. We met at least one single college student who attends because he likes to be around the families, and we noticed a few empty nesters as well. So if you like to be with families and people of all ages this could be a good place for you.
If we were rating this church as far as a safe and healthy place to raise a family and to participate in sharing the Heritage of Faith multigenerationally, we would give it four out of four thumbs up.
HHF was started on June 3rd 2007 in the living room of Dave and Valerie Monk. Although desirous to be a home church, it was hugely popular and quickly out grew the Monk's home and is now located at Greenfield Junior High, 101 S. Greenfield Rd in Gilbert. They have one Sunday service that starts at 10:30am.
Arriving at the church you quickly notice the vans and SUVs: usually a sign of families, large families. Approaching the church meeting area, the school cafeteria, you are warmly and enthusiastically welcomed by age integrated greeting teams. In addition to the adult greeters, the children and teens are not shy, but shake your hand and quickly involve you in conversation that makes you feel like you’ve met before.
Inside you will find the culture warm, casual and friendly. There is a sense of heritage here - while there were many casually dressed, there were also a few men in ties, a number of women in dresses, and children spruced up for church. No need to ask if children are welcome in this church; they are everywhere and well behaved, but not stifled. There are no nurseries or Sunday schools. That’s right! HHF encourages and expects parents to care and train their own. And this group is not nervous - babies and toddlers are in the back, making some, though surprisingly little, noise. There is patience with little ones, but also some wonderful modeling from the other more experienced families. And we saw many teens and other adults willing to step in and help those families with small children.
After the church service the motif of the area quickly morphs back into the cafeteria, just in time for you to partake of their potluck luncheon. These people love to eat, fellowship and get to know each other. Don’t be concerned if you didn’t bring a dish, they enjoy sharing from their abundance.
We liked the church's doctrinal statement, although they are not reformed. They are unabashedly charismatics who have found the balance of Paul’s exhortation of “doing all things decently and in order.” The music is upbeat, but conservative. Even the worship team was multigenerational - with teens and adults playing instruments and singing together. There were some hymns interspersed with the more modern choruses.
We also appreciated the balance they struck within the church government. They are led by a plurality of elders. The elders are primarily responsible for teaching, training, and shepherding of the congregation. New elders are recommended by the congregation and the elders and are voted in by the congregation. Preaching is mainly by the elders. They have a manifold approach in teaching style that traverses from expository to topical. Sermons run from raising godly children, to Christian courage, to studies on books of the bible such as 1 & 2 Timothy. At this time they do not have a full time pastor - but these godly, mature elders are doing a wonderful job teaching and leading the congregation.
Although this is a relatively small group of believers, they are involved in civic and faith ventures outside their church. They had sent a group to do missions work in Mexico, and had taught on supporting the Biblical view of marriage as between a man and a woman. Very healthy signs! We sensed no legalism, control, or doctrinal hobby horses but lots of empowerment, love of the scriptures, and fellowship. Although they announced from the pulpit that they are not a home school church, it seems that most people do. We met at least one single college student who attends because he likes to be around the families, and we noticed a few empty nesters as well. So if you like to be with families and people of all ages this could be a good place for you.
If we were rating this church as far as a safe and healthy place to raise a family and to participate in sharing the Heritage of Faith multigenerationally, we would give it four out of four thumbs up.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Spiritual Holiday - East Valley Bible Church
Wow! We never would have thought that less than a mile from our home as the eagle flies is a bible teacher of the caliber of Tom Schrader.
East Valley Bible Church has been around since the mid 90’s. Its campus is situated on a 22 acre footprint. This large church has multiple Sunday services held in two different buildings. A couple of amenities there immediately caught our attention: The book store and adjoining free Wi-Fi coffee shop. We split a delicious nine grain chicken salad sandwich after our first church experience at EVBC. The only drawback on the coffee shop is its hours. It is closed Friday and Saturday. Dang! So Tom continues his early Friday morning Bruegger's walk and devotionals.
EVBC services have two venues. The Chapel provides a contemporary polished worship team with songs that we found somewhat difficult to sing, thereby tempting us to sit back and be entertained. Others in the congregation appeared to drift into the same temptation. In the Chapel you see and hear Tom Schrader live. Children are welcome in any of the services, but the Conference Center was the venue of choice for most parents.
The Unplugged worship found in the Conference Center (CC) provided upbeat, contemporary, and easy to sing uplifting choruses. Most of the congregation seemed to be actively involved in the worship.
