5 /5 Danny Rowland: An Acts 29 church in the center of Troy. They use the Hall for services, but they have a separate entrance for their kids ministry and their offices as well. The people were super friendly and welcoming and I was greeted the second I walked in even though I looked like a mess from hiking the previous day and sleeping in my car (Im not homeless, I promise). The person who greeted me turned out to be the percussionist on the worship team. The building is very unique and is a music venue for the rest of the week. The brick walls and earthy décor give is hipster/sheik/industrial feel (I have no idea what Im talking about but those are just words that came to mind).
The service started with a good mix of worship songs from modern songs to the 90s and I think there was even a hymn in there. The band had a lead male singer with an acoustic guitar and a female vocalist as well as a keyboard, bass, electric guitar, a guy with a banjo, and the guy who greeted me playing a cajon. They sounded really good.
Next: Enter Pastor. Up he walked in his jeans, button-down, and blazer. The pastor was finishing a very long series where he basically worked through all the themes of the Bible. He started revelation, but he very clearly pointed out the elements of the gospel and the Bible that are close-handed (not debatable) and the ones that are open-handed (debated among brothers and sisters in love). He was thorough and open and seemed like a genuine human being just sharing about something he loves.
The sermon concluded with communion. The crackers and wine/juice selection were held at the front by two people who briefly explained the symbolism of body and blood when each person approached them to partake. Its a little intense to be stared in the eyes like that, but hey, the gospel is intense.
The service ended with passing a bucket through the rows for offerings, a few more worship songs, and reading a prayer together. Then another pastor came up and made some announcements and it ended.
Because the space is rented everyone helped out folding up the chairs and people hung out to talk and chat so it felt like a big family. I was just the disheveled stranger hanging out with the family, but I instantly felt included. Troy is not close to home, but I genuinely think I will go back to Terra Nova sometime soon.
I would be remiss if I ended this review here without saying a few things: If you read this review to the end I hope it is because you think Im funny not because you are so concerned with the details of the church. You should be focused on the gospel and the close-handed issued (see I brought it full circle). Go to the church website and read their doctrine statement and then go worship. Dont get caught up in the silly things like how they take communion, what the decorations look like, or whether they sing Newsboys or Housefires. Remember why you are there and take everything I said in this review with a grain of salt. I am putting it out there as a diary of my experience. Maybe you are a random person who has been invited to church by a friend and you googled it to see what it was about....yeah, you. Im talking to you. Your friend loves you and invited you to church cause their church is like their family and they want you to be a part of it. Go and Im sure youll have a good time....it may even change your life. ;)
