Messiah Lutheran Church

My wife and I "viisted" off and on for about 18 months. During that time we tried different things to get someone to greet us. Several times we stood at the visitors' cart which had information about the church. We stood there for about 10 minutes each time. Never did anyone approach us.  During part of the year there is a breakfast held between services in the foyer. On several occasions we arrived well before the brunch was over. Not once did anyone ask us to sit down, let alone greet us and ask if we were new. Of course, they have the greetng of peace where everyone smiles, shakes hands and says "The Peace of Christ be with you" or something like that. But even during that time no one ever asked if we were new, even when we sat in the very back.

The sermons are good. Meaningful, well delivered. The music is ok, although it's your standard "contemporary Christian" schlock that always feels more like a performance by the worship band than anyone being led in worship. Most annoying is when the worship leader repeats a chorus over and over and over, way beyond the number of times indicated on the overhead. But I guess she's worshipping.

We kept looking in the bulletin for announcement of small groups or Sunday School so we could meet people. Nothing. There were some classes, but you had to pay to go to them.

I have the impression that the people in this church are pretty comfortable with themselves. They couldn't care less if they reach anyone in the community or if visitors return. Yet another church that proves that when it comes to American Christianity, introverts need not apply.

On the other hand, if you're a Christian who just wants a nice comfortable service where you can hide out once a week, this is a good place.

As for style, it's pretty informal. The pastors do not wear robes. The senior pastor wears his collar without a jacket so you see all the straps and stuff in back. Weird.

In some churches the pastor stands near or at the doors so you can greet him/her. I don't recall that ever happening at Messiah. But a church often reflects the values of the pastor, so I guess there's a consistency to that.