The CC has Tom Schrader projected from the Chapel. What we thought would be a drawback actually is a plus. So rather than see an 8 inch high guy from the back of the chapel, Tom is colossus on the three big screens easily viewed anywhere and from behind anyone in that CC.
Whether you choose the Chapel or the CC, there are warm friendly people to greet and hand you a program as you near the doors. And if you are early enough, there is free coffee.
A couple of other items that stood out: NO offerings were taken. Now that takes faith! They did mention the offering receptacles at the front and rear of the facilities. Also communion is celebrated every week. It is always good to “remember.”
The other item, though a bit intangible is perceptible to one’s spirit within the very ethos of EVBC. It resonates through the sermons, people, and verity of clergy lead ministries: “liberty.” Tom alluded to it when unpacking 1 Sam 8:10-18 and noting how centralization can be destructive to the human spirit. He further developed the thought when attributing America’s greatness to “its system”. He stated that this system encourages individual freedom, entrepreneurism and puts fewer restrictions on the individual. And this is not only true with government, but also with all organizations. It was brought home to our weary spirits when he stated, “Take something as simple as EVBC. The more we centralize it the more we kill your spirit’s potentially for ministry.” EVBC is a place that not only believes in grace but practices it by empowering the saints for the work of the ministry.
Now we come to the main course. Personality wise and looks, Tom Schrader reminds us of a cross between our good friend Mark Lassiter and Frances Schaffer, minus the knickers. He is a smart, loquacious guy’s guy.
Tom’s title is Pastor of Teaching which appropriately acknowledges this man’s gifting. He is reformed, expository in teaching style and has no apparent doctrinal hobby horses. Praise the Lord! In addition he does not narrowly focus the gospel, but sees it from a kingdom prospective where God plants and uses his saints in their capacity from housewife, to businessman to statesman. In this scenario the church can speak to the conscience of government, business, education and family.
The three sermons we’ve now heard demonstrate Schrader’s amazing ability to layer the scriptures. These are the types of sermons you can listen to over again, and discover something new each time. His expository approach gets you immediately into the history, the players, the thinking, the desires and the specifics of what God was saying in that day. When appropriate, principles are drawn from the text and teased out and presented in gems to live by. The sermons are full of Tom’s earthy humor, conviction and faith. In three different sermons we heard more practical advice on raising children than might be heard in a decade from other pulpits.
Definitely this church will be among the top contenders vying for our association at the end of our spiritual holiday.
East Valley Bible Church has been around since the mid 90’s. Its campus is situated on a 22 acre footprint. This large church has multiple Sunday services held in two different buildings. A couple of amenities there immediately caught our attention: The book store and adjoining free Wi-Fi coffee shop. We split a delicious nine grain chicken salad sandwich after our first church experience at EVBC. The only drawback on the coffee shop is its hours. It is closed Friday and Saturday. Dang! So Tom continues his early Friday morning Bruegger's walk and devotionals.
EVBC services have two venues. The Chapel provides a contemporary polished worship team with songs that we found somewhat difficult to sing, thereby tempting us to sit back and be entertained. Others in the congregation appeared to drift into the same temptation. In the Chapel you see and hear Tom Schrader live. Children are welcome in any of the services, but the Conference Center was the venue of choice for most parents.
The Unplugged worship found in the Conference Center (CC) provided upbeat, contemporary, and easy to sing uplifting choruses. Most of the congregation seemed to be actively involved in the worship.
The CC has Tom Schrader projected from the Chapel. What we thought would be a drawback actually is a plus. So rather than see an 8 inch high guy from the back of the chapel, Tom is colossus on the three big screens easily viewed anywhere and from behind anyone in that CC.
Whether you choose the Chapel or the CC, there are warm friendly people to greet and hand you a program as you near the doors. And if you are early enough, there is free coffee.
A couple of other items that stood out: NO offerings were taken. Now that takes faith! They did mention the offering receptacles at the front and rear of the facilities. Also communion is celebrated every week. It is always good to “remember.”
The other item, though a bit intangible is perceptible to one’s spirit within the very ethos of EVBC. It resonates through the sermons, people, and verity of clergy lead ministries: “liberty.” Tom alluded to it when unpacking 1 Sam 8:10-18 and noting how centralization can be destructive to the human spirit. He further developed the thought when attributing America’s greatness to “its system”. He stated that this system encourages individual freedom, entrepreneurism and puts fewer restrictions on the individual. And this is not only true with government, but also with all organizations. It was brought home to our weary spirits when he stated, “Take something as simple as EVBC. The more we centralize it the more we kill your spirit’s potentially for ministry.” EVBC is a place that not only believes in grace but practices it by empowering the saints for the work of the ministry.
