This was our fifth review. It can be found on Google Maps and below.
What was the name of the service?
2pm Sunday Service
How full was the building?
Between 25% and 33% full.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
Not to begin with, but then two people did as we were milling about.
Was your pew comfortable?
Not for the full 2.5 hours.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
Warm enough. A little lively, but simple.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
“OK let’s get started.”
What books did the congregation use during the service?
The bible.
What musical instruments were played?
Piano.
Did anything distract you?
Some noisy children at times.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
19th Century Presbyterian / reformed type of style. Simple and conservative.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
The Texan pastor went on for 1hour 17 minutes and 32 seconds. At about the 45-minute mark we could sense he had run out of material, but he then spent the next 30 minutes circling looking for some place to land.
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
We scored him: 3, 5 and 6.
In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?
The prophet Jonah and God vindicating his name, but there were many themes and a graphic description of ancient Ninevehite brutality.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
The cupcakes afterwards.
And which part was like being in… er… the other place?
The length of the sermon.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
We were taken for coffee.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
Very good, especially the home made cupcakes.
How would you feel about making another visit (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
We rated it as 0, 2 and 3. The sermon was particularly painful.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
The three of us responded: 1: Yes and No. 2: Yes. 3: No.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days’ time?
Graphic descriptions of how the Assyrians destroyed their enemies to a church full of children. The thoroughly American style of worship.
Final thoughts:
Even though we didn’t enjoy the service that much, we loved the cupcakes and the pastor made one of the most memorable impressions on us. We loved how American he was, and how devoted he is to his Church. May God bless Texas, and Grace Fellowship Church!
The Mystery Worshippers 