I attended The Experience Community Church at 11 a.m. on March 2, 2014. I had been invited by Pastor Corey Trimble after I had met him at JoZoara Coffee Shop about two weeks prior to my visit after asking him what he was reading from the Bible. Soon after that I got another invite from a member who I also met at JoZ’s.
I arrived at the service 15 minutes early. Unfortunately, I walked from my car to my seat without anyone greeting me. Even the woman handing out bulletins was talking to someone else. Sometimes I can disappear in a large crowd, but this seemed strange considering how open and excited those who invited me had been. I’d guess that my experience is not typical. But the outreach of Corey and the other church member outweigh this apparent lapse.
The service opened up with contemporary praise and worship led by a four-piece band and four singers. We were reminded of Life Groups, mission trips to Columbia and El Salvador and the ministry to the homeless and the bar ministry. Obviously ministry to the community as a whole is important here at The Experience, not just a one-hour-a-week commitment.
Because it was baptism Sunday, two large tubs sat on either side of the stage. And Pastor Trimble gave a sermon on the necessity for a believer to be baptized.
“According to the Word, if one repents and is baptized, the Holy Spirit will come,” he said. See Acts 2:38-41.
After the message those who wanted communion helped themselves to the elements as those who wanted to be baptized waited for their turn. After each baptism the congregation cheered.
Their mission statement states “Authentic Worship. Authentic Community. Authentic Community Service.” I believe that The Experience is living up to its mission so that you too can find worship, community and community service there.
The Experience Community Church
521 Old Salem Highway, Murfreesboro
experiencecc.com
Message: Three pews
Friendliness: Two Pews
Worship music: Four Pews
Overall Score: Three Pews
It’s crazy you say that, I had like 74 people hug me!
Comment May 2, 2014 @ 2:28 pm
I thought this was the most awesomeness church that has ever been called an awesome church! I give it 17 Pews!
Comment May 2, 2014 @ 2:30 pm
I cant believe you said that! I got like 74 hugs when I went!
Comment May 2, 2014 @ 2:32 pm
I thought it was the most awesome of all great churches that i have ever been to ever! 18 pews!!!!
Comment May 2, 2014 @ 2:41 pm
I disagree with this article, because to give a church that low of a rating on friendliness because no one talked to you from the door to your seat? Church is give and take, not take and take. You can’t complain that no one talked to you after you made no effort to talk to anyone either. It’s a two-way street. Now if you had talked to someone and they had been rude, or ignored you I think it would’ve deserved that rating. People need to stop thinking that everyone there is there to serve you, you’re there to love and serve your church. I’m sorry you don’t have the best visit to The Experience, but you get what you give. Please come back with a different heart and I assure you it’ll be different.
Comment May 3, 2014 @ 9:58 am
I’m so sorry that you were not greeted on your visit. That’s so unlike the Hospitality team so I can only think that it must have been a day that we were short-handed. I hope you’ll surprise us again with another visit !
Comment May 4, 2014 @ 8:19 pm