Abby Schogel - Church Visit #1

Church name: Lawndale Christian Community Church

Church address: 3827 W Ogden, Chicago, IL 60623

Date attended: 9-18-16

Church category: Lower Socioeconomic 

Describe the worship service you attended. How was it similar to or different from your regular context?

The service at Lawndale Christian Community Church was in many ways different what I experience at my home church but had plenty of similarities as well. The layout of the service was very different--I was surprised by the circular set-up of the chairs with the stage at the center, as this was a layout I have never seen before. I enjoyed how even the back row was not too far from the stage and the way those speaking turned to face each side made the service feel as though everyone was involved. Similarities were found in the order of the service. With the exception of the lack of communion, which is taken every week at my church, the worship, announcements and sermon aspects felt familiar. The message of the sermon itself was different that what I would expect at my church; the message gave biblical support that every life matters, and as the message was directed to the predominantly black congregation, support that Black Lives Matter. As the demographics of the congregation was different, it makes sense that the content of the message would be different to fit those in attendance.

What did you find most interesting or appealing about the worship service?

I enjoyed the worship aspect of the service, particularly the way that so many were able to participate in leading worship. In addition to a handful playing instruments, there were about half a dozen vocalists leading the congregation in worship that is much more lively than that of my church. I am used to fairly reserved worship style so the enthusiasm is a welcomed change. I really appreciated the involvement of so many to participate; the choir sang a few songs and a few other individuals lead a song as well. Even when the choir had finished their piece, the band continued to play and the congregation continued to sing. I enjoyed experiencing such authentic worship, where they continued to sing because they were not done praising God and that was a higher priority than sticking to the schedule. It was a similar experience as at CCDA, I am used to similar worship to what is often found in Wheaton's chapels and it is great to experience different forms and styles of worship.

What did you find most disorienting or challenging about the worship service?

A very minor aspect of the service that I found a bit distracting was the interactions of those around me during the sermon and worship. I noticed that there was a good bit of talking throughout and often at a normal level of volume instead of a whisper. As families came in (we sat closer to the ramp) we could hear the discussion of where to sit or telling the children where to go. It was obviously not considered rude in this context, but I know those at my church would be less gracious in response if there was a conversation happening during the sermon. 

What aspects of Scripture or theology did the worship service illuminate for you that you had not perceived as clearly in your regular context?

The entire sermon had so much more meaning in Lawndale's context than it would have at my usual church. With the testimonies from around the community, it was clear that the message that "your life matters" is one that would benefit the community, and may be a new message for some of the congregants. Hearing about being created in the image of God was never something that struck me in a profound way because I was raised in a context where  I did not question my value or purpose in life. But to see the pastor affirm his congregation so tangibly, especially by wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt (my church back home would be outraged)  was a beautiful testament of Christ's love. It was new for me to think of the Bible verses used as a way to support the BLM movement because so often society is guilty of not treating everyone as a child of God who is created in His image.