INDEX

According to The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, there are more than 41,000 organized Christian denominations Worldwide.

✞ During 2014, I answered the call of embarking on a journey to explore how others serve and worship God. I visited over 45 various denominations. ✝ Here I share the experiences I had, when I open heartedly visited different churches from the Christian faith. ✟

"We are all of the same thread, just woven differently." ~Mira O'

African Methodist Episcopal       Anglican Baptist Brethren Catholic Christian Reformed Church Christian Science Church of Christ Coptic Cowboy  Disciples of Christ Episcopal Evangelical Free Lutheran

Mennonite Messianic Judaism Metropolitan Community Church Mormon Mysticism Nazarene  Pentecostal Presbyterian Quaker Seventh Day Adventist Unity Unitarian Wesleyan

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Nondenominational                           Orthodox

♡♡♡Thank You for your support during my journey!✜✜✜

The Village Church

In 1978, Lakeland Baptist Church helped found the First Baptist Church at Highland Village. In 2002, Matt Chandler became the minister of that Church and it soon became known as The Village Church. The Village Church is governed by a group of male elders. The main Pastor is still Matt Chandler, but other pastors do sermons when he is unavailable.The Village has campuses all over the Dallas Metro Area - Plano, Flower Mound, Denton, North Dallas, and Fort Worth. Every Campus has a local Pastor, but the same weekly sermon is videobroadcasted to all 5 campuses. 

I visited The Village Church Dallas Northway's 5pm Service. The sanctuary filled up almost completely with young and vibrant groups of ladies and gentlemen. I was by far one of the more 'seasoned' attendees. A congregation member made announcements and then led the group in a prayer. There was energetic amplified musical worship intermingled with prayers. Then there was a video sermon entitled, A Beautiful Design, by head Pastor Matt Chandler. It was a sermon about men and women. He first discussed how Biology may make you male or female, but it is character that makes a man or woman.

He spoke of couples in Marriages. How the first few years the Lord cuts back the thorns and thistles as on a rose bush to get the flowers to bloom. He encouraged those in marriages to roll up your sleeves and do the work to reap the rewards. He furthered stated that work is not a one time event, it is ongoing in a relationship destined for or part of a marriage. In this particular sermon, he spoke of the role of Men in Marriage. Subsequent sermons would cover Women's roles. He charged Men with setting the Spiritual Climate of the home. He challenged the men to step up and step into God's design for them. When they do, they will flourish, the family will flourish, and in turn the entire community will benefit. 

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. ~ Genesis 2:15

He told the singles in the crowd to not be discontent during your time as single and that it gives you the opportunity to be undivided in your service to the Lord. 

As we have been deemed perfect by God, it gives us the freedom to keep striving for perfection even when we continue to stumble, fall, and fail. 

What God has called all of us to do will be near impossible he said, but the rewards will be well worth it. In the end, success belongs to the Lord. 

After the sermon, young men passed out the communion sacraments to congregants in their seats. The communion is an open one available to anyone who has been transformed by Jesus. After everyone had theirs in hand, we all said a prayer over it and took communion. 

I found The Village to be Very Similar to Mars Hill in atmosphere and structure, except not all sermons are taught by the same minister. So I was not surprised to find in my research, that in August Pastor Chandler became president of Acts 29 - a church planting organization that was founded by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill.

THANK YOU Village Church of Dallas Northway for offering a great place of Worship for Young People!

Cowboy Church

Cowboy churches have become popular in rural communities. There are not many in New Mexico but there is one in Pecos. The American Cowboy Churches (AFCC) celebrate the American Western Heritage and strive to encourage and support Christian churches that remove many of the barriers that might be found in more traditional churches and offer a more relaxed atmosphere focused on the Bible. The Cowboy Church Movement arose from a desire of people to attend a church where they felt they could "come as they are" and worship God in a comfortable and familiar setting. Most of the churches put on Rodeos periodically. The Pecos Cowboy Church has one every August. 

I attended the Pecos Valley Cowboy Church at their 10:30am Sunday service.

