If you build it, they will come
"But some neighbors are objecting, saying the church would damage the environment and snarl traffic. The township has not yet approved Christ Church's building plans, which were submitted in July 2003, and the church sued the township last month claiming a violation of its right to practice religion."
A megachurch (membership greater than 2,000) is going up in this Montclair, N.J., neighborhood and not everybody's happy. The Triad-area has them in abundance, tucked in neighborhoods big and small: Westover on Muir's Chapel Road in Greensboro; Mount Zion on Alamance Church Road in Greensboro; and Green Street Baptist Church at North Rotary Dr. and Phillips Avenue.
The list goes on and on.
What's been your experience with the large house of worship (whatever the faith) next door or on your street?
Comments (4)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
You'd think there was a shortage of bildings to use for church services, or a shortage of tracts of land. One should ask "Why does this building have to be built at this one spot in order for you to worship?" Their complaint sounds spurious to me.
It seems to me that these people really ought to have started off a little more willing to live in harmony with their community, rather than demanding unquestioning approval and perhaps untenable demands.
Posted on May 9, 2005 12:59 PM
Just a point of note, Green Street Baptist in HP is NO LONGER located on Green Street. It is now located at the corner of North Rotary Dr. & Phillips Avenue.
Posted on May 11, 2005 9:02 AM
Westover is a nondenominational bible church. I beleive its government is somewhat of a mix between Baptist and Presbyterian.
When you attend Westover for the first time, you'll notice a difference as you pull into its driveway. Friendly members directing traffic will guide visitors to the choice spots. From the lot you'll be directed to the nearest entrance.
Upon entering the facilities another member (there are several greeters) will direct you and your family to the appropriate nursery/sunday school/worship center location- happily escorting you if neccessary.
At a central point in the main structure there is an information kiosk, always manned, to answer questions, provide directions and so on.
The adult classes are often larger than most congregations. The teaching is typically reformed and biblically based- ususally delivered by a pastor.
Its head pastor- Don?- is a tall, good looking guy (reminds me of Paul McCartney in his 40's!). His sermons are engaging, personal and reflect his good nature. There substance always seems to focus on Christ. Westover employs state of the art technologies to enhance every sermon. (An overhead screen keeps track his points in real time.)
The music is contemporary, loud and extremely dramatic. If a popular recorded Christian song includes sound effects, the worship teams includes them as well.(Too often the older members have to cover their ears or simply feel left out). I am told by an elder that this style of worship is directed towards the 20-30 year old worshipers.
There is simply no way a visitor can attend this church without A) feeling welcomed. B)hearing the Gospel. C)either being annoyed at the music or noticing many are alienated by it. D)knowing the church's mission. E)finding good teaching and other resources to encourage his or her faith.
Posted on May 13, 2005 12:24 PM
Westover church has a lot going for it from the outward appearance but I have some warning for those who would listen to what I have to say. Be very cautious of the "friendly welcomes" and the appearance of Christ-centered messages. I was a member there a few years ago, working in various ministries and I ran into a host of un-Christlike attitudes and even judgement based on believe it or not, what kind of income I had, the fact I didn't have a four year degree and what kind of home I lived in. Just be cautious and above all PRAY about your decision to worship or join there.
Posted on December 17, 2005 10:29 AM