Charleston
Just got back last night from a trip to Charleston, SC. Beautiful city and area. River Church is going to do well. We had great meetings with denominational types and great meetings with the school guys, and a great time hanging out with potential team members. God is opening some doors for Todd and his crew. Excited about their future in bringing down some walls in C’ton.
Visited a church in the area. Not my cup of tea but reaching a lot of people in the area. Great presentation. Friendly. Great guest services. Music I would describe as WRC Light. Some of the complainers about noise at WRC would be comfortable there. End of service – candle lighting (like in the Catholic church) I was in the balcony and almost smothered from rising smoke – hanging sins on the cross – self serve communion. I don’t know about these things on a weekly basis. I actually don’t mind any of them but feel that when offered weekly they become routine. I feel they lose some of their deep emotional attachment when practiced weekly.
I wish WRC did communion more often but I hope we never go to a weekly serve yourself communion. Jesus served the disciples and then they served each other as the bread was passed down the length of the table. I think it adds something when communion is served by elders and leaders.
I’ve also participated in services where we offered our sin up on the cross. Very moving. Very humbling. But weekly it becomes less meaningful. The pastor even said some of you are hanging the same sins up every week.
The candles…My friend Kevin told me that was not a particular great practice from his background. I’m not sure what meaning is brought out. Again I’m not opposed as long as it has some biblical, spiritual foundation. I’m not crazy about thinking it might have some pagan practice attached to it. But if if’s biblical and you get meaning from it all right. Just make sure there’s plenty of ventilation. I want even walk in a candle store because I get all stuffy around those things.
On the negative side…we drove my wife’s car and had to jump it off several times when it wouldn’t start. Thanks Steve for having cables. Turns out we had some in the back of our car and had to use them a couple of more times. Battery died, I’m just glad it wasn’t the alternator or starter.
Great Trip! Anyone else taking a church planting trip and wants me along for the ride, I’m open.
