Four Churches in Tulsa OK

The praise/worship team* of South Haven Baptist Church took a road trip last weekend to Tulsa, OK, (three hours SW of Springfield, MO) to observe other churches, and how we can improve the worship experience for our congregation. We left early Saturday morning on 12 Jan 2008, arriving in Tulsa in time for lunch. We ate, went to our the home of our Music Pastor's younger sister, and discussed the intentions for the weekend. Following our meeting, it was time for Hotel check-in, and then off to the first two church services.

*we were missing our buddy Tambra, an amazing singer with an educated sound and a rock and roll style (recovering from foot surgery)

Saturday Night -

First up: Church on the Move. A Word of Faith church that is big big big, and doing very well in Tulsa. The presentation reminded me of a concert. Andy Chrisman ( formerly of 4Him ) is the worship pastor, and quite an accomplished singer. The lighting was strong on stage, and dim in the audience area, adding to the concert feel. A couple of roving cameras moved around the stage, along with two stationary video cameras in the audience area all rotated views on the screens. I personally liked the camera tight on the snare drum, as it made me pay more attention to the music as a whole, and not just the guitar. Lots of expensive lighting, a few trendy multicolored/multipatterned high-tech lights that didn't do me any real favors, but didn't bother me either. Again, I think I was supposed to feel like I was at a concert. I would sing at a Christ Tomlin concert, why not here? The only thing I really learned comparitively speaking, is that my wardrobe is not trendy enough ( and I'm actually ok with that ). Pastor George went out of his way to tell the congregation that if they didn't attend faithfully, or if someone attended a different church, they shouldn't expect the COTM folks to come help them with tree damage from the recent ice storm. Something came to mind about the God's kingdom being of more important focus than the COTM. If a church can't help out another, well. . . insert your own comment about missing the boat, etc. . . .

Next up: Lifechurch.tv in downtown Tulsa. One church, many locations. OK, they have ear plugs at the door, and I DIDN'T MIND A BIT. Dark inside, like a club, with lights and smoke/fog, and loud loud music. Still, I didn't mind. Definitely a seeker-sensitive way of doing church. The way I saw it, this crowd had their choice of a loud dark club with a less than wholesome environment, or a loud dark church with some amazing message for a way to spend Saturday night. I support them completely, and absolutely enjoyed the message/sermon . The pastor believes in smaller buildings that can be used four or five times each weekend. I hope this church spreads like wildfire in the 20 something crowd and continues to bless the Tulsa area.

Sunday:

Following the continental breakfast, we were off to Asbury United Methodist church for their 9.30 contemporary service. It was a big beautiful church, amazing architecture, perfect sound, bleached oak interior, lots of ceramic tile, just plain beautiful. Someone called in sick that morning, so a guitar player got drafted to lead the music for the service. He referred to the service as 'high energy' at least three times, and I'll have to give him credit. This was the highest energy contemporary service for SENIOR CITIZENS I had ever been to. He did have a nice tone from his guitar amp though. They had just added a new song to their worship service, Chris Tomlin's "Forever".

Next up The Church at Battle Creek . A baptist church ( but not by name ) meeting in an entire shopping mall. What was once store fronts was now information tables for the Sunday School classes meeting inside. The former movie theater was the Kid's Club area, and some store ( like a clothing store or something ) was the worship room. Dark, with cool lights and trusses, like a night club stage. This church is truly focused on the un-churched community, (as is lifechurch.tv) and they are succeeding. I was truly blessed to be a part of this service. The music was good, the preaching was beyond any expectation I had for the entire weekend.

When we got done, we had another meeting, and planned some changes for our own service. Some stage re-arranging is in the works, along with some new lighting ideas. We'll know if it works in about 18 hours or so ;-)

My buddy Tambra pointed out something, a quote by Rick Warren. Paraphrased "A mature Christian can worship to any kind of music". I know there is alot of talk about whether your music is pleasing people or pleasing God, now I'm thinking maybe we should please people to please our God, by offering/inviting those who don't yet have a relationship with the loving Savior, and encouraging them in their journey.

comments please mr.jamescox@yahoo.com any time.

Jimbo
II Chronicles 5:13