Emma Young - Church Visit #2

Church: African Methodist Episcopal Church
Church Address: 4300 Yackley Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532
Date Attended: 3/30/2014
Church Category: Different racial demographic 

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

The service began with a loud clapping session to thank the Lord for His work this week, while the choir walked onstage, eventually taking over and leading the congregation in song. This choir was much different than any I have encountered: they did not use words or hymnals for music, but rather selected one man with a microphone to solo line by line while the choir countered with the same line. The vein of music continued through the entire service: we were welcomed as visitors with a special song sung directly at us, and the sermon itself was done almost entirely in music. The message started off with a personal story, Scripture, and overall theme, which was then explored greatly through chanting and song. The audience was very engaged throughout the service as they shouted, clapped, amen'd, and more. In closing, the congregation took a prayer walk around the outside of the church. 

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

I was intrigued by the overall different worship style: it is much less about head knowledge of theology and almost entirely focused on knowing God through the heart. I really enjoyed this aspect, because I think it is easy, especially in a place like Wheaton, to over-think faith and forget the spiritual impulse that draws you to God. The pastors, choir, and congregation were all so full of feeling and thankfulness to the Lord that it was infectious. I also enjoyed how open the service was: they had no qualms with anyone who wanted to dance or yell in agreement, but there was not a pressure to do so if you didn't worship in that way. 

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

With the near-constant music and emotional nature of the message, which often escalated into yelling, it was very difficult to actually understand the words and message that was being conveyed. People clapped and yelled in agreement, but I felt a little lost and flustered because I couldn't seem to understand what the pastor was saying. It was also challenging to be in a significant racial minority because that is not an experience that I'm used to. 

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

As I mentioned earlier, the message was very light on theology and Scripture, but one recurring theme that came from the message was God's continued provision and how we do not need to worry because He is in control. I know we hear this at Wheaton a lot too with our Type A personalities and whatnot, but it somehow felt different and had more of an effect in this context. I think this is because I saw it more clearly- the joy and gratitude was evident on the faces of the congregation in a way that I don't often see at Wheaton.