Church Rater Survey #3

What Church did you visit? World Harvest Evangelism

What City or Town is this church located? Tulsa, OK

Was the building easy to find? Yes, it was located in between 3 other churches.

Was it difficult to find parking? No, plenty of parking in the rear with an entrance sign out front.

How was the sign? Would you do it differently? The sign was very big, bold and visible. The only thing I would do differently would be to try something that stuck out from the other church signs. I think that did a good job.

What did the appearance, style or construction of the building say to you? It told me that they were very uniformed and cared a lot about the outward appearance of the church.

Did anyone approach you and speak to you before the service? No, that was the strangest thing about this service to me. Not one person made an attempt to greet us. I had to ask myself afterworlds if I was mean looking.

As you observed the people doing their church thing, what went through your mind? That they were not working real hard to offer a good experience for their guests and they had many technical difficulties. It seemed to me that they were VERY unprepared.

Were you able to understand why they do what they do? Unfortunalty, no! I left that place very confused at how and why they do church. I hope that I was just there on an off night.

Do they seem sincere? No, in fact, Jason was very anxious to get out of the building asap.

What do you thing about the overall presentation of the service? Hahaha. We didn't even make it through the service due to technical failures.

Bulletin and communications? Nothing. I received nothing. And the communication failed to work.

If this were your “business”, how would you improve the communication? I would have some and really prepared for the service. The service is your game time. It is the moment that you need to be prepared and have everything accounted for.

Were announcements clear and interesting, did you want to sign up for anything? No, they were clear, they had someone come up front and grab your attention and share it with you, but they did not make me want to sign up because they did not seem like they could handle what they have.

Does this church appear kid-friendly? No, they youngest person I saw on this midweek service was about 18 years old. But that could be different on the weekend. But I did not hear anything about kids ministry.

Did you bring any children with you? No

How would you describe the music? They were not able to get the sound working and had no music?

Did you enjoy any of it? I enjoyed learning what not to do and the importance of doing things well.

Did you feel like you connected with God during any part of the service? Not as well as I would have liked.

How was it different from what you are use to? It did not have much life, due to the lack of children. It did not have energy and did not tell me that they cared about what they were doing?

What did you think of the prayers that were offered in the service? They were fine, but sounded kind of desperate and not confident.

As you listened to the prayers, what did you learn of how the church might view God? I got the impression that they were kind of stuck in an old view of God and that they were not following a living God who is at work in their lives even today!

Did the Pastor or speaker seem likable? Yes, he was one of the only people that had a hint of energy. He seemed like a likable guy.

Was he someone you might enjoy having coffee with? I enjoy coffee period, but yes. I think I would enjoy some time with him

Did he seem engaged, sincere or condescending? No, he did seem like he was trying very hard to cover the mistakes and lack of preparation that they were having.

Were you motivated to do or thing anything differently because of the message? Yes, I was motivated to never do something unless I care about doing it and to only do things that my heart is in.

What could they have done to make it more enjoyable or useful? Checked there equipment prior to the service and maybe had worship practice or something prior to the service. We were the first people at the building. The pastor was unlocking the door when we got there. We waited in the parking lot so we would not be the first ones to walk in.

What was the main idea of the message? Town Hall of Hope! Hope for people.

What action did the speaker want you to take? Taking control of your financial situation. Take Financial Peace University.

Did the talk itself hold your attention? Yes.

Did any part of the talk stand out to you in a positive or negative way? No.

What is one thing that the could do that would improve his presentation? Other than the technical stuff, I think his presentation was alright.

Do you think that you particularly will remember anything? Yes, I will remember how uncomfortable I was when I walked in and how unprepared they were.

Do you understand God or people better because of it? Yes, I understand that people need hope and motivation and vision. And that God is dieing for us to get hold of it.

Did it make you feel like you wanted to preach someday yourself? Yes, but it showed me how much I need to be prepared.

Un-Churched Interview w/ Shawn

Question 1) What is the greatest need in your area?

Answer) More structure, at least for me, more church.
Question 2) Are you actively attending church?

