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Reviews |
Grace Church St Louis
| 1) | Review added by Sue (02-07-2008) |
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I have been a member at Grace for around 25 years now. It is like all churches there are good things and things that could be better. In the long run a church is about the people there and I have some very long term connections with people there, including the Pastor and the "bean counting" woman. They are like all Christians, flawed yet seeking God and trying to follow His will. This church is my home and my family and it has gotten me through some tough times in my life. I have learned that serving God means being part of church. Grace has always had great music, practical teaching and so many opportunities to serve and learn. In fact the best thing about a large church is the various avenues you have to get help. Probably the most amazing ministry is the Overcomers 12 Step group which meets Monday and Thursday night at 7pm and Saturday at 5pm. You will find a group of real people all struggling with addictions/complusions or who live with people struggling with addictions/complusions who are there to share their experience, strength and hope with one another. You don't have to be a member of Grace to come to the group just have to be sick and tired of being sick and tired. Grace is my church so like my family I will always think the best first and if I see a problem I will only point it out if I am willing to be part of the solution. I just know that the church is not the building, or the music, or even the teaching, the church is the people inside all struggling to grow in Christ together and that's whats happening at Grace.
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| 2) | Review added by Mary Beth (12-26-2007) |
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I began attending Grace at 18 years of age. I am now 44 and still there. Even though the church has it's flaws, as all churches due, my life has been changed by God's Word that Pastor Ron preaches evey weekend. I've also been changed by the love and concern of many church members at Grace. I was not able to just go weekly and not get plugged in somewhere. It wasn't enough. Everyone, especially in a large church, needs to get plugged in. I am in a community group and teach in Children's ministry. These things help me grow in Christ and also keep me accountable. I have seen Grace go through many changes. Some I liked and some I didn't. I do believe that Ron has a heart for God and has always sought God's will in every decision made. I know some have left disgruntled, though I don't know all of the details and I don't need to. I am aware that many churches have people leave disgruntled. At the same time, Grace has many who are perfectly happy at Grace because they are being spiritually fed. We have to be so careful not to slander the Body of Christ. Guard your lips the Bible says. If you have a complaint then pray about it and then take it through the proper channels. If you're still bothered, pray some more. Perhaps Grace is not for you but can still be a very good church home for others. There are not perfect people or churches. As for me and our family, Grace is our church home because we do experience the love of Christ there and always have.
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| 3) | Review added by Bruce Jackson (11-18-2007) |
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I went to this church for several years, and eventually left a while back. For me, it wasn't any big reason or anything, just felt it was time to move on. Honestly, after reading these reviews, I would have to say that there is bits of truth in all of them. I think that there are so many wonderful wonderful people that go to Grace, and so much sponteanuous compassion and ministry that happens because of all the great volunteers. And while I continue to believe that the Senior Pastor is a very godly man with a really strong heart, I must admit that I see the validity in some of the frustration expressed here. Frankly, I think that the building campaign that started back in 2002 became a bigger endeavor than expected, and I think leadership sort of lost focus. It is true that there are no perfect churches...but the mark of a good church is that an effort is made to correct mistakes and move forward. I think Grace tries to do that, but sometimes they have failed in protecting peoples hearts in the process. I wouldn't call Grace a bad church by any means...but I personally don't feel it is as dynamic as it once was. I think it is kind of in a identity crisis of sorts. And while I agree that the internet might not be the best place to "vent," simply writing people off as "bitter" and "critical" doesn't seem totally fair. I think there are people who have had legitimate bad experiences at Grace, and through no fault of there own left with a bruised heart.
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| 4) | Review added by Scott Landsbaum (11-14-2007) |
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While I realize that I am biased, I work with the elementary kids, I have grown to know and love Jesus while a member of Grace. I have been connected at Grace for 3 years and have had the honor of meeting people who know what "being a christian" is all about. I cannot say what others have felt or seen while at Grace, but I will thank God daily for showing me the way to Grace.
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| 5) | Review added by john kelso (06-04-2006) |
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Impersonal, contrived parody of worship service. Tepid teaching - informational, but no passion. Pastor sits on stool, tells jokes and reads sermon his ghost writer has prepared. The church is run by a bean-counting woman few in the church are even aware of who doesn't have a spiritual bone in her body and who has no clue how to build a rapport with artistic people in this arts formatted church. Should be running 10,000 - but stuck at 3,000 for many years. Recently eliminated a Saturday evening service due to lack of attendance. Weds night attendance has flattened out, so service held in smaller chapel. Debt-free, but do not advertise or invest heavily in other ministries. Just completed a 10 million dollar bldg program which added no additional seating or amenities to the main sanctuary. This exterior change projects growth and progress, but, in fact, masks many internal problems. Investment here is in infrastructure (atriums) and cosmetics - not people. Pastor can't wait to retire to get out of the monstrosity he has created. Rarely have a special spkr or music group. Very disconnected from the larger body of Christ. Arrogant, corporate, all business - little emphasis on spiritual renewal. Recycled, canned sermons on coping with stress, etc. Many have left having grown restless with the lack of worship, teaching and lack of openness and accountability. A different animal behind the scenes - not at all what it appears to be. Micromanaging Jesus 101! Trust me, I know.
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