Church Shoppin'

So one might think that as soon as a nice, sweet, Christian girl gets to a new town, she'll start looking for a new church, right? Mmmm, nah. I like to break the mold. When I got to town I found a Buckle, a MAC (makeup) store and a mall. Within days of being here. Once that was taken care of, that's when the church hoppin' started, or uhh, church shoppin', whichever way you want to look at it. Considering I've been at Harvest Bible Chapel pretty much the entire time I've been a Christian, I didn't know what this would be like, trying to find a new church and all. At first I thought it would be fun. Now I know I must have been smokin something when I had that thought. It's not fun. At all.

In the Dallas area there's a mass amount of churches, it seems there is one every few blocks you drive. And I know you know I exaggerate, but really, this time its true. In one town I went to, every block there was a huge church on the corner. I mean huge! Its almost like everyone that lives in this area must go to church, otherwise why would they need such big buildings?!? So without naming names, I'll give a brief summary of what I experienced the last few weeks checking out up to 3 churches in a given weekend.

First, people here don't really rock it out in worship. After being in the gospel choir at Harvest, and seeing such a change in the dynamic of worship at HBC, I expected it to be like that down here. Mmmm, not so much. The first church I went to I felt awkward because I was the only one clapping to the song. Whoops, guess thats a no-no there. I also raised my hand at one part in the song. What was I thinking? At another I felt like I was at a fashion show. Everyone was skinny and pretty and trendy. And the girls were attractive too. It was crazy. I thought the center aisle might double as a runway halfway through the service. At another church for communion we walked up front to a table and dunked the communion into a bowl of grape juice and popped it in your mouth right there. Like chips and dip. And at yet another I went into an aisle to sit down at an open seat only to be met with a glare by a woman I sat next to, but in worship she was belting it out and during the greeting time, she shook my hand and smiled. My deduction was that she had a split personality.

All in all, I am trying so hard not to criticize any of these churches, so the comments made above are more in jest than anything, because I know that every church has strengths and weaknesses, including Harvest...*gasp*...I know, I said it, and its true! I mean, "Flocks?? What the crap is that?", a newbie might wonder. Or, "Why does Pastor James always say, Hey-hey, look up here...??" or "Turn to your neighbor and say...". People might think Harvest is wacky. Who knows. But what I've realized is that I should be thankful for the many years I have had at Harvest, and that I have had a church home. A place where I can walk in and see people I know, and a place where I am known...and not just as the girl with the big hair who stands in the middle of the boys in the choir. But as a godly woman, who is dedicated to serving her Savior, being real with people, and making every attempt to include everyone she meets in community, fellowship and belonging.

So pray for me people. There is one church that I do want to go back to, that I could see being my church home. But its hard. To walk into a big place and not know a single person. To want so badly to have conversation after a service instead of just walking back to your car. And to have a place where you can get your hands dirty for the sake of His glory. As well as a place to block people from seeing the words on the screen because of your big hair.

I'm sure its bound to happen...in His time.