I was hoping to get some recommendations on possible church locations for my husband, myself, and our 5 year old son. We would obviously like it to have a good children's area since our son will need to attend something like that. I grew up in a home where we believe in God and pray, but we never really attended church a lot (however I did attend an Episcopal school from K-12). However, I would like to make this a priority for my family to get involved in a church, but am having a hard time finding a place that I feel comfortable. I am not big into the hands-in-the-air or shouting-out types of worship - I am not knocking it if you feel so moved, but it's just not for me and it makes me kind of uncomfortable when the rest of the group is doing it and I'm not. We have tried several churches in the area and found the contemporary ones are often filled with people who worship God in that way, and like I said, FOR ME, it makes me a little uncomfortable. I want a place that is warm and friendly, contemporary but not over the top, and just a place where I can feel welcomed and comfortable each week in the presence of God. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have for a church in the NRH, Keller, Ft. Worth, Southlake, or Grapevine area (probably don't want to drive more than about 20-25 minutes to attend).
The Hills also has a southlake campus, at Davis and 1709, if that is closer to you. They have an awesome kids ministry, it is smaller than the main campus (NRH, 820). We've enjoyed going there, it is very friendly.
We attend Alliance United Methodist Church in North Fort Worth (near Keller). The contemporary service is at 9:30. They have Sunday School for children during this service. It is a small church and has a very friendly feel. They have some excellent programs for children as well. I hope you will come and check it out!
We attend Keystone Church on Keller Parkway. I never ever in my life thought church could be FUN and a place that I would yearn to go to and be sad if I missed, but for me Keystone is it. There is loud music (which I love) and there are a few people who "raise their hands" but the majority does not. I've never been to a non-contemporary church where no one raises their hands. My husband and I don't and, like I said, most people don't but there are a few. It's darker though (during the singing only) so I never feel uncomfortable about it and because the vast majority doesn't do it, I don't feel any pressure to join in. We have tried Gateway, Fellowship, The Met, and a few others before Keystone when we fell in love with Keystone. Feel free to email me with any questions. I hope you find a church you LOVE as much as my family and I love Keystone. I've never met anyone (yet) who has tried Keystone and not fallen in love if that helps :) I have only talked 3 other people into going to far though, but those 3 love it as much as we do...
Check out Light of the World near the Heritage community on the border of fort worth and keller. My husband and I loved the service and each of my kids (3.5 and 8) loved the kids church. It is the first time my son has had fun at church! http://www.lotwchurch.org/
It is a protestant Christian contemporary outreach church of the LCMS (Lutheran church missouri synod).
You could also try Keller Church of Christ. They are somewhat conservative compared to some. They study directly from the bible, and probably what seperates them from most is they don't use music. all the singing is 4 part harmony and beautiful. It might be worth you looking into depending on exactly what you are looking for.
The Hills Church of Christ in NRH is amazing! Great children program, lovely singing and a wonderful minister. Check it out thehills.org! It is a larger church, so you have to attend a class or volunteer to get plugged in, but it is totally worth it. With small children I would suggest to attend the Growing families class. Good luck with your search. I think it is wonderful that you want to get more involved. God loves it when we seek more time with him.
Not sure how far it would be from you, but I think Irving Bible Church may fit what you are looking for. They are very welcoming, have a great children's program, and they are contemporary but don't do anything that would make you uncomfortable.
Looks like you've gotten a lot of responses, but I also wanted to mention Hillside Community Church. We've been going there for about 3 years now. We love it! Absolutely wonderful children's ministry and it doesn't stop there. The youth program is great and they have excellent Bible studies for men and women. We just finished a parenting class that was amazing! They are non-demonational, excellent music, and the pastors are great. Pete is totally down-to-earth, but so well-read. The way he explains things make such great sense. Check them out online at www.yourhillside.com. You can view sermons or download them to your computer.
