I have never been to a contemporary worship service before and didn't know that's what she attended. Wow, I spent the entire service with my jaw in my lap. I couldn't believe it!!! What do people really get out of these services? There was nothing -- no meat at all -- just a bunch of fluff!

We started off singing about 6 songs that had the most horrible lyrics (posted on the big screen above the pulpit). One song even said something about 'meeting Jesus in the air' and I about died! That wasn't the worst of them, I just can't think of the rest. Everyone was swaying, some were clapping, a few were holding their hands up above their heads to catch that long pass I guess. The tambourine was a goin' and every once in a while the lady singer would thank God that we were here. I kept looking for a pastor and didn't see one.

Then we heard the voice in the back announcing a baptism and for all the kids to come around the baptismal font so they could get a better look. Lots of kids, sounding like a herd, galloped back there. Then the pastor asked the father to speak into the microphone and tell why he wanted his daughter baptized. He gave a little speech about his beautiful daughter and how he wanted her to have a personal relationship with the Lord. My hands started sticking to the bulletin from all that syrup in the air. My friend leaned over to me and said, "Don't you just love him! He's so full of love for everyone!"

Then most of the kids were dismissed for children's church and the pastor walked up and down the aisles handing out packets of coloring books and colors for the 6-9 year olds.

More music, swaying, clapping, then the sermon -- about how we're all like Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky and how Clinton should have given his body over to the Lord because when we give our whole body to the Lord, that includes the mind, blah, blah, blah -- lots of references to giving his body to his wife, etc. I won't bore you with the whole service details, I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about (even though I had no clue!) but during the communion -- they told people to come behind the altar and meet with the prayer committee about wanting to dedicate your bodies to the Lord. So while people were taking communion, the assistant pastor and a couple others were laying their hands on peoples heads behind the altar and praying with them. This went on after communion was over and the end of the service was happening.

Oh, I think I forgot to tell you about the prayer request part where we prayed for "Bob and Sue's marriage which has been coming apart" and for "Lisa's nasal congestion which has been troubling her this weekend." I came out of it in a daze, wondering where I'd been and what had wasted my time for the last hour or so. Unbelievable!!

So is this contemporary worship? Why do people like this? I don't understand at all! To have your pastor dress in a sweater and slacks in front of you and do nothing really. The lady with the tambourine led most of it, I thought. Anyway, that's my story. Just wanted to share with someone who'd understand my shock I guess.

Julia

Ed. Has anyone else noticed that many of these Contemporary Worship leading Pastors seem to dwell on sex. there is one here in TX who confessed to the congregation that he and his wife were having some problems, but that when she got a sexy black negligee their marriage got better. It must be the soap opera/talk show connection.