Answer) No, I never went to church. Except the second Saturday of the month, the church people would come to us and give us clothing.

Question 3) What are a few issues/ topics that impact/interest you?
Answer) I want to know more about this religion stuff. I'm not an atheist, I am just not so use to people being so friendly.
Question 4) Why do you think most people don't attend church?

Answer) Some want to be there, some just want to be seen in a community, Spouses wanting each other to go.
Question 5) If you were to look for a church, what would you look for?

Answer) I guess a church that I was familiar with, something more traditional. I don't really know what traditional is, I think I mean hymns, and dressing up.
Question 6) What advice can you give to a pastor who really wants to be helpful to people?

Answer) I have know idea what advice I could give to a pastor.

Shawn has been living at the shelter for a long time. From what I gathered he has been on and off the streets for what seems like forever. The most religious experience he has had has been in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at the Lutheran Church. The strange thing about Shawn is that he has a desire to change his life and he views church as a positive way to change your life, but he has little to no energy to do so. Shawn has been living his own routine for a long time, it seems that he has been living off the government and relying on the next free handout for so long that he sees no need to make a personal/inner change. That and a mixture of his own hurts and failures from his past could pile up to be a heavy burden to change. On the other hand, I see a huge glimpse of hope for this guy. If he can get past the routine of living day to day and start living for his future and for his eternity he may break through. I have a strong hope and pray that he will take a deep hard look at himself and that God would place a godly conviction in him.

New Believer Interview with Bill

1. Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?

Grew up in church, stopped going when I was 13. When I was 24 I went to jail and found the Purpose Driven Life book. It was like a re-awakening. The Freedom House has been the biggest step for me to pursue Jesus.

2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?

Thinking back to my childhood. I found that when I take control, I don't go anywhere. I can't handle life on my own. I need Jesus.

3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christian?

The fellowship, opportunities and the peace of mind.

4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?

Trying to correct my bad habits. Like cursing.

5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?

Again, the fellowship and being around people who are so into the Lord. It encourages me.

6. What advice for me in helping others to come to Christ?

Take an honest look at your own life and compare it to what you see in the people around you.

Bill is new to the Freedom House (as of this week) and is also very new to the body of Christ. His cousin, Wes Caple (of Bethel AG) was and is still a strong support for Bill. Although Bill grew up inside the church, his parents where not very good at living out the faith that they learned on Sundays. So Bill followed in their shadow and ended up spending a lot of his late teenage and young adult years in and out of prison. It was not until just a few months ago that Bill rededicated his life to the Lord. I really enjoyed Bills story and answer to the questions. You would think that he spent a lot of time in solitary confinement, with how much he wants to talk and tell you. I specifically enjoyed what he said to question 6. The foundation of love should come from within. I think that an examination of my inner man and a prayer for God to make me aware of the debt he paid is in order almost every day, if not more.  

New Believer Interview with Phil

1. Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?

God has brought me to his feet. Been shot, stabbed and in a a bad car accident. And the Lord has kept me alive.

2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?

Watching the guys in the house grow in their faith and the love that everyone has shown me in the church.

3. What has been the best part of becoming a Christian?

The freedom from the devils bondage.

4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?

Still wanting to do my will and not His will.

5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?

Watching how God works in other peoples live and the support that I have around me now.

6. What advice for me in helping others to come to Christ?

Help people get involved in the church.

Phil has been in the Freedom House for almost 2 ½ months now. This is his first real experience with the church. Phil's involvement in the church has been the anchor that helps him stand when times get tough. To me, Phil has been an amazing example of how important our role is to help people find their gifts and use them. I would not say that we have arrived by any means, with Phil, but I do think that some days when we do succeed, It is obvious. One unique thing that I have seen in Phil is his very on target way of identifying peoples strong and weak points. He notices things that most people overlook. He has used this gift to encourage guys in the home and also to direct them in moments of counsel. With some guidance, he is generally on target. I believe Phil has encountered God, his life has been changed and transformed on many levels. He is breaking addictions and searching out ways to make his life better for the his family and himself. Phil still has a some major hurdles to accomplish but if we can continue to help him see a future by giving him a place and showing a way to use his giftings, I thing that he will be well on the way of discipleship.

