Lawndale Community Church
3827 W Ogden
Chicago, IL 60623
Sunday, March 18, 2015
Lower Socioeconomic Demographic
10+ miles from Wheaton
Lawndale Community Church was not
that different than the churches I have grown up going to; I would classify it
as a “normal” church. However, the people and the life they bring differentiate
it from other churches I have attended. The people sang with their whole souls
in the choir and on stage, which encouraged everyone to participate. As for the
location, the renovated car dealership made for the perfect church venue every
Sunday morning for this congregation. Its casual but allows people to come as
they are. Seats were lined up around a stage in the center as opposed to a
stage at the front. Children stayed in the service for worship then left when
the sermon started, which is like my church. The Pastor who spoke this morning
gave the sermon with passion as well as depth and called attention by
encouraging interaction with his message.
I liked the atmosphere. As being
rather loud and lively myself, I appreciate when people do not hold back their
energy or volume. Individuals were there to worship Jesus, and nothing was
going to stop them from showing Him their praise and affection. The unique
circular set up encouraged participation because it brought everyone closer to
what was happening on-stage. I liked this set up too because you could see who
was at church, which made it harder to slip in and out without someone noticing
you. Throughout the entirety of the church ministry, everything is thoroughly
focused on making disciples and supporting members in their every day life. I
love how practical and involved the church is about making disciples and
changing lives. They provide opportunities for people to truly be born again. The
church fits its congregation well and provides the opportunity for the
community to experience Christ’s love in many different ways. I really
appreciate that.
Out of all my church visits, this
is the one I felt the most comfortable at. Despite the high number of Caucasian
visitors this morning, being a white girl in an African American church in a
notoriously dangerous neighborhood of Chicago was a little uncomfortable. Since
we got there early, we spent some time driving around the area before we came
in, which gave us a better idea of the tangible socioeconomic level and current
state of the community. However, once I got inside the church, I felt
completely safe. That is until Dr. Lee told us we had been sitting in the Hope
House section, then I felt a little uneasy again. However, the people were kind
and greeted us, and despite our physical differences, no one looked at me like
I shouldn’t be there. We worship the same God, so we are more alike than different.
That is all that really matters.
Something
that was highlighted for me during the service this morning was the importance
of outward expression of our love for God. It’s really easy to go through each
day and forget to speak of God’s holiness or worthiness or outwardly praise
him. However, the people of the church seemed to boldly rejoice in God’s
goodness. I think they have a deeper appreciation or dependence on him and can
more fully see how he has changed them. I want to live with that same gumption.
Overall, the depth of testimony is inspiring. Just hearing about all the
different ministries of the church motivates me to want to go change the world
and make a difference. Being at Lawndale Community Church this morning reminded
me that life transformation happens, and we all have the opportunity to
participate in this ministry.
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