Week 3 - City Bible Church

http://www.citybiblechurch.org/

Well here we are three weeks into our adventure and already a little change of plans. One of us forgot they were going to be out of town for work this weekend so today was a solo excursion. Best laid plans right? Undoubtedly, over the remaining 49 weeks there will be other unexpected (or forgotten) events that we will just role with.

The first thing that stands out from our first two visits is that City Bible is located in a re-purposed commercial building along the Mill Plain corridor. This is a common strategy for churches locating in established urban areas; rather than finding build-able land and going through an expensive development process re-purposing vacant commercial buildings can be very cost effective. In addition using an established site often provides easy access and ample parking. 

Upon entering the building any evidence of its prior use is long gone. A tastefully decorated, warm, lobby greets you, including a coffee stand with seating suitable to meet with friends before or after the service. Greeters are at the door to welcome everyone and point visitors in the right direction.

There were many young families with children, and adults up through early middle age. Being that this was the early service it is possible that the later service might have an older demographic.
With some of the upcoming activities that were promoted it is safe to say they have an active youth ministry as well. From the leadership to the congregation attire was casual so visitors should feel comfortable coming as they are.

The auditorium is laid out with stadium-style seating arranged in a way that any seat feels comfortably close to the stage. The stage is simple, providing ample space for the six vocalists and four instrumentalists that led the music. Common in many contemporary churches, large screens are located above the stage to project the words of the songs and the bible passage and main points of the message.

The service began with about 20 minutes of rousing praise music with the type of contemporary songs you might hear on the local Christian radio station. Following the music visitors were greeted, new members were acknowledged and prayed for, and a large area wide event was promoted. After this was the offering followed by the message, and since the senior pastor was away the youth pastor spoke in his place.

The message was more of a topical study drawing from 1 Kings 18: 41-44. They are in a series entitled "seeking God" and today's message was about being persistent seekers. Drawing from the passage the pastor focused on the following four main points that persistent seekers: live with expectation (41); don't get discouraged (43); stand on the promises of God (42); don't despise small beginnings (44). In the end the pastor challenged seekers to not limit God and stand on his promises. One thing that stood out on this visit is that the congregation participated throughout the message with spontaneous remarks of approval for key points and responding when the pastor prompted with "say amen."

In some ways today's visit was a reminder of the environment of our recent church home in the style and format. Along with the initial warm greeting, a friend I met up with introduced me to a few of her family and friends who are regular attenders. The pastor's message however was uplifting and encouraging, giving a sense of hope about the upcoming year.