Un-Churched Interview w/ Tim

Question 1) What is the greatest need in your area?

Answer) The greatest need is a community area, that give kids a positive place to call their own.

Question 2) Are you actively attending church?

Answer) No

Question 3) What are a few issues/ topics that impact/interest you?

Answer) Gay marriage and local school funding apathy.

Question 4) Why do you think most people don't attend church?

Answer) I would assume because they do not believe.

Question 5) If you were to look for a church, what would you look for?

Answer) I wouldn't attend. I do not believe in God.

Question 6) What advice can you give to a pastor who really wants to be helpful to people?

Answer) Care about the person for what they are first: A person. Then you can help them spiritually.

Tim was the most unique interview that I did because he has and has had no background in religion. Tim's life so far has been pretty tough on him. His parents split up when he was young and he spent most of his time living with his grandmother because his father was so abusive. I met Tim through the local music scene and we have played together a few times, now and then. David became very open to me and the idea of church through this interview. He made references to my Tweets (twitters) that I post about worship and my love for Jesus. I forget, fairly often, that it is not just Christians who read the things I put online. We are more of a witness to the unchurched than we really know. Time didn't except Jesus Christ as his Saviour yet, but we were able to schedule another time to hang out. God is growing my heart for the lost people. I am starting realize how hard my heart has become, I want to have a burning desire in my heart for the ones that His heart hurts for. It begins with asking Jesus to change my heart, break my heart for your people. 

David Kennard – Riverside Community Church

                   Engle's Scale

          I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-O-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I

Unsaved       New Believer       Discipled

Figure A

                            

                            D=R+I

Discipleship = Relationship + Intentionality

Figure B

Misconceptions of Ministry

1. Things have to be done a certain way.

2. You have to give yourself entirely to the church. (Family comes first)

3. I am above cleaning the toilets.

Figure C

Tonight I was very challenged and encouraged by Davids unique church plant in the mall and also by his management skills. There is no doubt that there is a lot more to a successful church than just good music and teaching. Although there are fundamentals to start a church and simplicity is wonderful, good management and administration is a key to success.

My thinking was changed tonight when I applied Engle's Scale (see Figure A) to our discipleship efforts. The goal with this scale is to discover where a person is on the scale, then try to shift them over one, towards Discipled. It helped me to see the progress and gage it in my own mind.

As for Figure B & C, I just liked that stuff a lot and didn't want to forget it! Good stuff, I was challenged and learned a lot.

THE CHURCH RATER SURVEY #2

What Church did you visit?

Lighthouse Baptists

What city or town is this Church located?

Gettysburg, PA

What date and service did you attend?

Sunday, March 22^nd at 7:00pm

EVALUATING

How would you rate this church?

Overall: 4

Friendliness: 5

Singing: 2

Preaching: 3

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 

WAS THE BUILDING EASY TO FIND?

A little. Very small sign (easy to miss) Church is located inside a development.

WAS IT DIFFICULT TO FIND PARKING?    

No

HOW ABOUT THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR SIGNAGE- WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

I know that Gettysburg is very strict on their sign laws, but the sign was so small and low to the ground, we almost drove right by it and you had to turn into a community to find the church.

WHAT DID THE APPEARANCE, STYLE, OR CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING COMMUNICATE TO YOU? 

Small, low budget, definitely a church (with the steeple and all), in progress (stone parking lot)

DID ANYONE APPROACH YOU AND SPEAK TO YOU BEFORE THE SERVICE GOT UNDERWAY?

Yes, the pastor was a greater and because of the low attendance and genuine kindness, all of the people introduced themselves to us. Very friendly.

If someone did speak to you, how did you feel about that?

I thought they were very friendly and a little desperate for us to attend.

Can you share their names?

No, to many people introduced themselves to us, I only remember Pastor Bob.

Did you know them before the visit?

No, But Shawna knows Pastor Bob from her work.

General observations:

They are an older community and they seemed like they really wanted to have some young blood in the place.

