We’re Not Really Baptists, are we?

Since moving to Florida our family has been trying to find a church that really fit. Most churches now-days aren’t really family centered or focused and it is seeming to get worse and worse. Families are falling apart, children raised in the church are going wayward, family just isn’t as important as ‘me’ time anymore. We have been so bent on finding a church that saw themselves as a larger extension of one’s own family but knowing what we want and finding what we want are two completely different things. Just when we thought we liked a church we would be told, in so many words, that our non-disruptive children weren’t appreciated in the service. At one church, a lady got rude when I politely explained that we preferred to worship as a family. She said that it was more important for the parents to get something out of the sermon (just more ‘me’ time). It was surprising to me because this church spouted freedom to worship the way you want. It turned out to be only as long as you follow their rules.

Anyway, a dear internet friend pointed me towards a Baptist church here in our area, Harmony Ridge. She told me about their drive to create and maintain a family atmosphere and plans for a family Sunday school class. As I gathered more and more info on this church I got emotional because, well, I am pregnant and emotional about everything, and it was exactly what I had been praying for. I listened to some of the pastor’s sermons online and found myself giddy with excitement.

But wait. We are not Baptists.

Ryan and I liked the sound of this church so much that we decided to head on over this past Sunday to check it out even though we aren’t into the whole Baptists thing.
We loved it! What a family this church is! We felt completely welcome and not only were our children encouraged to be in the church with us, they didn’t even have a children’s church to send them to, only a nursery in case we needed it!

Let me tell you all who think young children can’t be expected to sit through a church service quietly – this church was filled with children. Well behaved, quiet, happy children. They were expected to sit and they did. The pastor ties family into just about every sermon. I love it because I believe the family is the foundation of The Church and I can plainly see that the fall of the family has caused a riff in the church.

When we left after the service and lunch on Sunday (yes, they eat together every Sunday!) my 13 year old looked at me and said “This is it. This is our church!” My 10 year old said the preaching was really good and he liked the eating part, too.
We all loved it. So, although I wouldn’t call myself a Baptist we will be faithfully attending Harmony Ridge Baptist Church.

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