Qualities listed for home church

My pilgrimage hasn’t only involved searching for answers to “big” questions regarding theology, doctrine, or orthodoxy. It’s been interesting in other ways too.

For instance, I don’t have a “home” church, but hope to find one soon.

To that end I’ve attended a variety of churches over the past two years to experience different services of Christian faith.

As I sat in numerous pews and participated in the services, I say with great respect that some were good, and some, well, not so much.

Highly personal, I know, but the following three components of any church will be important to my decision.

Community: The majority of churches focus heavily on building community within its doors and I felt more welcome and comfortable in some churches than others.

Greeters at the door helped somewhat, but shortly thereafter I would look down the rows at backs of heads, all eyes on the priest or pastor, and feel separated from those alongside me.

I wished they had a platform to share their positive, personal experiences of God (or questions for that matter).

Quite often, the sermon would reassure the congregation that those in attendance were “correct in their beliefs,” members of an exclusive club and would one day be with God.

My inference that Jews, Hindus, Muslims and others would not be so fortunate separated me from the many outside the church’s doors.

As Jesus taught, I long to be a part of an inclusive community.

Music: It helps tremendously.

Sincerity of effort appeals to me more than quality of performance.

I have been equally moved by large choirs accompanied by huge bands as well as small, more personal choirs with a single pianist.

I admire and appreciate all the hours these dedicated volunteers put into practice and their praise of God.

Sermons/message: It certainly helps if the priest or pastor is a dynamic speaker who knows how to weave a life-affirming message in a clear, concise manner.

Longer sermons don’t equal a better message.

I prefer a preacher who applies Jesus’ teachings for daily living that takes me to a higher plane where I feel spiritually enhanced, optimistic, and more apt to love God and my neighbor rather than the fearful talk of “end times.”

Specifically, many churches provided a sacred high point.

Services at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church in Youngstown and the Newman Center in Columbus struck a deep and beautiful chord within me.

A negative experience occurred at the World Harvest Church in Columbus, a mega-church that attracts 5,000 weekly.

The day we attended, the “prosperity gospel” was preached, that is, give to the church and God will give to you materially and spiritually.

My fiance and I were offended, however, when asked to “take out a piece of paper and write three things you expect from God!”

Really?

How about, “What does God expect from us?”

We left the service after the third request for donations, the last being new uniforms for the football team.

My favorite experience was at Jubilee Church in Asheville, N.C, where the service honored the sacred texts of the three Abrahamic religions.

We sat in the round while several lay members spoke of their connection with God.

The minister’s message was uplifting, as was the music which featured numerous “pop” songs.

It is a highly inclusive church, but unfortunately, too far away to be my “home” church.

I continue to seek.

Tom Bresko of Boardman, retired from Mill Creek Metro Parks, is a Christian on a spiritual pilgrimage.