As you observed the people "doing their church thing", what went through your mind?

I noticed that their prayers were very well formed, almost like a memorization. They sang from hymnals, but were very free to yell a Praise the Lord or Hallelujah. It was nice to see an older community not being very typical.

Were you able to understand why they do what they do?

It seemed like they were very genuine in wanting to be free in Christ but still wanted a calm and older appeal.

Do they seem sincere?

Yes!

What do you think about the overall presentation of the service? (the liturgy, program or flow of the service)

The service order was very complicated. 1. Opening prayer 2. Hymn #242 3. Prayer 4. Offering 5. Hymn #465 6. Sermon 7. Hymn #326 8. Closing Prayer 9. Closing Hymn #256 and so on. I felt like I was reading the program to a musical.

Bulletin and communications: 

Very informative bulletin.

Is there anything in the church bulletin that you find confusing or offensive?

No, it was strange for me to read the attendance and total tithes from the previous week on the back of the bulletin. As a guest, that was kind of a turn off.

If this were your "business", how would you improve the communication part of it- the bulletin especially?

I would have added pictures of the staff involved in the bulletin.

Were announcements clear, and interesting (did you want to sign up for anything)?

No, there was no excitement in the announcements. They did not show me that the cared about it.

Children's Ministry

Does this church appear kid-friendly?

No, I did not see a children's ministry and I believe that all of their children were raised and on their own.

Did you bring any children with you to the service?

No.

Music and Prayer

How would you describe the music?

Even though they played hymns that I was not use to. I could see the passion and energy in their praise. They only had a Piano and a Song Leader. It worked well for them.

Did you enjoy any of it?

Yes, I enjoyed all of it.

Did you feel like you connected with God during any part of it?
Yes.
How was it different from what you are used to?

I am use to jumping and screaming and this was very formal.

Would you enjoy worshiping like that often?

No, it was nice for an evening but not for a lifetime.

What did you think of the prayers that were offered in the service?

The prayer seemed very rehearsed and formal.

As you listened to the prayers, what did you learn about how that church might think of people, or of God?

It seemed as though they thought they had to put on their best for God. They had to you use their best words and long drawn out thoughts.

The Speaker's Presentation

Did the Pastor or speaker seem likable?

Very likable! He was very friendly and open with the church but seemed a little uncomfortable.

Is he/she a person you might enjoy having coffee with? Why?

Yes, I will have coffee with anyone once. If I would enjoy it, I don't know. He didn't seem very comfortable on stage and I don't think he would be comfortable with coffee.

Did he/she seem engaged/sincere/condescending?

Engaged and sincere, Yes. His thoughts were very clear.

Were you motivated to do or think anything differently because of the talk?

It helped me think of the relation of the mind, body and soul with the Holy Spirit and sin.

What could they have done to make it more enjoyable or useful?

Not have used an old fashioned slide projector for illustration.

Please erase any of the following descriptors that did not apply to the talk: Enjoyable, Thought-provoking, Credible, Useful,

The Message

What was the main idea of the message?

Romans 6

What action did the speaker want you to take or consider taking?

Nothing.

Did the talk itself (the subject matter) hold your attention?

A little, he rambled on a lot and was constantly moving from topic to topic.

Did any part of the talk stand out to you in a positive or negative way?

No.

What is the one thing the speaker could do that would improve his/her presentation?

Focus on a point.

Do you think that you particularly will remember anything that was taught?

Yes. I will remember the slides.

Do you understand God or people better because of it?

I understand the baptists are all so very different. And actually that all of us are.

Did it make you feel like you wanted to preach someday yourself ?

Yes!

Jason Lamer / Youth Alive Missionary

Sometime humility can work against you.

