Your local church's strongest point and why?

[Shellie]

What is your church's strongest point and why?

[Penny]

I voted Programs and groups (at the church i have been going to, the last few weeks)

They have really took my kids in, and Lindsey Loves it. to me only: It looks like they want the youth to be friends, and not just come to church as a youth group. Some have have took the time to learn what my kids like and has talked to them on that.

[beckrl]

Fellowship and friendship within the body

But we are only a few. We have in the past looked at a list as your to see what our strong points were to build upon those.

[dbserv]

Our size because it enables us to effectively minister in all of those areas with effectiveness.

We are DEFINITELY BLESSED beyond our wildest imagination. To have MWS's former guitarist want to come here with a pay CUT to be a part of our ministry reflects how blessed we are.

[TW]

I cannot help but notice that teaching has no votes. If we are to minister to those with whom we come in contact everyday, should not the primary function of the church be in teaching us? The church should be a training ground not a social club.

I realize that only six votes have been cast, but I would expect that at least one (preferably all 6) would say teaching.

Just my $.02 worth.


TW

[jinjer]

TW Wrote:

I cannot help but notice that teaching has no votes. If we are to minister to those with whom we come in contact everyday, should not the primary function of the church be in teaching us? The church should be a training ground not a social club.

Just my $.02 worth.

Yea, That's the problem we are having find a church. We're looking for strong biblical teaching of varying levels. It's a bewilderment.

Jinjer

[dbserv]

I would have voted for "teaching" and each of the other areas, if possible. But, since I had to choose 1 area, I took "other" for the reason I explained.

[Kenya]

I voted "teaching" because our church has a gifted "teacher/preacher" that can do both. We have been studying the feasts of Leviticus for the last couple of months and not only have I learned a great deal, it has also inspired me to seek His face even more.

We are also very strong in praise and worship and in outreach ministries.

Our church was founded on small groups but has lost some of the visiton of that, so Joey has just been asked to take on the role of Pastor of Adult Ministries to reorganize and draw more people into the small groups ministries and also to be over membership classes and then into helping people to discover and use their gifts, etc in various areas of ministry. So, we're pretty excited about that.

[RamboPreacher]

it's my pastor's doing, whatever the strength is.

[Pastor Gary]

I wish I could say "teaching" -- since that is my role, but I will leave that to others.

I will say Music and Worship has lately been one of our strongest areas.

[paul]

Pulpit Ministry ( more than just preaching ) Second without hesitation is our youth department. It is totally geared to the youth and the discipleship in that area of the church is powerful. A youth group totally on fire for God, and committed to Christ.

[soulsearcher]

I had to vote "other," which in my case means "all of the above," with excellence.

I would say the initial "drawing card" for our church is our Praise and Worship, which is second to none, with one out of four songs being original, and that percentage is rapidily increasing. Many of our original songs are literally heaven-sent during the worship.

Our musicians are all "first call" players in the Central Florida area (Disney, Universal, conventions, recording studios), but all are dedicated Christians and church members, with a 10-15 year track record. [Rhythm Section: Baldwin 9 ft. grand w/Moog Midi Bar, Bass, Drums, Hammond B-3, Korg Triton Extreme, Korg TR, Yamaha Motif XS8, 2 Rhythm Guitars, Lead Guitar, Latin Percussion (2 players).]

Our worship leaders (Dr. Janis Smith, Pastor Jeffrey Smith, Cassie Hendon) are first and foremost called and anointed to lead worship. Secondly, they can sing the pants off of most anyone. Janis and Jeffrey (mother and son) are also two of the co-pastors and excellent teachers.

We have three additional groups of singers; supporting vocalists, background vocalists, and full choir.

All of this is mixed to perfection by one of the greatest audio engineers in Central Florida. He is also a lighting engineer, as well as video producer, plus he is a singer, bass player, and leader of two international traveling stage bands. He directs a crew of 20 volunteers for three services each Sunday and the mid-week Wednesday service.

The MAIN EVENT at my church, City of Life Church, IS the TEACHING by our Founding/Senior Pastor, Dr. Gary Smith, Co-Pastor, Jeffrey Smith, and occasionally Dr. Janis Smith. I am at a loss for words to describe the impact my pastor's teaching has had upon me and my family, but let me put it this way... For 25 years I was an emotionally-driven Christian without any real growth. But for the past 15 years, under the teaching of my pastors, I have grown and continue to grow in my love for and walk with God.

For a sample teaching of Pastor Gary Smith, go here:

http://www.cityoflifechurch.com/#/library/audio_sermons/pastor_gary/

Lastly, the greatest vehicle for growth, spiritually and numerically, resulting in doubling the size of our church in two years, has been our "Richer Life" small group program. It all begins with a gender-specific weekend "Experience."

To witness a sample of the impact upon individuals in this program, go here:

http://www.cityoflifechurch.com/#/city_of_life/ministries/richer_life/

[Pastor Gary]

I will say Music and Worship has lately been one of our strongest areas.

We are not as polished as some churches -- nor do we wish to be! I love our worship band, though. Here's the P&W from today's service.

[Pastor Bill]

I said Fellowship and Friendship because that was the closest I could find.

I am constantly amazed at the love in our local church. They know what it means to truly be the body of Christ, and to bear one another's burdens. From this we are seeing spiritual growth, new leaders and workers are stepping up and beginning to learn and grow. I have seen a hunger for deeper walks and greater personal responsibility burst out recently. We're having to focus on some training and personal discipleship, as well as guiding along new workers are they gain their wings.

But it is all springing forth from a love and devotion to Christ and one another that has amazed me since I walked into this local church a little over 3 years ago. We've had our struggles, but God is bringing great things.

[EagerBeaver]

I think the teaching and preaching in my local church are very solid and beneficial. Many times I personally have gone home with my faith challenged and perspective changed about a combination of correlating Scriptures that shed a whole new light on the Word.

I've never heard anyone in my church shout while teaching or preaching (that's a HUGE turn off for me, shouting) and it is communicated in a very down-to-earth manner that new believers can understand, yet the most seasoned Christians in our congregation can grow from. That is hard to achieve and our pastor and teachers do it well.