Rocketown

[Dr. Ron]

Guys, we all need to understand that because Smitty "owns" Rocketown, doesn't mean that he knows all the nuts and bolts.

I remember being in the music industry and pastors would have groups come to their churches to sing about Jesus and all the while they were doing things on their buses that we not "christian".

Yes, even southern gospel groups were given to some "sinning". We gave most of them a pass on a lot of junk........and I could tell you some stories that would not be good in mixed company.

We even had some ministers in the church who did "unGodly" stuff......

While I don't condon what allegedly happened, you can't just throw the baby out with the bath water. Some who are anti...Bently, would gladly accept some of these bands.......some won't accept anything that isn't written, sung., produced, and approved by the "committe on doctrine".

Let God judge each man's work. I don't have to approve of or like someone and their methods......but I will let God deal with them.....it's His job.

[one love]

Are we to judge? No. Try the spirits? yes
There fruit speaks for them not us judging. I know nothing of this place or the owner but if it claims to be a christian place it should produce the fruit of such.


Dwayne I was not meaning to throw a blanket statement I apologize I have a friend that actually is in a christian rock band and is true blue however many others are a different story. I feel people are going the wrong direction by trying to reach the youth by doing as they do in the world. Instead show them Godliness and love and acceptance but not by lowering a standard. IMHO

[MrDanger]

But i DO KNOW that ive been there several times, and have not ONCE seen anything or anyone "ministering" in anyway. Not once has an employee came up to myself or my friends and said anything about faith or God. Not once have i even seen ANYTHING AT ALL that would translate in the simplest most vague form of ANY kind of christian influence. It is a non-alcoholic rock venue/skate park......i dont care what the website or mission statement says, it is like ANY other bar in nashville, just no booze.

And you wouldn't have had them walk up and share their faith. That's not the way they do things.

I was at the initial meeting with MWS and Dean Orrico in opening this incarnation of Rocketown. I went through the training (still on the staff email list even though I haven't volunteered in several years). Our former pastor was on the board, and most of the people in their twenties from my church worked there.

Their approach is to get to know ever youth that comes into the facility on at least a semi regular basis. AFTER EARNING THEIR TRUST AND RESPECT, then the workers begin a process of sharing their faith. Do I like all the bands that are there, but I do know their method works. I have several students that have come to know Christ or been drawn to the place of asking questions about faith through Rocketown and the skate park.

They have a bible study that is not advertised that is run out of the office area several times a week. I have attended and you meet several interesting characters. And every time, I have been blessed.

As far as MWS, if I remember correctly, he has a permanent spot on the board of directors but does not own Rocketown. He came up with the name and the original facility. He helped get this going. That's as far as his involvement (as best as I remember). Also, Dean Orrico is no longer a part of the activities. Incredible person. I really enjoyed the conversations I had with him.