Real People with Real Faith  

Glen Strock is the Pastor, originally from Dixon, he previously made a name for himself as an Artist. The service started out with Cowboys with guitars leading the group in hymns then Prayers and Praise. Their prayers were quite extensive, they asked for audience requests and tried to answer as many personal prayers as they had time for. The minister then had a little talk with a posse of youngins before they went off to Sunday School. Minister Strock talked to them about how Perfect Love drives out Fear. In the middle of the service, they stopped for a brief intermission and had some food and fellowship. They were a very friendly group. 

The sermon was about Paul's unwavering faith in Jesus. After Paul was stoned, he was not deterred. He dusted himself off, got back up, and fearlessly went on doing the work of his Lord Jesus. He encouraged the members to hold your ground in your Faith and to not let your fears rule you. He spoke to the group about representing Christ and your Faith wherever you go and being a stable source of Faith in your Community. He talked about transforming power of viewing Trials as Opportunities. 

Life is a Rodeo, Hold onto the Reigns of God's Love and they will steer you in the right direction. 

Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. ~ Acts 14:22

The offering was given by people putting their tithes in a pair of saddle bags - so unique. After the service was a Chuck Wagon, a potluck, and there looked to be some wonderful food. 

They are currently meeting in a commercial building and have to break down their church every Sunday afternoon, but are looking to move to a permanent building. Many blessings to them in their search for the perfect home.  

  THANK YOU Pecos Cowboy Church for your warm welcome and Love of God. 

Disciples of Christ

The Disciples of Christ Church was the result of two movements seeking Christian unity due to denominations not being able to share communion together in the early 1800s. A few Presbyterian ministers from Pennsylvania and Kentucky were behind the merging and formation of the Disciples of Christ. 

The Disciples of Christ Church is a place to grow in FAITH in an Atmosphere of Freedom, with others that become your Family.

They celebrate Open Communion - All that believe in Jesus are welcome to partake in Communion. 

The Church is ONE - they believe that all Christians are called to be ONE in the Body of Christ and seek unity and fellowship with all denominations.

The Disciples have Freedom of Belief - they are called together around two essentials of faith: a believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God, our Lord and Savior, and a belief that Christians are free to follow their own consciences, guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, fellowship and study in community, and prayer. As Disciples we not only enjoy this Freedom in Christ, we respectfully extend that freedom to others.

They have Baptism by Immersion. They encourage both ministers and lay people to lead in the worship service and at the table. We are ALL called to minister and serve each other and are dedicated to spiritual growth. 

I visited Los Altos Christian Church at their 10:30 am service.

They had bags hanging on the back wall for children with coloring books and crayons. They started with the Call to Worship with hymns and prayers. Then members great each other. The pastor gave a children's lesson. They had a nice choir that sang many songs throughout the service, at times they also have a bell choir. The Pastor was Bill Harrold. He gave a sermon about Moses. 

The sermon was about God and the Mighty acts of God. He talked about Moses and the parting of the sea to save the Israelites. The Pastor talked about how we can walk together and we are here to tell God's story.  Christ died for our sins, so that we may live a life free of sins.  God gives us a new name and identity, so give God the credit. He told us God is with us and the Lord is good all of the time. He reminded us that our Lives are in the hands of God. Have Faith, Hope in Jesus. 

The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.   ~ Exodus 21-22

For communion, the Pastor broke the bread and prayed over it. Bread and cups of juice were passed out to the members in the congregation. The Pastor then prayed over the chalice and the members took the sacrament together. 

There was another hymn then the benediction prayer.

And All God's people said, "AMEN."

They have a Taize service at 5pm on Sunday evenings. 

THANK YOU Los Altos Christian Church for your beautiful service. 

First Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian Church has its roots back to the Reform Movement in England and Scotland, when people like John Calvin separated from the Roman Catholic Church based on grievances. Presbyterian churches surged in the United States during the Revivalist Movement of the early 18th century. 

The Presbyterian Church has a combined governance of both clergy and laity, which is open to both men and women. They believe in "the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers."

PC (USA) made several momentous decisions regarding the direction of the national organization this summer, one of which was to allow their ministers "freedom of conscience" to perform same sex marriages in the jurisdictions that have legalized them. 


I attended the First Presbyterian Church's 8:45 am Sunday service. They held the service in their courtyard. The 11am service is held in their Sanctuary. 

