ChangePoint

I was invited by a friend to attend a 1:30pm service at ChangePoint on a Sunday.  As I walked in the door it appeared that to me that ChangePoint was your average non-denominational very large, very loud, very cool church.  Before taking a seat I explored the building and discovered an impressive amusement park type area for children's Sunday school called Adventureland.  Adventureland is simply magical, children will love it.  The service structure was worship, offering, sermon, more worship and then baptism (I'm not sure if baptism is a weekly occurance).  The worship team played contemporary Christian music.  They were a little loud, very enthusiastic and encouraged the congregation to clap their hands to the beat.  If you crave more lively worship when you go to church ChangePoint may quench your thirst in Anchorage.  Unfortunately I felt the sermon was a little misguiding.  The topic was essentially about how Christians can better live in the word but not be of the word and was targeted on how Christians should think about their relationships with non-Christians.  In my opinnion the pastor was too encouraging of a safe Christian-bubble lifestyle.  That to me sums up the overarching vibe I got from ChangePoint.  This is a great home for someone who is looking to insulate themself with safe Christian life.  I didn't feel encouraged to seek social justice or live a more radical life after I left.  After the service I was more likely to grab a cup of coffee with my friends and reflect on the sermon than I was to roll up my sleeves and serve.  Overall I think ChangePoint is a fine church, not a great one.  Its entertaining, its hip, its safe but I don't feel their presence is going to have a uniquely large impact on the Anchorage community.