Casual Sunday at University Park Church
Posted July 17, 2006
University Park Church's website told me I didn't have to worry about dressing up. "We don't care about your clothes, we care about your soul," it said. So when I attended the Fort Worth church today, I wore jeans, a black-and-gold bicycle jersey-type shirt and tennis shoes with no socks. I gave my razor the day off. I left my Bible at home and I took the bus to get there.
I wondered if their Sunday morning actions would match their website promises. I discovered that they meant what they said.
I was greeted warmly by probably five different people. They smiled, shook my hand, told me how glad they were that I was worshipping with them -- and they said it like they meant it. They had coffee and donuts waiting for first-time guests -- glazed and cake donuts with neon-pink frosting.
Visitors were asked to raise their hand, but we weren't forced to stand and introduce themselves.
The music was outstanding and lasted nearly an hour. At times people jumped up and down. A lady with giant hoop earrings danced, twirling around as she sang. Several people bowed on the ground as they sang. Dozens more raised their hands.
This non-denominational pentecostal church was diverse. Probably one-fourth of its choir was non-white.
This isn't the kind of church service that can be completed in 60 minutes. It lasted nearly two hours, including a sermon that stretched on for a good 45 minutes.
Up front, the U.S., Christian, and Israeli flags were displayed together. Other international flags were scattered about, representing the nations where the church does ministry, a member told me.
I can't vouch for the pastor's preaching skills, because he wasn't present. He was "off praying today," the congregation was told.
This may sound a little strange, but the guest preacher, Dean Niforates, did a combination of preaching and stand-up comedy. This may also sound unusual, but he received a standing ovation. During his sermon he imitated someone "speaking in tongues" -- and did a pretty decent impression. (Such a move would have been considered sacreligious in the Assemblies of God churches I attended as a child but the people in the audience seemed to enjoy it.)
At the end, everyone was instructed to come forward, to recite a prayer, to raise their hands. The guest preacher must have known this would make some people feel uncomfortable because he said: "By the way, if you're totally terrified by what is going on in this room, now is a great time to leave."
I didn't bolt for the doors, but I didn't join the stampede forward. I stayed in my seat and took notes.......................
When I get back to Lexington, I ought to do a search for the friendliest church in town and an article about strategies local churches use to make visitors feel welcome.
If you've read this "church review" and would like to see similar reviews about churches in your town, please let me know. If you think it's a waste of space, let me know that as well and I'll find something else to write about.
COMMENTS:
AUTHOR: Scott
EMAIL: scemel@aol.com
URL: http://www.daytondailynews.com/getonthebus
DATE: 07/18/2006 01:02:27 PM
Keep doing the church reviews. It's a great idea!