The Church Hopper

So if yall remember… two blogs ago I mentioned that I do not like for people that I know to KNOW the Sunday that I am coming to their church. (Read blog ”Take Two!” for my reasons why) Well, Palm Sunday was an exception. Which is why I titled this blog as I did…

On April 10th I pulled into the back parking lot of West Main Baptist Church. I specifically went to this church on this Sunday because one of my friends told me that not only would they have an actual donkey, but that there would also be a woman preaching! Even just one of those would have persuaded me to attend on that day!

As I walked in the back door of the church I was happy to see that not only was the door unlocked, but that the sanctuary was also with in view! (I hate locked doors on Sunday mornings and poor signage) There was a greeter at the sanctuary door that welcomed and handed me a bulletin. I then made my way to the back of the church to settle in before the service started.

As the service began one of the pastors welcomed us to this special Palm Sunday Service. I say “one of the pastors” because he made it very clear through-out the service that their ministry staff were all pastors. (I didn’t even know that he was the head pastor until I spoke with him a few days later) Soon the children came in waving their palm branches and leaving them at the foot of the cross that was near the alter. After that some of the children sang a special song. Soon their Children’s Pastor gave the children’s message and sent the children outside to see the donkey! She promised the congregation that we would also get a chance to see the donkey also (whew!)

Their Children’s Pastor gave the sermon on Luke 19:28-40, and I could not help but get emotional. All of my life I have attended Methodist churches that have included women pastors for decades, but knew that – that was not something that all denominations allowed. I have seen my female friends who work in other churches – be treated differently because of their gender. I have personally had my call into ministry questioned, because I am a woman. And yall… it sucks! Regardless of your views of women in ministry I hope that you can understand the joy that was in my heart to see someone celebrated in a denomination that would normally forbid such a thing. (Please note that THIS Baptist church has a long history of being progressive with their view on women in pastoral roles, so this was not something unusual for them – just for me – someone who has family in the Southern Baptist churches around the area.)

Overall I felt very at home at West Main Baptist. If felt familiar to me. Their worship service was very liturgical – much like the Methodist churches that I have been apart of. (Meaning: Tolling of the hour, call to worship, lenten prayers and responses, centering prayers etc.) I filled out their visitor card that was in the pew pockets, and by Tuesday I had received a call from the pastor and we actually had a conversation – verses just a ”Hey, thanks for coming” call!

After the service I was able to connect with the folks that I know that are members and staff at the church. And yes, I got to see the donkey too!!!

Quick Church Information

Name/Address: West Main Baptist Church – 450 W Main Street Danville, VA 24541

Attendance: almost 200

Denomination: Baptist but not apart of the Southern Baptist Association

Facebook/Website: Yes, the church has both and are updated/active with LIVE and post LIVE service watching

Signage: There is a regular brick sign out front without much information on it

Age range: There were people of all ages in attendance and involved in the worship service