I think this my twelfth church during the sabbatical that I have visited and each visit is getting better. Not that the early ones were bad -- hence I have offended some of my pastor-brethren, but I am visiting some unique fellowships. Today I went to Crossway Church which meets at Manor High School in Millersville. The history of this church is some what unique. I guess they are about 15 years old and was pastored by Ray Randolph for most of that time. A matter of fact I saw Ray today, he still attends the church, but now is a management consultant. The church is apart of what is known as "Sovereign Grace Ministries." They would say that they are not a denomination, but you know the story...."if it walks like a duck, waddles like a duck, quacks like a ...its a duck!" Sovereign Grace is a network of churches that has an interesting blend of Reformed theology and Charismatic leanings. SGM's main players are CJ Mahany and Josh Harris ("I Kissed Dating Good-Bye" fame).
Today was a pleasant, but not total surprise -- in that the pastors of this church are some of the most geniune, gracious guys I have ever met in the ministry. Let me say this, every Sovereign Grace Pastor I have met is a dynamite guy! Peter Priviteria is the Senior Pastor. he took over for Ray a few years ago and is doing a fantastic job. The disappointment of the morning was not hearing Peter preach. Another guest preacher -- these guys known when i am going to show up??
The first observation I will make about the church is how many children they have - remarkable. And how many multiple child homes i saw?? Amazing?? Maybe i was sitting in the fertile parent section -- but I encountered families with 3-4-5 kids in tow! What is amazing about this is because they are in a rented facility and by observation they don't have a "big, complex, bells and whistle" children's ministry happening. A matter of fact, the services starts at 10Am and all the kids - babies as well are in the praise and worship time.
The praise and worship is very similar to most contemporary worship style churches - band with some singers and of course power point on a screen. The difference at Crossway is that the people really sing out loud! It might be from the acoustics of the auditorium -- but they sing out! that is really good. After 20 minutes of worship and a few announces and the offering....they took an intermission! About a 15-20 minute break before the teaching time. This afforded parents the chance to take their kids to the children's classes and the rest to fellowship. Kind of awkward for a visitor like me, but it does force people to say hello -- and the Crossway people did do that!
They gathered everyone up again and they got ready for the teaching time. I was warned that the pastor preaches long - an hour or so!! MY KIND OF GUY!!! Nevertheless, the pastor did not preach but a guest from a Sovereign Grace Church who had been doing training on evangelism spoke on Mark 1 and that "Following Christ mean your will be a Fisher of men!" Simple - to the point - funny -- and very encouraging. The poor fella had a cold and sore throat - I can relate with him recently -- but he did great!
I got to see a few people I know, but had to run after the service. People were milling around, talking, checking out books at a resource table and keeping their kids rounded up!! But all in all it was a great day! Thanks Crossway!