Now we come to the main course. Personality wise and looks, Tom Schrader reminds us of a cross between our good friend Mark Lassiter and Frances Schaffer, minus the knickers. He is a smart, loquacious guy’s guy.
Tom’s title is Pastor of Teaching which appropriately acknowledges this man’s gifting. He is reformed, expository in teaching style and has no apparent doctrinal hobby horses. Praise the Lord! In addition he does not narrowly focus the gospel, but sees it from a kingdom prospective where God plants and uses his saints in their capacity from housewife, to businessman to statesman. In this scenario the church can speak to the conscience of government, business, education and family.
The three sermons we’ve now heard demonstrate Schrader’s amazing ability to layer the scriptures. These are the types of sermons you can listen to over again, and discover something new each time. His expository approach gets you immediately into the history, the players, the thinking, the desires and the specifics of what God was saying in that day. When appropriate, principles are drawn from the text and teased out and presented in gems to live by. The sermons are full of Tom’s earthy humor, conviction and faith. In three different sermons we heard more practical advice on raising children than might be heard in a decade from other pulpits.
Definitely this church will be among the top contenders vying for our association at the end of our spiritual holiday.
Monday, February 16, 2009
On Spiritual Holiday - C at QC & 2nd Mile
The Web Site was so promising…. And we had heard a few months ago that it was a good church. So we made the 28 mile trek from our house in Gilbert to visit The Church at Queen Creek. Unfortunately it was not there. Note to churches: update your websites so new people can find where you are meeting.
Though we missed that church, we knew we could make if for the second service at Second Mile Church. Second Mile was as good the second time around.
This week rather than having a God Story we were encouraged to break up into small groups of two to four for prayer. We were led to first Thank God, then to pray for others, then to pray that we would grow closer to the Lord and then for the Christians and churches in the Valley. While Colene really likes this, Tom is somewhat uncomfortable with that kind of activity.
The sermon continued in the series on Mark. And again the preaching was substantive, interesting and faith inspiring. And we saw alot of familiar faces: Jenni & Peter, Evie & Joe, Matt & Holly, and Chris D.
Though we missed that church, we knew we could make if for the second service at Second Mile Church. Second Mile was as good the second time around.
This week rather than having a God Story we were encouraged to break up into small groups of two to four for prayer. We were led to first Thank God, then to pray for others, then to pray that we would grow closer to the Lord and then for the Christians and churches in the Valley. While Colene really likes this, Tom is somewhat uncomfortable with that kind of activity.
The sermon continued in the series on Mark. And again the preaching was substantive, interesting and faith inspiring. And we saw alot of familiar faces: Jenni & Peter, Evie & Joe, Matt & Holly, and Chris D.
Friday, February 13, 2009
On Spiritual Holiday - The Second Mile Church
Definition of Holiday:
1. Holy Day: a day set aside for special religious observance
2. A day on which one is exempt from work
3. (chiefly British) Vacation: often used in the phrase on holiday
Tom and Colene are on a spiritual holiday - visiting churches in the East Valley. You are invited to share our experiences as we mark our trek on the blog.
A worship experience, just like a dining experience is more than just the food (or sermon) that is served. It includes the service (staff), the other dinners, the physical comfort, the available menu options, the style, and the ambiance created by music and pacing of the event.
As we twisted through the ASU Polytechnical campus turning at the clear and easy to read signs for the Second Mile Church, Tom wondered aloud if there was cheese at the end of this maze. To our delight, there was!
Greeters in the parking lot let us know that we were indeed at the right spot. More greeters offered us materials and a free book at the information table. The flyers "What We Believe" and "Getting Acquainted" were clear, full of just enough information and directed us to the church website for more. And who could resist getting the gift of John Piper's book, Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ. More greeters offered coffee and donuts as we entered the building. And all these greeters were discreet - we felt welcomed, but not overwhelmed or assailed.
This brand new church plant by East Valley Bible Church is clearly a Missional Church. More explanation here.
Though the majority of the church is young people, there is a good mix - some well past 60, some in their prime, many in their 30's and 20’s, and some teens, children and babies. While they have children's ministry from birth to 5th grade, all ages are welcome in the main meeting.
