I became a member because I wanted to eventually volunteer. Later, I thought it unusual for a church to have prerequisites for a person to either be involved or to receive pastoral involvement. ALCC has sort of a ""sifting"" process for people who visit. If you do not go through their volunteer training, you can't volunteer. If you do not sign a membership document and have it confirmed, you ""can't "" receive individual counseling outside the normal church services time or assistance with weddings, etc.
It just seemed weird, because I can't find that kind of set up in the New Testament Church. Jesus simply taught about His Father, accepted all people, and let people pray in His name for good things to happen. ""If they're not against Me, then they are for Me,"" He said.
I'm not against ALCC... just puzzled by its protocols.
Pastor John is a very good teacher of the Bible and there is a sense of sincerity among the church goers.
Because it is a large church, one must make more of an effort to make friends there. Connect Groups can help, but I've never been to one. Fortunately, I knew attendees from work.
As the pastor does say, ""Pray and ask God if ALCC is the place God wants you fellowship at, otherwise He will have another church for you."" Just remember, don't expect any church to be perfect, having all the answers, and making no mistakes. But do expect that God will guide you to a church body where you can be involved somehow.
Blessings to you and thanks most kindly for reading this review.
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