18 March 2007

Don't Know What Ya Got 'Til It's Gone...

"You know the words to that Cinderella song 'Don't Know What You Got 'Til It's Gone.' That pretty much says it better than I could..." ~ Roy on TV's The Office

Adam and I are still in Austin. We're visiting churches today. We went to a church called Gateway Church this morning, and we're visiting a church called Mosaic at 6:00. I'd like to say that Gateway Church made me so very grateful for everything I have ever had as a church. Fellowship may be a little "showy" on Christmas and Easter, but Gateway thrives on showy. There was a crazy stage setup, a drama, a performance song, a jazz jamout during the offering, name repetition for the teacher, really cheesy latin-influenced versions of late 90's worship music, and a standup routine for a sermon (or it might as well have been). Between each there was clapping....that's right, clapping by the audience. This church was everything I don't want. It made me realize how much I've loved the Grove, Fellowship, and even my short time as an intern at New Heights. I know those things aren't gone (like the Cinderella song says), but I'm really appreciative for these things.

I don't think Mosaic will be much like this Gateway Church. It's a small mobile, artistic, individualistic church. I know that they're really into theology and the arts, and they meet in downtown Austin (as opposed to Gateway's white suburbia). It should be cool.

I feel bad that I sort of bashed this church above, but it really does represent all that I don't want in church. On the other hand, they do give to missions and serve in the community. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure that I would experience little-to-no spiritual growth at a church like this. I think it's probably great for some people, but Adam and I agreed that neither of us ever wanted to go back there.

2 comments:

erinelizabeth said...

what was mosaic like? i feel like i've heard of it before. is it listed on relevant?

James Miller said...

There's plenty of churches called Mosaic that you've probably heard about--such as the one Megan Cardwell goes to in Las Angeles. Nonetheless, Mosaic was pretty cool and really different. It's a small community of believers that really don't adhere to the typical "play some Chris Tomlin songs" style of worship music. They were big on art and journalism along with some singing. I will check it out again for sure to get a better feel, because it was a guest teacher from a company called TOMS Shoes instead of a typical sermon.