The worship was vibrant, loud and passionate. The songs were God directed and scripturally sound. The worship leaders were just that - talented musicians who led us in worship rather than providing a performance. Rather than a full band, the instruments were limited to just a guitar and bass - but they were played well and the music filled the room.
A unique (to us) regular feature is "God Stories." Every Sunday you get to hear "one person's story of God's transforming power." Our week a salt-of-the-earth Cowboy from Queen Creek shared. It was great to hear a normal person talk about his faith in an unscripted manner. And the Pastor gently and deftly interviewed him - keeping the story moving and on point while letting us see the cowboy’s distinct personality and heart.
Missional churches have an interesting blend of the ancient and the contemporary. One of the ancient things they did was have the congregation stand for a formal reading of the Bible together: A great way to incarnate respect for the Word of God. And we read the text that the preacher was going to address: Mark 4:1-34.
On to the main course. I am amazed when a man can preach with no podium and such few notes. Delivery by this pastor was very good –he was engaging, interactive with the congregation and presented a verse by verse exposition of the Bible. The presentation was easy enough for a non-Christian or a new believer, and yet had some great fresh morsels for the more seasoned Christians. The pastor explained the hard verse (10-11) and he did a good job. He did not give a cliché or go for the “cheap shot”; and he did not hobby horse any particular pet doctrine. He encouraged faith – and ended with the thought that fruit is not action but desire –desire to know God, to follow Him.
We ended with communion, singing an updated version of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, and a benediction.
The Second Mile Church is definitely worth a second visit!
1. Holy Day: a day set aside for special religious observance
2. A day on which one is exempt from work
3. (chiefly British) Vacation: often used in the phrase on holiday
Tom and Colene are on a spiritual holiday - visiting churches in the East Valley. You are invited to share our experiences as we mark our trek on the blog.
A worship experience, just like a dining experience is more than just the food (or sermon) that is served. It includes the service (staff), the other dinners, the physical comfort, the available menu options, the style, and the ambiance created by music and pacing of the event.
As we twisted through the ASU Polytechnical campus turning at the clear and easy to read signs for the Second Mile Church, Tom wondered aloud if there was cheese at the end of this maze. To our delight, there was!
Greeters in the parking lot let us know that we were indeed at the right spot. More greeters offered us materials and a free book at the information table. The flyers "What We Believe" and "Getting Acquainted" were clear, full of just enough information and directed us to the church website for more. And who could resist getting the gift of John Piper's book, Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ. More greeters offered coffee and donuts as we entered the building. And all these greeters were discreet - we felt welcomed, but not overwhelmed or assailed.
This brand new church plant by East Valley Bible Church is clearly a Missional Church. More explanation here.
Though the majority of the church is young people, there is a good mix - some well past 60, some in their prime, many in their 30's and 20’s, and some teens, children and babies. While they have children's ministry from birth to 5th grade, all ages are welcome in the main meeting.
The worship was vibrant, loud and passionate. The songs were God directed and scripturally sound. The worship leaders were just that - talented musicians who led us in worship rather than providing a performance. Rather than a full band, the instruments were limited to just a guitar and bass - but they were played well and the music filled the room.
A unique (to us) regular feature is "God Stories." Every Sunday you get to hear "one person's story of God's transforming power." Our week a salt-of-the-earth Cowboy from Queen Creek shared. It was great to hear a normal person talk about his faith in an unscripted manner. And the Pastor gently and deftly interviewed him - keeping the story moving and on point while letting us see the cowboy’s distinct personality and heart.
Missional churches have an interesting blend of the ancient and the contemporary. One of the ancient things they did was have the congregation stand for a formal reading of the Bible together: A great way to incarnate respect for the Word of God. And we read the text that the preacher was going to address: Mark 4:1-34.
On to the main course. I am amazed when a man can preach with no podium and such few notes. Delivery by this pastor was very good –he was engaging, interactive with the congregation and presented a verse by verse exposition of the Bible. The presentation was easy enough for a non-Christian or a new believer, and yet had some great fresh morsels for the more seasoned Christians. The pastor explained the hard verse (10-11) and he did a good job. He did not give a cliché or go for the “cheap shot”; and he did not hobby horse any particular pet doctrine. He encouraged faith – and ended with the thought that fruit is not action but desire –desire to know God, to follow Him.
We ended with communion, singing an updated version of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”, and a benediction.
The Second Mile Church is definitely worth a second visit!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
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