Christ Community Church - Associate Reformed Presbyterian

You can listen to my interview with Reverend Charlie Lewis of Christ Community Church here.

After visiting so many churches that I have, sometimes it's hard to find that unique quality. When I went from Catholic to Orthodox, I could see the similarities between then, and also the differences.

Christ Community Church, on first blush, is not that unusual compared to other church proceedings I've gone to. In many ways, it's much like when I attended Love First - the community is in a borrowed location (in Christ Community's case, a local school). There is a projector using Powerpoint or some derivation to display the lyrics to the hymns, and a less formal worship service than, say, the Anglicans that I've visited or other Catholic derived churches.

The music is certainly more modern than other churches - a high energy style that even includes a young lady playing a large set of bongos. The entire congregation stands and sings along to get them into the mood of worship.

Like other churches I've been to, there's a "meet a stranger" moment, where members are encourages to rise up, shake hands with someone they don't know, exchange greetings.

One of the things I've been interested in as I visit each faith is finding that source of community. I won't say that Christ Community church's system is unique.

But what I did find interesting is the general attitude. There was a very relaxed atmosphere, a friendship between people. During the announcements, laughs were easily shared between members as they commented on recent events and activities. I recall one lady standing up and giving a curtsy as she was thanked for her time working on a recent Easter Egg hunt - not in a sarcastic, mocking way, but as people cheered and clapped her on.

Maybe it's that personal nature that makes Christ Community church different. Are they so different in doctrine from the Baptists or the Methodists? Perhaps not - they would all confess belief in a "three in one God" or that the grace of God forgives sins. But how often do you hear a pastor with such a personal relationship with their god as to refer to it as not just "Heavenly Father" or "Creator", but "Daddy"? Not just some distant figure, but a personal feature in their lives?

I think it's that personal link, that one on one connection with their religious community and the god they worship that makes Christ Community church unique from others I've encountered.