Diverse Church (Columbia, Charleston, Aiken: transfer, elementary school, living in)

[meeks715]

Hi I have lived in Lexington, SC for about a year (moved here from Maryland). We love it here! Our only problem is that we haven't found a diverse church (we are non-denominational).

We have been invited to several churches from our new SC friends but they are usually all one race. I am puerto rican and I know that I wont find an all puerto rican church, nor do I want to. I just want to find a church in the thirty mile radius of Lexington that has a mix of people. Any suggestions?

[thechappells]

i would like to know, too. we're an interracial family living in lexington and would like to attend a non-denom church.

[meeks715]

I read your other post about Dunkin Donuts and I couldn't agree more....

Originally Posted by thechappells

i would like to know, too. we're an interracial family living in lexington and would like to attend a non-denom church.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by thechappells

i would like to know, too. we're an interracial family living in lexington and would like to attend a non-denom church.

We attend Seacoast - a non-denominational church, and enjoy it very much. We moved last summer and it was the only one we could find in the metro area. It's a little unique in that both the Irmo & Columbia campuses are satellite campuses of the main branch in Charleston (Mt. Pleasant), so you have a live band (which is outstanding by the way!), a campus pastor who prays, announcements, etc., and then you watch the message on the tv screen. It takes a little getting used too, but I think you'll enjoy it. We not only have multiple races at the church, but even in our band (at least Columbia). The Irmo campus is closer to you guys in Lexington, it's held at the Ben Lippen elementary school on St. Andrews Rd. right off of I-26. The Columbia campus is in the NE off of I-77 and US-1. For more about the church: www.seacoast.org

It would be at least worth your while to check it out! Hope you will enjoy it

[southernmeltdown]

Cedar Creek Church - Aiken, SC we just opened a seed church near you very diverse non-dem...christ centered...

[DadofTwo]

i know you said non-denominational; but we moved a year ago and started attending Gateway Baptist, it is a diverse church. the music is great and contemporary with solid preaching. my wife is puerto rican and she loves it there! just keep praying and God will open doors for you. I have heard good things about Seacoast.

[broray2000]

If you don't mind a drive, you may check out Oasis Church in AIken, SC. They are diverse Spirit driven church, pastor is very international minded and cultured, members are diverse, multicultural.

[waccamatt]

Have you looked into the Unitarian Universalist Church in the Shandon area of Columbia? They have a very diverse membership.

[meeks715]

Aiken is a bit far. But, I might give it a try! thx
I have not looked into the Unitarian church....i will google them and see if they have a website! thx

[107main]

Originally Posted by meeks715

Hi I have lived in Lexington, SC for about a year (moved here from Maryland). We love it here! Our only problem is that we haven't found a diverse church (we are non-denominational).

We have been invited to several churches from our new SC friends but they are usually all one race. I am puerto rican and I know that I wont find an all puerto rican church, nor do I want to. I just want to find a church in the thirty mile radius of Lexington that has a mix of people. Any suggestions?

You might try the Palmetto Church of Christ in Irmo. Not sure exacty what you mean by Diverse. We are non-denominational as that is how it was in the Bible in early church. I have been in CoC for about 50 years and have never saw ANYONE turned away because of race. We have a mixed race, not sure of any Puerto Ricans, but, hey, that dont matter because we are there to worship God, not each other. You would be warmly welcomed. We did have a wonderful member from Jamaca, but he transferred to Fla after years with us, a real loss to us! He was is a great Christian. You should consider not especially looking for a mixed church as a priority, but look for what it teaches, ie, follows the Word. Racial quotas forced are what Govco does. God does not force them, anyone is free to go where they want. That is a great thing, freedom to worship. Let us hope that this never changes! Now if a minister or elder started a program to go out and select only certain people for their race, they would have to pass prospects doing this. This is in conflict with Gods word, He is no respector of persons, all are equal and if man gets selective on who he wants in church in either direction, man is wrong! An open door and welcome arms for all is right!
Come visit, I am sure you would like it. You will be warmly welcomed. We dont claim to be perfect, but strive for this!
Rob H.