I got there a little early and there was fellowship with hot drinks and donuts. Many people spoke to and greeted me. 

A piano and clarinet duo performed the service music ~ very nice.  

Don't Tell Me What You Believe - Show Me

Presbyterians use a form of prayer and ritual similar to Catholics in their service; but the Calls to Worship, Doxology, and Prayers of Confession are more unique and modern. After the initial prayers and announcements, there was a time of greeting peace to one another. Elder Libby told the children a bible story. 

Reverend Matthew Miller gave the sermon about Moses and the Burning Bush.

And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you." ~ Exodus 3:12

The minister talked about when Moses was living in exile. He was just trying to mind his own business and live an ordinary life, when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a Burning Bush. God commanded him to take off his shoes and go Barefoot on the Holy Land. God had different plans for Moses, to mind God's Business by being a part of the Deliverance of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. God made that Moses' business. When Moses questioned God on how he could do it, God assured him that he would be with him on his Journey. 
God comes to us in many ways, are you listening, or are you just walking by that Burning Bush? Minister Miller shared with us that Once your World is Ablaze with the Glory of God, it is hard to go back. In the end, the only thing that any of us need is that God will be with us in all that we do. 

"But only he who sees, takes off his shoes." ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do you know that God has not sent you a Burning Bush, are you paying attention?

After the sermon, there was offering and communion. It was an altar communion with loaf bread and trays of individual glasses. The service ended with the Benediction and a send off Blessing. 

There was something very peaceful about the outside service, I really like it. 

THANK YOU First Presbyterian Church for your peaceful service.  

Brethren in Christ Church

Brethren are a Brotherhood in Christ that came out of the Anabaptist Faith, just like the Mennonites. They also are a blend of Pietism and the Holiness movement. The denomination emerged in the late 1700's in largely German Immigrant areas of Pennsylvania. There are many different Brethren groups. Early Brethren in Christ members avoided “worldly” activities such as politics and certain amusements like card playing. Dress was simple and unadorned by jewelry, bright colors, or frills. Their plain uniform dress made them stand out in their communities which suited their belief of being a "separate people called out by God." Today many of the conservative congregations still hold true to the Plain living. Most churches, however, these days stay true to the strong religious doctrines and beliefs, but dress and live just as the average person. 

I visited the Desert Light Brethren in Christ Church's 10:30am service.

It is a Little Church with a Big Heart. 

As a newcomer they gave me a cross for my pocket and a small loaf of bread. First they sang their hearts out with Praise for the Lord. There was prayer and then communion. They had fellowship, or as they called it "loved on each other." The sermon was given by the music director about Grace. 

It was the story of Simon the Pharisee whom invited Christ to his house but did not provide him the common courtesy of washing his feet. The speaker said, Do not be like the Pharisees by not giving something to someone because they have nothing to offer you. The woman, that was labeled a sinner washed his feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair, and anointed him with oil. Grace is giving without any expectation of return; not because someone deserves it, rather it is what Christ would do. Grace is glorified simply by the object of Grace. God's Grace qualifies you to serve him instantly so open your heart to the Grace of Jesus.  When the father looks at you, he looks at you with love even when what you bring to him is broken and burnt. 

For by grace you are saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God. Not of works, that no man may glory. ~ Ephesians 2:8-9 


Your Faith has saved you, go in peace. 

The church puts a heavy emphasis on mission work, such as fundraising for Navajo children and working with the Albuquerque Rescue Mission. They also have a 5pm Sunday service in Spanish. 

They were a super friendly church, very welcoming. 

THANK YOU Desert Light Brethren in Christ Church for graciously welcoming me into your family. 

Christ Lutheran - LCMS

Their are several different branches of the Lutheran Church. Missouri Synod or LCMS is considered a "confessional" denomination and one of the more conservative groups. In 1847, The LCMS was organized at a meeting in Chicago of largely German immigrants, initially called the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. Having over 2.5 million members, the LCMS is the 11th largest Christian denomination in North America. Even though the Missouri Synod is a separate denomination, they still subscribe, "unconditionally to all the symbolical books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a "true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God" They believe and attempt to hold true to the historical Christian doctrines as revealed in the Bible.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16

Christ Lutheran is a Missouri Synod Lutheran denomination. They also have a School on site open to all faiths. I attended their 11am Sunday service.

