As I've shared from several recent church experiences, I'm currently in the process of visiting Central Indiana faith communities after having spent several years in a historic peace denomination yet feeling like certain aspects of my life, especially around my disability, were being neglected.
The Creek is located not far from Franklin Central High School on the Southeast Side of Indy. While I'm not quite sure if it qualifies as a "mega-church," it's certainly larger than the usual churches that I attend and I'll confess to having been intimidated as I drove up to its rather enormous campus.
I'd been referred to The Creek by friends who knew I desired a faith community where my disability would be accepted. As an aging adult with spina bifida, I've largely outlived most of my supports and I've been longing for a wider circle. The Creek has a strong ministry to persons with disabilities, though my experience is that it largely focuses on individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities - both adults and children.
I contacted the Special Needs Director (for the record, I hate the phrase "special needs"). I wanted to get a feel for attitudes. She was quite friendly and responded twice to my inquiries and encouraged me to attend their 4:30pm class on Sundays. I intended to do that after our last e-mail exchange, but I ended up ill that Sunday and committed the next couple Sundays. So, it took me about a month to follow through.
They offer high-tech, contemporary worship services only with programs for children, youth and those with disabilities among other populations.
I shared with the director that I desired a community where I could both "be" disabled and share my gifts. As I get older, my body is more difficult to manage and I welcome the vulnerability that comes with people knowing who I am physically and emotionally on a more vulnerable level. However, many of the ways in which I'm gifted also still long to be expressed. The Creek has a form, kind of like an application, filled out on everyone it serves in their disability ministry to ensure an understanding of physical needs, behavioral supports, etc. I was impressed that it acknowledged physical disabilities. It's sometimes a little more difficult to serve those whose needs may be physical up to and including restroom needs.
The Creek seems to have a large staff with an abundance of volunteers including both men and women, young and old including students from nearby University of Indianapolis.
The parking lot is huge, there's quite a bit of accessible parking - it's not particularly well marked but it's present. The church is multi-level, but elevators are present. I wasn't sure where to find the disability ministry, called Access, but tried to enter through an outer door labeled "Access." It was locked. I'm assuming it's the volunteer entrance and they know how to, well, access it.
I got a little frustrated, but decided I would just experience the worship anyway. If I like the worship, I'll pursue the disability ministry. Ironically, on my way out I think I figured it out.
It's not real obvious which entrance to use, but I followed the crowds and figured it out. They have Information booths around and volunteers answer questions. I received a gift as a first-time visitor (a coffee mug, note pad, pen). I was pointed to the large sanctuary. It's auditorium style. The worship style is definitely contemporary. I've got no issues with contemporary worship - in fact, I'd dare say I prefer it.
As a Sunday afternoon service, however, it felt very dry. The worship leader was trying hard to energize parishioners, but the rock n' rollish music kind of felt like that one-hit wonder band desperately trying for a second hit. Unfortunately, when that happens it often feels more like performance than worship.
The pastor, Dr. Gary Johnson, started a new series largely centered around the Bible. He's their long-time pastor, but due to retire in April 2019. I liked his speaking style, though I found the message itself surprisingly negative and lacking in inspiration. The preaching is consistently Bible based; the theology stresses inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible and much of today's centered around society's increasing rejection of that.
I found people friendly and helpful including one man who offered, and I accepted, to bring me communion where I was sitting toward the back.
The Creek is a pretty good drive for me and I don't consider it likely that it's a place I would call home nor will I likely return to experience the disability ministry. However, for those seeking a large church, contemporary worship with a theology that stresses the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible, The Creek has much to offer and certainly will embrace those in your family with disabilities.
Be aware that the auditorium is at a slant; if you're on wheels, you may wheel ahead if your brakes aren't in good order. read more
