I'm new to Indy and found this church through some online searches. I saw that there were a few people across several different websites that recommended Common Ground so I stopped by one Sunday. I was hooked from that point forward.
This size of a congregation is just right. It is small enough that the sermons feel intimate, but large enough that you don't feel singled out. Dress code is casual to "dressy" causal. This church is definitely on the contemporary side. Perhaps its not a surprise that a majority of the congregation are younger to middle-aged people, although you can find people from all walks of life. Childcare is available, which is nice since it reduces the number of cries and temper tantrums throughout the service.
Sermons tend to focus in on 1-2 topics a week instead of preaching on a bunch of points that some other churches tend to do. I like this since it gives you a chance to reflect and act upon the ideas throughout the week. The worship service is wonderful. While the praise band is simple by some standards, they are effective. What I absolutely love is how the different parts of the service are well-coordinated. The sermons, worship service, and commentary from congregation members echo the same message every week.
I also appreciate that this church reduces the "extraneous announcements." This is something that bothers me about other churches where 1/3 of the service is dedicated to asking for donations or talking excessively about all the good deeds the church is doing. Tithes and donations here are handled through a box in the lobby or online. If they do talk about their missions, classes, or other opportunities it is kept brief. Not that there's anything inherently wrong about talking about missions/service, but here it genuinely feels as if the intent is to ask for prayers for the group members and not a pat-ourselves-on-the-back session.
The first time I attended...I cried. Probably because I found my "Goldilocks" church - everything fits just right. My only regret is that I didn't start attending sooner. In the past, going to church felt more of an obligation. However once I found Common Ground, church became more of an opportunity to recharge spiritually. read more