Feel free to check out our church online. You'll get a good feel for all areas there (kids, youth, adults). If you decide to try it out one weekend, please pm me, and I would be happy to meet you there so you "know someone." I know we don't know each other, but I would be happy to meet you and help you feel comfortable. www.Milestonechurch.com Good luck in your search.
Try a Methodist church! The larger ones around here usually have a contemporary service, but also a traditional one, and some even have a service that's a mix between the two. From a liturgical standpoint, Methodism is very similar to Episcopalian. I attend FUMC Hurst, which is great and has a ton of kids' programs. We have a Saturday evening contemporary service, but there's no hands-in-the-air or shouting. :-) The drawback for me on that Sat night service is that all of the children's activities (Sunday school, choir, wee worship) are on Sunday mornings, during the more traditional services. I have several friends who go to Whites Chapel UMC in Southlake, and they love it. I attended their contemporary service once and it was a bit to non-traditional for my taste (no hands in the air, but it felt like a concert, with the room darkened and a spotlight on the band). But they have a bridge service that's a mix of contemporary and traditional. FUMC Grapevine is nice as well. We don't go there, but my kids have Kindermusik there each week and I've become familiar with some of the staff.
Good luck finding a place that fits you!
I have heard that The Fellowship Church in Grapevine is a good church. I have never been but worked with a lady that Loved It.
Someone below mentioned Whites Chapel in Southlake! When we moved to the area, we tried MANY churches and ran into some of what you mentioned above. I like a little contemporary but am uncomfortable when it seems over the top. We started at the traditional service at WC and we now go to the service in the Bridge that is contemporary. I recommend starting at the traditional service. My husband grew up in the Episcopal church so was used to a very conservative and traditional service. Because it is a large church, there is a lot for your children which was very important to us. WC just met all of our needs. Hope you give it a try.
hey there, i've been going to The Hills Church of Christ, it's off 820, near Rufe Snow. They do communion every Sunday, which i like b/c that's what i'm' more used to. but as a rule church of christ is pretty conservative. they do have music, which is i guess pretty contemporary, but nothing like what you described. i wouldn't go if they did!
just an idea. i'm a single mom & they have a great single parents ministry. it's a pretty big church, but i like that b/c it gives you more opportunities to find a class/group to fit into, in regards to women/men/singles/marrieds, etc.
anyway good luck, it's pretty hard to find a good church you like :)
Sounds like you would love Compass Church. Non denominational, bible believing church, contemporary music and the pastors are wonderful. We attend the Colleyville location, but there are locations in Roanoke & Valley Ranch too. I don't know which would be closest to you, probably the Colleyville one. It's located on Hall Johnson & Pool Rd. The website is www.mycompasschurch.com and you can see locations and times of service.
Hi M.!
I have a church for you! It is St. Laurence in Southlake. It is on Kimball Ave. We recently moved to Texas and I too made it a priority to find a church. St. Laurence is a very welcoming, loving church. It has a smaller congregation (it is not a mega church). It is a traditional church, where the actual church is just that CHURCH. As Father Jordan says, you will never see him putting on a play inside the church. My husband was reluctant to attend because he grew up Catholic and was forced to go to church. It was Father Jordan who ABSOLUTELY hooked him. He has since become and Usher and joined their men's softball team. There are two services: 8:30 & 10:45. In between the two services there is a wonderful coffee "hour" and children's Sunday School. The Sunday school is broken into grade level. There is also an adult Sunday School, if you want to attend. I have actually gotten my husband to look forward to it. Father Jordan (who is young with a wife and two kids) is currently going over the basics. He calls it "Why we do what we do" Basically, why is a bell rang at the beginning of each service, what is the meaning behind each of the robes, etc. I find it really interesting. There is also a woman's group (which I still have to join) and youth groups for all ages. They just started one for the little kids! My daughters are in the children's choir. If you sing, you can always join the adult choir. Father Jordan, makes it a point to learn everyones, including kids, names. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this church! It is warm and loving. I could go on and on about St. Laurence!
Send me a message if you want more info. Here is the web site too: http://saintlaurencechurch.com/
Hope this helps!
