Goss Memorial Church

As you regular readers know, I have been volunteering at First Glance for about the last 6 months (click here to make a donation!). I hold the group of people that work and volunteer there in high regards. So when I heard that most of them attend Goss Memorial Church in Kenmore, I figured it'd be a good church to check out (not to mention, it's only 5 minutes away, and when you're up until 1am playing Call of Duty, you need that kind of closeness).

I have to be honest, Goss was a pretty run-of-the-mill Sunday service. Worship was pretty good and the preaching was pretty normal. Nothing really exciting or anything that would jump out at you. The only real beef I have is that at one point, they asked any visitors to raise their hands so that they could give them some information. Talk about sticking out like a sore thumb and feeling awkward. 

Really it was just your average church service that would blend in with any other church on the tour.  

After that, you might not think I like Goss, and you'd be wrong (of the dead variety). 

For almost a year, I've been wandering to different churches, seeing different worship styles, preaching styles, and service set ups. I've seen worship bands that could probably tour and some that probably should have never left their moms basement. I've heard preachers that have great eloquence and style, and some that couldn't convert their own choir. Good, bad, and indifferent, I've seen 'em all. 

And at the end of the day, none of that matters not one bit. Or as Saint Paul might say, it's skubala (click that link, non-theologians, for a definition). 

Goss shines not in its Sunday service but in its service throughout the week. Not only is Goss a supporter of First Glance and their efforts, but they also support multiple missions groups, both here and abroad. They have a vibrant youth program that attracts over 50 teens (not too shabby for a church thats attendance is about 130). I was able to talk some friends of mine (what's up, TK!) and they shared even more about outreach programs that Goss is involved in, from service with teen moms and young men to services in the school. 

Churches throw quite a bit of money into their Sunday morning worship, but what would be the result if they took that time and money and focused hard core on outreach, small groups, and other programs that focus on people and not a weekly event? 

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Sunday worship is bad or that churches that have cool rock bands and speakers are doing something wrong. What I'm saying is that if your focus is slanted towards Sunday, then don't be surprised that you're raising up Sunday-only Christians. 

Goss is awesome. It seems to me, with their focus on outreach and the community, that they have put their faith where their mouth is. You can keep your big rock bands and lightning, give me a church whose heart is with the people any day. As the good book says, As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. 

One side note before we end, Kevin, the guy I know from First Glance, seemed like he was running the whole show! Not only is he the youth pastor, he lead worship as well, playing the guitar, piano and organ! What the heck?! I think at one point I saw him out in the parking lot, changing a flat tire and delivering a baby. 

Double kudos to Goss, 

Rev.