The pastors had incredible speaking skills--you would have thought they were trained actors. It was certainly entertaining. The sermon was about having an "unshakeable faith" during even the toughest times, and it touched on every tribulation a person could face from illness to unemployment. So, it was easy for me to find something to relate to, which was cool. I like being able to take a message or lesson and apply it to my every day life. However, after being instructed to high-five the people around me at the end of the service, I left feeling a bit confused. I guess my traditional Kentucky roots are stronger than I had thought!I'm not an extremely religious person, but having this unique church experience made me realize that I do actually have an opinion and a preference when it comes to practicing my faith. I like to quietly slip into church, light a candle for myself and any loved ones who need it, pray silently through the service and slip back out. For me, a calm, zen experience is what I need.
You won't find me talking about religion much on this blog, but I'm curious to know: What is your church like? Do you enjoy a fun, entertaining service like the one I went to yesterday, or a more traditional one?
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pretty anti organized religion. it's just not about faith anymore (if it ever was) and makes me sick. If it's ur thing, that's all good, enjoy it.
ReplyDeletewell i grew up in a black methodist church, so it was a little jazzier than traditional methodist (which is pretty identical to catholic) and honestly that what i prefer. a good choir (no rock band necessary) and an ARTICULATE pastor whose sermon's seem applicable to my real life, and a service that's not too traditional or too modern/entertainy. i steer clear of baptist and mega churches--its a spectacle 9 times out of ten.
ReplyDeleteMines a Baptist Church. It can get quite lively at times, and even a bit clappy (which I hate!), but the sermons are always very meaningful without having to do all the high five stuff....that is something to dread in my book. We also had three full immersion baptisms on Sunday which was great!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the United Methodist Church (so, the less-jazzy version of Nadette's youth), and I like some good structure and tradition to my services. I DO NOT LIKE IT when the bust out the guitar and try to make it "cool". Guitars are fine for summer camp, but not on Sunday. Give me some "How Great Thou Art" with an organ or piano, but don't try to relate to me because I am younger(ish...guess not so young any more) through crappy music.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I only go to church on the holidays right now anyway.
Many people love a "contemporary" service, and if that brings them joy, wonderful.
i also prefer a more traditional service, but nothing TOO traditional and old world. i have stopped going to church; mostly out of laziness, but also because i feel like sometimes the rituals/rites are done just out of habit or routine. they have lost their meaning. i do like a good sermon that i can relate to and makes me think about my own life. not just reading passages of the bible and discussing them, but really focusing on how the "lessons" can be applied to the real world.
ReplyDeletei regard spirituality as something personal that can be practiced any way that makes you feel closer to a higher power, brings you peace, and keeps up your faith. so whatever works!
I just joined a Presbyterian church in DC! I liked going to contemporary services for awhile but have found myself back at the traditional services again - maybe because that is what I grew up with.
ReplyDeleteI love music during services but the most important thing to me is minister - he or she has to be a good speaker and make the sermons relatable to real life. My minister now always brings in things like Lord of the Rings and football and it always makes the sermons easier to listen to and more understandable!
i grew up in a minnesota lutheran church that i TOTALLY love going back to when i go home. i'd say i appreciate the same things nadette mentioned--great choir and great sermon. the pastor at my home church usually has really great sermons (and his name is pastor hans, which i find totally stereotypical and hilarious). and actually, i just like great church music in general--but the traditional stuff (organ, choir, brass instruments)
ReplyDeleteI definitely prefer a traditional church. I am Catholic, and I love the church I attend here in New Orleans. We usually go to the traditional Latin Mass. I am not into the new agey, guitar strumming type thing. I really like the tradition of it, and I like to be quiet and pray, I wouldn't want to feel like I am at a concert.
ReplyDeleteLol, Shannon, about the summer camp comment. Totally agree! Although, you guys are right...everyone has what works for them. I have a hard time connecting with anyone/thing that is too IN MY FACE. It's not my style, but that's just me!
ReplyDeleteI attended the Journey while I lived in Manhattan and loved it! For me it was reality in a sometimes overwhelming city. I thought it was great how I could go to church and not feel judged and worship in the way I wanted (I could clap if I wanted to, or not, if I didn't). I also really found great support from people in the small groups I joined--it's sometimes hard meshing NYC-life with the Word. For me, the Journey was the perfect refuge, but, like you said everyone has their own style.
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