5 /5 J C F: Visiting Sarasota for 2 months, I attended this church weekly and now offer an assessment for others seeking a guest visit.
The building on downtown Main Street is beautiful, with the inside being appropriately simple and equally attractive. I found the 10:30 service filling the place about 1/3rd full, resulting in a pleasantly uncrowded environment, yet still lively. The people were friendly, mostly older adults, with a mix of mostly casual dress. A few wore shorts, including me, standing out no more than the few who wore suits. There are numerous greeters outside on the sidewalk, at the front door, and again inside, making any stranger feel welcome. Bathrooms are right inside the front doors and typical publication materials are not handed out. The sanctuary has a traditional look and feel offering a good choice of seating preference, including a nice balcony that is open, but usually nearly vacant. Its a comfortable size, being neither too small nor large. My only negative comment is that the ac was too cold for me, as well as a few others. Know though that the roof ac ducts make the balcony even colder.
In my subjective view, I found the singing, prayers, sermon, offering, and announcements to be a perfect balance of worship service. Although the 10:30 service is labeled as a classic style, Id say that the 4 piece orchestra, 3 piece band, drums, percussion, keyboards, flashy lead singers, and full choir were more contemporary (and loud) than any traditional piano/singing style that some of us were raised on. However, it was in fact outstanding worship music, thanks in large part to the impressive talent there in both singing and instruments. The energy and joy is evident and contagious here, and I must admit that the violin and harmony acts captivated me unlike any other church music has ever done.
Pastor John is a good, dynamic, seemingly biblical preacher/teacher. I say seemingly only because I wasnt there long enough to hear him tackle any controversial doctrinal or cultural issues. Being Baptist and reading the websites beliefs, Id expect this to be a true, evangelical or biblical church - for those of us that want that.
Traveling extensively past and present, I attend many different churches. I dont know how many small group ministries, social activities, and outreach missions this church coordinates, but I do know its a great place to worship the Lord with others on Sunday mornings. If youre new in town and have a Biblical Christian faith, include this place in your plans.
If you live here in town with no such faith, but have a desire to seek God or just check this Christian thing out that youve avoided all your life, I think this would be an excellent place to start. The welcoming environment, friendly people, great music, and message of truth is enough to stir any open heart to a changed life. To God be the glory and everyone here at this wonderful church blessed with his goodness and love.