  
I was surprised how different a Missouri Synod church was to the other Lutheran Church I attended. This church was closer in ritual to an Episcopal or Catholic service, using the Nicene and other Creeds, ceremonial robes, acolytes and alter candles. 

There were many hymns sung throughout the service. They had an amazing pipe organ which led the congregation in each hymn. 

There was liturgy, prayers, and bible readings - then Reverend Neal Groeling gathered with the young ones at the alter for a Children's message. It paralleled his sermon on the topic of Fear. He talked to the children about his fear of Monsters under the bed when he was young. As a solution, his mother put a glow in the dark picture of Jesus in his room. The feeling that Jesus was watching over him comforted him in his fears. 

Amazing Grace was sung during the offering and then Rev. Groeling gave his sermon. He asked the congregation what fear was and some people said heights and a child said bears. The reverend said those are actually causes of fears and he contributed that his greatest fear was for the salvation of the people he knows. He explained that fear is actually a natural instinct that God has built into us. He said to us that the things Christ calls us to do, often causes us the greatest fear. He emboldened us to not be afraid of the evils in life, because they have no power over us when you walk with Christ. 

Afterwards, there was communion. It was a unique blend of protestant and catholic rituals. The congregation sang while the other members went to the alter for communion. At the alter each person was given the sacrament of a wafer and a small cup of wine. Then there were closing hymns. 

You could tell the congregation was a very bonded group of people that were a committed spiritual community.  

NOTE: LCMS do not condone membership in Fraternal organizations, Lodges, Masons, etc. 

THANK YOU Christ Lutheran for a blessed Sunday of worship.

Mystics ~ Center of Light

Mysticism is not a religion, it is rather a way to practice a certain religion. Mysticism is defined as distinctive practices, discourses, texts, institutions, traditions, and experiences aimed at human transformation, it is expressed differently in each religion.  There are mystics in Christianity, but there is also Judaism mysticism called Kaballah. Muslim mystics are Sufi. 

Christian Mysticism is the "spiritual process of coming into the experience of God at the center of one’s being." Mystics do this through practices of meditation, prayer and being in relationship with God on a daily basis, all in an attempt to know God with a personal relationship. Famous Christian mystics are St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine of Siena. 

Centers of Light otherwise called Order of Christ Sophia, are a Christian Mysticism self proclaimed Holy Order with multiple centers around the United States. They "teach, share, and cultivate spirituality through sacraments, meditation, seminars, classes, and practical instruction" and are unique to other denominations that they believe Jesus represents the masculine aspect of God and Mary represents the feminine aspect of God. The Order's Co-Founder, Peter Bowes, left in 2012 and the group saw a major shift to a more inclusive and collaborative spiritual community. 

I attended the Santa Fe Center of Light Church's 9:30 am service. 

The center was in a small commercial area in a suburb of Santa Fe. There was a small group. They start out with a 30 minute guided meditation. There were two licensed ministers who performed the service. There were hymns sung, then a reading from the bible. 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.         ~ Mark 12:30

One of the ministers, Leah Johnson, gave a sermon from The Poem of the Man God which is a text that was a forbidden text by the Vatican until the 1990's. It is an Italian nun, Maria Valtorta's, interpretation of the Gospels. The story told was one that compares Mother Mary to Lilies of the Valley with her humility. Then she talked to the two models that spirituality often speaks of - Wholeness and Perfection. The Wholeness approach is often referred to as the feminine model - inclusion, cooperation, and acceptance of all aspects of life and the world as some level. The Perfection model, often considered more the masculine of the two focuses on achievements, competition, and a results oriented approach. Johnson spoke of how the two should both be integrated and honored in spiritual studies. 

There was then Communion which everyone was welcome to receive regardless of their affiliations or beliefs. They first prayed over the wafers and wine. Their prayers, even the Lord's Prayer, incorporate Mary into them. The way they hold the Mother Mary in esteem and include her in their rituals and prayers, reminded me of some catholic practices. After the service, the members hugged one another. 

They offer a variety of classes, meditation times, and social events. 

THANK YOU Center of Light Church for allowing me to share your service with you.