I went to church in Asheville today

I noticed on Twittter the other day that someone had posted "the real deal" concerning a church in Asheville. Just a few days later I was invited to that same church by a friend. I showed up an hour early to see what was going on. When I walked toward the door, there were some people outside talking, drinking hot chocolate, smoking a cigarette and trying to stay warm in this cold weather. I walked into the basement and there was a lunch buffet set up and a bunch of hungry people in line. There were several people sitting around eating, and many workers tending to the needs of others. I sat down with my back to the people and listened for a minute. I heard people talking about life, faith, food, and hope.

I had a glass of sweet tea and asked a lady how to get to the sanctuary. She smiled, said "follow me" and we went into the next room. This room was a dining hall where many people were being fed. We raced through that room and into the next. Several rooms full of clothing and lots of people trying stuff on. She took me to a small stairwell in the back corner of the room and said "just go right up here and you are there." This was the secret back corridor to the church. I waited for a man to come down the stairs as only one person can pass at a time. I then headed up to the next level.

I walked into a simple but beautiful sanctuary filled with people of all colors, shapes and sizes. Some looked well off, while others seemed as if they did not have a home or any family outside this church. Either way, they were there to eat, meet, and increase their faith as a collective body. Lots of people were wearing Happy Birthday hats so I believe this is their 1 year anniversary. A man named Brian stands up, introduces himself and the church and then has the congregation introduce others in the group and maybe give some thanks. Lots of smiles and warmth going around the room.

Some other parts of the service included:

People walk up to the alter, light a candle and say a prayer. A simple outward sign of their prayers going up to God.

Prayer requests - some people pray to themselves, others make noise, and the kids loved this part as they could bring instruments etc. They gave a shoutout for Penny, the church dog. Some praise for Chef Ron who cooks at the Church. Prayers for the homeless in Asheville and everywhere, and even a praise for The Dripolator coffee shop.

Everyone held hands and said the Lords Prayer "our Father, who art in heaven.."

Offering time - people walked up to the table/alter.

Message was on Matthew 11:2-11 Doubt and Renewal

I sat alone, a little boy sat next me and then a man sat next to him. A lady I had never met before then squeezed in and sat down between me and the boy. The church had a hot chocolate and cookies fellowship time where we got a partner, went up, served each other with theses items (she asked me to be her partner, she poured hot chocolate for me and I did the same for her) and we were supposed to talk about where you are in your faith or share something about yourself. We (Jessica and me) chatted for a few, took the picture above with the church dog "Penny" featured in it, and on the way out Pastor Brian introduced himself and thanked me for coming to the service. I told him a friend of mine, David Bourne, had invited me.

I am not a "holy roller" and I have had my share of extreme religious encounters in my time; but this church was different in practicality and personality. Faith without works is dead. At least that is what the Bible says. This is a working congregation! Glad I took an hour to stop by The Haywood Street Congregation for their Wednesday mid-day service.

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Asheville, religion and diversity

Recently, at Bele Chere 2010, we took this video. Here is the message that the street preachers were preaching, some of the people that opposed them, and others who supported what they were doing. If you pay attention to the end of this video; a man is opposing the street preacher, and an African American woman takes the side of the preacher and tells him to "Rebuke that in the name of Jesus" and to "Preach on!"



Asheville is called the "Buckle of the Bible Belt" by many faith based arenas. Some churches are wondering why their "hometown" is being consumed by other religions and philosophies; while millions of dollars a year is going to "Save" 3rd world countries and missionaries. Is Asheville North Carolina numb to Christianity? I doubt it. There are plenty of strong faith based works going on everyday in the AVL community. Churches like C3, Church In Motion, and Seacoast are coming into the area strong, in addition to already established congregations such as Crossroads Assembly, North Asheville Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist Church, Biltmore Baptist Church and many others. A lot of good, sometimes unnoticed or unseen, comes from these local congregations.

