Looking for a church: (San Antonio, Cross Mountain: how much, home, theater)

[BamBam.Ariez]

This might be too much to ask for but we're looking for:

A preacher that focuses on preaching a message he's put some thought into. Not getting the sermon from an online site, not copying what another church just preached the Sunday before and definitely not a preacher that spends 15 minutes on a sermon and another half hour trying to guilt people into tithing. Tithing is important but when the message is being put aside repeatedly just to tell people they are not being "Godly" if they don't tithe 10 percent, preaching if they don't donate to build other branches of the church they aren't wanting to spread the word of God to others... once money becomes the focus instead of Gods word the church has lost it's focus.


A medium sized church where people are made to feel welcomed - not just on their first day but every day. One with a good teen group where lessons are taught to help todays teens make smart decisions and respect themselves, not just "free time to socialize" on Wednesdays. Where the size of your wallet isn't as imporant as the size of your heart. Where certain members don't get preferential treatment because they are related to the preacher. Contemporary and traditional music. Where you can come dressed to the nines or in jeans as long as you're there to worship. Where the preacher is assessible if you'd like to speak with him - not where you're "assigned" to speak with another member in his place.

Most importantly where getting Gods message to the people is THE goal. Who cares if members of the congregation are divorced/married, wealthy/poor, conservative/liberal... none of that should matter. The focus should be the message not judging members.

This is a plus but: How many churches sponsor children in other countries? Encourage foreign adoptions? Form missions to help children in other cities/states? What about the very children HERE in our local cities?!?! Being asked to donate Christmas boxes to send to other nations when the kids in the Children's Shelter in San Antonio would love to have one of those boxes. I'm not saying don't care about others in the world but help the needy in your own areas too. Where is the encouragement to adopt kids waiting for a home through TDPRS? Why are missions planned to visit children in Mexico when there are lots of children right here in our own cities that would benefit from a visit and some Bibles. Is there a church that wants to help their local and surrounding communities?

[ShaneSA]

St. John's Lutheran, downtown on Nueva, right across from LaVieta. it's fits the bill for all your points. I agree with not sending stuff and charity off to a foreign land when our own people are in need.
You don;t say what kind of church as in specific religion, but St. john's does fot the bill.
website is Roosterchurch.com.

[Dopo]

Pretty much everything you say fits the "Church of Christ"
give it a try and see if you like it.

The only thing is that they sing acapella in the church, they don't use instruments.
I think they play guitar and other instruments in Vacation Bible School.

Some of the things I like about that church:
- Always preach about the bible and how to use the teachings in our everyday life
- Don't talk about tithing all the time
- Last weekend I notice that they had a pamphlet for "San Antonio Urban Ministries" I'm also a believer that at least 50% of the money/help should be use/done in the area where you live.
San Antonio Urban Ministries
- Very few times I've heard them saying anything that has to do with politics. I don't think that churches should be involved in politics.
- They don't have a hierarchy system like other churches where 1-3 people are the ones that know it all. The Church of Christ has a priest and several elders and many times you have elders or members of the church giving the main sermon.

[chipsndip]

I recommend Bandera Road Community Church (brcc.net) - you can check out some of their recent messages on the website. I'm so very impressed with the welcoming attitude there, and with the way people are accepted, no matter who they are, what they dress like, how much money they make, etc. During this season you will hear a little bit more about giving than normal, but that is not directed at tithing, but instead about sharing our blessings with those in need - whether that's the homeless in San Antonio, or children in an orphanage in Mexico, or villages in Africa without clean water. The music is exceptional, both in talent and in heart. There are now two locations, one on Bandera Rd and one closer to downtown on 281.

I hope you find what you're looking for -- there's lots of choices in San Antonio, and it can be overwhelming trying to find that place that is "home" for you and your family. Hopefully other's experiences shared here will help in your search!

[Lester81]

It may be a bit far out on the North/Northwest side, but Cross Mountain Church has truly been a blessing to my life and fits the bill for what you described. You can hear some of Pastor Randy's past messages online at Cross Mountain Church | Home Page

Good luck on finding a Church home. Regardless of this blog, let Him guide you to the Church that brings you closer to Him.

Blessings

[Cookiemeister]

Check out the Unitarian Universalist website.

[chipsndip]

I forgot - was going to mention Rock Hills church as well - I've met a few folks who go there and was really impressed with the idea - they take one Sunday a month and go do a local service project instead of their worship service that week. That seemed like a pretty neat way to keep people focused on getting out there and making a difference, instead of just talking about it. Rock Hills currently meets at the AMC theater on I-10 - they're a pretty recent startup.