Since we’re still on vacation, what church should we attend today?

We tried Sonrise Church, which is probably closer than any other church to our home. An evangelical United Methodist church of about 600 people. I’ve always heard good things about them.

First, the externals:

• Went to the 11 am service (the third of the morning.
• General attire was business casual. Only a few people wore bluejeans. I almost did. Glad I didn’t. Would have felt under-dressed.
• Meet in a squarish multi-purpose room with plastic chairs. I expected a fancy sanctuary with pews. Good for them.
• I love their logo.
• Good, but not great, worship team. Outstanding trumpet player. I’m not a brass fan–more a traditional rock-and-roll-band kind of guy–but this guy was great. But couldn’t really hear the keyboard or lead guitarist (just the trumpet, drums, and bass). Need to adjust sound levels.
• Got in and out with nobody saying a word to us. Always amazes me how that happens. Actually, during the everybody-greet-your-neighbor time, people did say these words to us: “Good morning,” “Hi,” “Hello.” I’m sure it’d be the same way at Anchor, if we had a greeting time. But I know nobody gets in the door without people talking to them.
• People clapped a lot. Clapping at Anchor tends to die out fairly quick.

Now, let’s try to look at some of the heart of Sonrise.

• They’re sending out 50 people to start a new church in Roanoke (10 miles west). I was part of a group like that. I’m excited for them, and commend their vision.
• The pastor’s sermon was basically a 10-minute video based around the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission. Pastor Stan Buck says they’ve partnered with the Rescue Mission for many years, and people from Sonrise volunteer there on a regular basis. Sonrise has a steady (not sporadic) heart for the underprivileged.
• I was impressed that they are making do holding services in a multipurpose room with plastic chairs. Not bothering (at least yet) with a big, fancy sanctuary.
• The service placed a big emphasis on missions. A Kenyan pastor was on hand, and the pastor interviewed him for probably 20 minutes. Nothing paternalistic about it.
• Pastor Buck also gave time for the youth minister to talk about what they’re doing. The junior highers left before the message for their own service. Pam and I were amazed at how many there were. This church has quite a future.

It’s always great to visit other churches. You learn a lot, and often find things to appreciate. I’m glad Sonrise is located in my neck of the woods.