I'm started my church search again, and this time I'm truly on a mission to find a place I can…read morebecome a member of, serve, grow, and all that good stuff. I have a few preferences-- diverse congregation, friendly inviting people, good music, close to home, and hour and half or less service.
I first visited Midtown Bridge last week, but they changed the time and location to a different place, so I decided to visit another church. I came back this week (today actually) and I can say this is a very easy straightforward church to go to for anyone. More details below.
LOCATION:
Atlantic Station, Regal Cinemas. 10AM. There will be church signs in front of the cinema on days they have service. This location is perfect because everyone is familiar with it. You park it the deck below, you get 2 hours free which is enough for church because its only about 1hr 15 minutes (1hr 30 at max I believe). However you can bring up your ticket to get it validated like you would after the movies (there are stamping stations near the exits) That gives you an extra 2 hrs so you'll have a total of 4hrs. This is good if you wanted to do some shopping or eat in Atlantic Station after church.
FIRST IMPRESSION/GREETINGS:
There are two greeters outside, then two when you enter into the cinemas and they hand you the program. I got mostly smiles and kind greetings from these people. They have drinks (coffee and maybe juice) and cake for everyone which is very nice. I didn't partake this time, but next time I will. Upon entering the theater for service I was greeted by another really kind guy who actually spoke, he was definitely the best of all the greeters.
SEATING:
It's in the theater so you find seating just like you would at the movies. Don't worry there are plenty of seats even if you arrive a little late there will likely be atleast 1 or 2 rows where there are a bunch of empty seats.
SERVICE:
Started with Music, Welcome/Greetings- "say hello to a neighbor", (the day I went there were baby dedications), Prayer, Music, Sermon, Music + Offering, Announcements. That's pretty much how it went. Very straightforward, perfect for a modern church. I was in at 10 and out before 11:30. And by out I mean in my car and driving off and turning down 17th Street at 11:28am.
CONGREGATION:
Hands down the most diverse church I have ever been too, this has to be the most equally diverse church in Atlanta right now. Literally like 50/50 or should I say 40/40/20-- white, black, asian. Families to singles. Older and younger. I think the location, casual atmosphere, and service time aid in this. You can come as you are (jeans and sneakers or dressed up), you're going to a place that you're familiar with (atlantic station), the service is like a mass (60 minutes--- which for southern raised baptists like myself is simply amazing since church was an easily a 2.5 hr deal or more every Sunday.) Its a hodge podge of people. The congregation looks how you would imagine all churches would in 2014. I'm still shocked how equal it was in regards to race. Usually there are more whites or blacks or whatever, but nope... the most equal I've seen it. It was very cool and great to experience.
SERMON:
The pastor is a nice guy. The sermon went along with a series they're on, and they had the scriptures and major points on the screen.
SUMMARY:
How do I describe it? Hmmm, let's see... I've only been once so far, but this church felt like a true "city church" to me or maybe its simply like a mass. You can come here and fellowship/build a church home or you can simply just come and get the word, it's only an hour out of your Sunday and positive way to start the week. I don't think I'll make this my church home, but I will definitely regularly visit :-) 4/5 because of the diversity, location, and food.
UPDATE 4/6/14: I've visited the church again and the church is 1.5 hours, 1 hr 30 minutes. Which is decent. The theater can get quite cold, so bring a sweater or jacket... I almost fell asleep today it was so cold, lol.
