REVIEW: Ridge Point Church, Florida…

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Emily Bullock sent in this review last week.  It’s always wonderful to hear from people who’ve had wonderful experiences like this.  Thanks Emily!

Church Name - Ridge Point Church, Winter Haven, FL (click here)
Pastor - Timm Collins
Date Attended - October 29, 2006
Overall Rating - 7-8…
“Not bad. Some good jokes & points to remember.” 
“I took notes through the sermon. Great worship! Very exciting!”

Was the building easy to find? If you drove, was it hard to find parking? How about the exterior or interior signage – what would you do differently?
The directions offered on the website were very clear and easy. It was not hard to find at all. There was sufficent parking available. The only thing I would do differently is maybe put up signs for where the children’s worship area is. There are a lot of doors. Which scares me.

Did anyone approach you and speak to you before the service got underway? If so, how did you feel about that? Can you share their name(s)? Did you know them before your visit?
Many people came up to us and introduced themselves and said they were glad we came. They told us how much we would love the service, which made me look forward to it. I had only met them the day before at the Fall Festival, but they made me feel very welcome.

As you observe the people “doing their church thing”, what goes through your mind? Are you able to understand why they do what they do? Do they seem sincere?
As I observed people all around me, they all seemed very “into” their church. They were excited to be there and you could tell. They all sang and clapped along with the music. They seemed so open and glad to be in church.

What do you think about the rituals (the liturgy or the program)?
Everything was very casual. I liked the worship music time. The whole atmosphere screamed that there were no rigid rituals and everything was very relaxed, which I enjoyed.

Check out the church program/bulletin. Is there anything in it you find confusing or offensive? If this were your “business” how would you improve this communication piece?
I loved the program. The design on the cover for the worship series was really awesome and modern. The inside good - very informative. They staff was listed on the back.

What did you think of the music? Did you enjoy any of it? Was it boring? Write down the feelings you had while watching or participating.
I loved the music. The band was very enthusiastic and energetic. They are truly blessed. I was moved by the music.

What did you think of the prayers? As you listened to the prayers, what did you learn about the people, either good or bad? Did they “major in the majors” or get lost in the minors?
I felt that the prayers were very heartfelt instead of generic and memorized. It was a church service where they begin praying every other minute and I enjoyed that. They focused on the sermon and the people.

Did the speaker or pastor seem likeable? Weird? Is she/he a person you’d enjoy having coffee with? If not, why not?
I liked the pastor. He seemed like a really genuine, likable guy. He tried to incorporate humor into the sermon, which I appreciated.

How about the quality of her/his talk: does the speaker need public speaking lessons or is she/he pretty good? Did she/he seem engaged/sincere/condescending?
He is a great public speaker. He was able to engage the audience and keep their attention. He didn’t say “um” or “uh” and he was very well spoken.

Did the talk itself hold your attention? Was it enjoyable? Thought-provoking? Relevant? Credible? Did any part(s) of it particularly stand out to you in a positive or negative way?
The sermon really made me think a lot. He spoke about worship styles and how everybody is different and there is no one right way to worship. I thought it really applied to how things are today and it made me think. It was obviously a well thought out sermon.

Did anyone approach you and speak to you after the service ended? If so, how did you feel about that? Can you share their name(s)? Did you know them before visiting?
Yes several people, including the pastor’s wife, came up to us and told us they were glad we were there. I thought it was great. They really seemed glad that we had come.

Did you bring any adults or children with you to our service? If so, ask them about their experience. What did they tell you?
I was only with my boyfriend.

How was your experience at the church overall? Did you enjoy it? Would there be any point in you going there again?
I really liked this church. It was vastly di fferent from the church I grew up in, but in a good way. They were really friendly and unpretentious. Everybody was very laid back and friendly. I really enjoyed the experience and would definitely go back.

If this church expects to attract people like yourself, what do you suggest they improve that you haven’t already mentioned?
I think the church really appeals to people my age. I don’t see older, more traditional people being comfortable there. It is not a church my grandmother would enjoy being at, because she is very traditional. However, I think the church’s goal is probably to attract a younger crowd anyway, so it isn’t really a problem.

Have you had a church experience this good?

Sometimes I wonder, when reading a review like this: am I allowing myself to see the good in churches I visit?

Thanks Emily!