One thing that I have not been liking to much about myself lately and really noticed over the past few months is that I don't 'speak up' enough. I sometimes feel an urge to speak up, whether in staff meeting, class or through out the day, and I let my humility and sometimes fear keep me quite. I particularly noticed this when I realized how different my relationship was with some of the Masters students compared to some of my peers. It was very convicting to me that I really need to work on my relational skills. I did decide to reach out to some of the students and since have been able to sow into some of the 1^st year guys. But I still sometimes feel like Moses, telling the Lord that I'm a stuttering idiot. Except that I want so badly to be used by the Lord. I want to be apart of His ministry. I guess that I was challenged even more tonight, like I have been from so many other speakers lately, that I need to step out and learn, take chances and challenge myself. I have been so blessed by this class and seen some real growth in my own personal life. It is challenging and sometimes convicting to take in, but I love it.

New Believer Interview #2 Derek

 

1. Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ.

 

I grew up in church, began a relationship with God at 13 on a missions trip to Mexico. I was back and forth up in till two months before I joined the Freedom House. In August of 2008 I truly realized I was living wrong and decided I needed to change the way I lived.

 

2. What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?

 

I was trying to fill the void. Tire of the emptiness inside. I tried sex, drugs, pornography and alcohol and it all lead to more frustration. I felt unfulfilled. I remember one time, I was sitting at the table with my dad and some of his friend, and we all had just gotten high. My dad was also taking pills and narcotics. As I was watching him nod off and completely wasted, I remembered that the day before my dad told me “don’t make the same mistakes that I’ve made” I realized at that moment that I was turning into somebody that I didn’t want to become.

 

3. What had been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?

 

It’s knowing that my search is over. Knowing that I have a long way to go on this road, but I have found the road.

 

4. What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?

 

It’s learning to lean on His strength and not on my own. When things are not working, I realize that it is usually because I am trying to do it instead of giving it to God.

 

5. What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?

 

Constant involvement with the church, counselors and mentors. Enough is never enough, I am always digging deeper to get to the meanings and answers behind things.

 

6. What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?

 

Make yourself available, because if a new believer has questions, they need someone to ask. Develop a real relationship, because they need someone to learn from. 

My Response:

I was so impressed with Derek's responses. Particularly with questions 4 and 5. I wish everyone new believer could grasp what Derek said. Trying to do everything ourselves and looking within for all of our solutions is a very common mistake. When the truth is that Christian life is lived in fullest when we hand over our desires, failures, strengths and plainly, we hand over our lives to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us. Derek's answer to question 5 was very impressive to me. I have spent a lot of time teaching accountability to Derek over the past month month and I believe he is really going to model it well. Living life in community with fellow believers is how I think God intended for us to live. It is so important for us to live our lives open for people to see and to also learn from us in our vulnerable spots. Its that same story with the other men in the home. The relationships and connections that they have built in the Freedom House are a huge part of the success that they will leave the home with. Something that challenged me from Derek was and is his constant passion to learn more all at whatever means possible. Derek is always coming to me with a new leadership skill he was challenged on and always asking for advice. He kind of makes my job easier. 

Un-Churched Interview #2

For this survey, I interviewed a friend, Craig. He is 21 years old, a non churchgoer, college student, honest, smart and very talented with a guitar.

Q1.) What do you think is the greatest need in the area you live?

Answer) Aside from a better economy and job market? Better help for the poor and homeless. Something to do, other than bars and coffee houses. Perhaps a venue or a nightclub.

2.) Are you actively attending church?

Answer) No, I haven't for quite a while, since Catholic Church in high school with parents. Even at Emmaus I didn't attend any single church. 

3.) What are a few issues or topics that impact/interest you?

Answer) I am interested in logic, dogmas and the ontology thereof, philosophy, organized religions and informal faith fellowships, cultural anthropology, biology, and a little cosmology. I like to think about humanity, about cultures, about development and evolution and change. 

4.) Why do you think most people don't attend church?

Answer) Some people aren't interested in church. Some people experience the group solidarity and comfort of religion from other sources. Some people feel that worship can be done in other ways, while some simply aren't interested and don't feel it's a necessary part of belief for whatever reason. Church (even the selection of a church) is a matter of personal taste, and each believer has their own opinions.

5.) If you were to look for a church to attend, what kind of things would you look for?

