J Mentos Review of Risen Life Church
I attended this church for a short time while I at...
I attended this church for a short time while I attended a local college. I wrote all this before Covid, but only recently found it never published correctly. So here goes.
This is probably the most well run corporate church I ever seen. I say corporate because the atmosphere is more business oriented than spiritual. The Sunday service is polished and culturally relevant. Lights, sound and video production are high quality. The musicianship is so far above me it feels more like a show than worship. The disconnect doesn't end there. The pastors lack relational skills besides the cordial and can't or won't personalize with me. One bearded guy seems to be genuinely interested in me the few times we talk but it was obvious the size of the church prevents deep relationships with staff. Not to be too harsh, but even with my limited interaction with staff I can't say I met or know anyone of Godly character. Everyone on staff is as polished as the Sunday service, complete with professionalism and degrees. Even then I get the feeling this church isn't about individuals or relationships. Everything is corporately designed and driven. The few small groups I attended are not designed for spiritual growth but socializing. No Sunday class or small group are offered for training to grow and deepen my relationship with Jesus or the church. That said, I can't remember a single testimony shared publicly, except maybe a story or two for illustrative purposes by the speaking pastor, or someone sharing their story privately. There is no sense of family, except perhaps in a few of the long-term attendants. Still persons are courteous. The only difference I experienced here than at Mormon services I attended was the content and service design. In some ways the Mormons were more real and open with me than the Christians in Utah. At least they showed more genuine interest in me as a person than an attendee, but that could mean something else.
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