There are many religions in the world, and now they are in Asheville NC. Is everyone allowed the same freedom of speech as the other religion? Is there only one right way? How do we all get to heaven and live happily ever after? Some say by faith in Jesus Christ, others preach faith and works, and then there are some who believe that you just have to be a "good person" and it will all work out in the end. Pretty simple, right? Not exactly. Legalism comes into many of these groups where you must conform to their principles that according to them, had originated from the Bible. I have been in churches where they called women whores if they had makeup on; and preached against men who wore striped ties and used deodorant. I doubt this has anything to do with the Bible, religion or salvation. Extremism has hurt the mission of many pure hearts who sincerely care.

Why do churches want to reach a community? We have heard some of these reasons: To build their congregation, to be instrumental in saving our souls, to help our lives, to build a faith based relationship, to teach us the scriptures, etc. These are just a few of the many reasons, both negative and positive according to who they are trying to reach. Some people have refused and rejected the offer and have a perfect right to do so; and going to "face the consequences" according to others.

Is freedom of religion really a part of Asheville North Carolina? Are Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses treated with equality when it comes to what they believe and expressing their faith? Are people who do not have any faith allowed to do so without being badgered or stoned? On the other hand; can someone have faith and still be treated equally by folks who do not have any type of religion?

What has your church experience been like in Asheville or Western North Carolina? Leave a comment below. Thanks.

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Asheville has a Church for Teenagers, Trinity Teens

Trinity Teen Church uses the old Trinity Baptist Church Sanctuary which was built by Jerry Payne Construction under the direction of Ralph Sexton Sr.

Years ago, a youth Pastor named Tim Brady created a church in West Asheville designed with teenagers in mind. Trinity Teen Church was formed under Trinity Baptist Church and Dr. Ralph Sexton Jr. The teenagers got heavily involved in the community with outreach projects going on from downtown Asheville to the dangerous housing projects in New York City. The did everything from balloon animals, to puppet shows, to street evangelism, to church events. One of the churches they frequent when they go to NYC on "mission trips" is The Brooklyn Tabernacle led by Pastor Jim Cymbala and The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

There are many places a teenager can hang out, and with balance, I would not mind my kids being around this crowd. Seems like they have a great time and assist the next generation with keeping and passing on "the faith". Asheville has many churches and a wide religious diversity. Trinity Teen Church is under the Baptist denomination, but welcomes teenagers from any faith to join them and to sample the group. This church takes care of their teenagers.

I remember years ago, after teenager Crystal Davis was found dead in Enka Lake (now Biltmore Lake), Trinity Teen Church was the supporting group during this time of tragedy. A Youth Pastor named Jonathan Brown from Merrimon Ave Baptist Church, Tim Brady the Youth Minister of Trinity at the time, Officer Alan Scroggs, and Principle Nesbitt scrambled to assist the students of Enka High School during this time of grief and loss. From what I was told by Mr. Alfonso Lorenzo of Trinity Baptist Church, Crystal was a Marilyn Manson follower who recently had commited to Christianity, and was killed by her mothers boyfriend soon after. Trinity worked hard to help this family during this crisis.

For more information on Trinity Teen Church in Asheville North Carolina, please click HERE.

Holy Trinity Asheville Greek Orthodox Church

This Church in Asheville was founded in 1922 by Greek immigrants. It features parish council, history, programs, youth ministries, calendar and photos. It is located on Cumberland Ave about 3 minutes north of Downtown by Montford Avenue. Beautiful structure of faith in this great Asheville Montford community. You can visit their website for more information www.HolyTrinityAsheville.com

Meetings of Faith @ Atlanta Bread Co. Asheville

Stopped by the Atlanta Bread Company right above Biltmore on Hendersonville Road in Asheville. One group right here and one in the back corner to the right. I do not know the name of the church, but I think they may meet here on Thursday evenings around 7pm. Bibles, workbooks, and laptops!

Asheville Stained Glass

Stopped by the Grace Episcopal Church on Merrimon Avenue (you know... the one with the red door... and also the hill of pumpkins around halloween) today for their book sale. I heard the people behind me talking about the City of Asheville fused in the stained glass in the gable. I was like "what?!". Here is the pic. On the way out, one of the gentlemen kindly invited me to their Sunday morning service at 11:15 am.