Answer) An immediate turn off at any Church is the presence of what I call "church ladies" (although they're not always ladies per se). People who want to immediately hook you in and sign you up for all the different things they're organizing this summer that you should DEFINITELY go to. The person who's in your face trying to catch you before you get away. Always attractive for me is a strong sense of young adult community, not being overshadowed by an overhanging sense of constant supervision. Something where the 'kids' can be 'kids' and discuss things at their leisure. Youth groups with cool youth leaders who feel more like "one of the kids" while still getting stuff done. That sort of thing.

6.) What advice can you give to pastors who really want to be helpful to people?

Answer) Again, I'm not the best person to tell a pastor what to do from a believer's perspective. Allow them to ask questions. Allow their beliefs to be personal; don't try to blend them with the group. Faith is not an answer; it merely stops the questions from being asked.

My response:

I particularly was interested in what Craig had to say about what turned him off to church. It is always an immediate turn off to me when I a m new somewhere to be drowned in invitations to join this and come to that. Craig’s response made me take a look to see if we make people feel comfortable and relaxed when they come into our services. And I think we do a great job of it. By the way we offer a comfortable spot to purchase food and drinks that we allow consumed in the sanctuary, we dim the lighting during worship to give people a personal spot with God and by the free diner and bagels we offer before our Saturday evening and Sunday morning services. I agree that it is incredibly important not shove Jesus at anyone, He is a hand extended to anyone who wants it. 

Nick Poole – Church Planting Coach (Allison Park)

 

Nick Poole encouraged me (like so many others) to pursue an education. It kind of boggled my mind how well spoken and sure Nick was at his young age and experience. I know first hand that God can and does use people with little or no education in great ways. The reason I didn’t pursue an education earlier is because of my lack of faith and trust in Gods plan for my life. Thankfully I am still very young and able to make an education happen. The point is it is not selfish to spend time learning. And I think that a number of things got in my way, pride, fear, uncertainty and doubt. God I pray that you would remove these things from my life and forgive me of them. I want to learn more about your ways. I want to be able to share you on a deeper level. Most of all, I just want to be in your will as best as I can. I want to gain more wisdom and insight into your word so that I can do your ministry more effectively. 

Brian Bolt – Pittsburgh City Outreach

 

I was encouraged by Brian Bolt to do more outreach with the Freedom House. His passion for the lost and to share God with hopeless, drug addicted people. I want to go to Hanover this week yet and pass out flyers, spread the word that we have something to offer. Over the past few weeks as I have been working harder in the home and trying to seek Gods direction for the home I have seen how there is anointing on you when you focus. Mission SOS has a slogan: The focus in the anointing. I lost my focus on the Freedom House for awhile but I believe that God still has a plan for this home and that He will use it for His glory. On the other hand, I have felt very unqualified (since I stopped living in the home) to lead the home. Sometimes I let the powerful testimonies of leaders rob me of my passion. I hate that the enemy steels that from me, and it’s a perfect example of how Satan can take what is intended for good and distort it to bad. God, please remind me (and don’t let me forget) of my testimony and how you changed my life upside-down and took my addiction and all of my shame. Brian really helped break down for me tonight, that God does not call the qualified. I have so much to learn!

Mike Hammer - Celebration Community Church (Dillsburg, Pa)

Authentic Relationships, Passionate Praise and Biblical Truth

Mike said that these were the foundations of his ministry, and I can defiantly see how the authentic relationship plays a big part.  I had a bit of a difficult time taking much out of this interview.  But the one thing I did learn about Mike’s ministry is that he is all about getting under the surface and really getting to heart issues.  “Man looks out the outward appearance, but God looks at mans heart.” It is obvious in countless stories throughout the bible that God is the best judge of who we are and our true potential.  Our ministry is all about sharing Jesus to live in the hearts of his people. People are changed outwardly by an inner change. Mike knows that the real work of the ministry is about getting to the heart issues. Most of our relationships never go beyond the superficial level. Meaning that, although we show our unique personality in different ways we never let people know why we have the personality that we do and for the most part, we don’t even like to let ourselves know the real answer to ‘why we are who we are.  If anything, I learned that God cares more about the hearts and the why’s of who we are, and I should too.