Visited Highland Baptist for the first time in 25 years. The church's tag line should be "Look at me!" From the moment we entered, (new member Sunday) they began talking about how now they had a Japanese person and 50 national flags were on stage finally. They then had a roll call of new members to stand in front of the church to get cheered. They then had a baptism that included a YouTube style video of the person talking about herself like it was a therapy session. Next the pastor urged everyone to walk to the front to pray at what he called an 'alter' so everyone can see you. Music restarted and they told everyone to raise their hands while they danced on stage. This church is so much about image it seems like worshipping God might be a challenge if He's not behind you in the mirror into which you are intently and lovingly staring.
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Highland Baptist: A Huge Disappointment
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Last: 1 yr ago by BaylorB254
Just curious, where do you regularly attend?
Fat Daddy said:
Just curious, where do you regularly attend?
Don't live in Waco. Go to a Bible church. It's all about Jesus rather than all about putting yourself on display and getting accolades from others.
I feel God in this thread today.
BUbearinARK said:
I feel God in this thread today.
He didn't seem to be at Highland. Guess He was here instead.
I am so sorry that you had the experience you describe. I am a member at Highland and was at the 10am service this morning. I had a completely different experience. I know Pastor John Durham extremely well, and it is never about him. He's one of the most humble, God-filled people I know. And, BTW, I didn't see any dancing on stage.
Golem said:
Visited Highland Baptist for the first time in 25 years. The church's tag line should be "Look at me!" From the moment we entered, (new member Sunday) they began talking about how now they had a Japanese person and 50 national flags were on stage finally. They then had a roll call of new members to stand in front of the church to get cheered. They then had a baptism that included a YouTube style video of the person talking about herself like it was a therapy session. Next the pastor urged everyone to walk to the front to pray at what he called an 'alter' so everyone can see you. Music restarted and they told everyone to raise their hands while they danced on stage. This church is so much about image it seems like worshipping God might be a challenge if He's not behind you in the mirror into which you are intently and lovingly staring.
Thankfully no one really cares what you think.
Coincidentally I was at the 10 am service today too. Not a member but a first time visitor (well, first time back in any Waco church in more than a decade). I didn't take away anything close to the same impressions as OP. As my wife and I shared our thoughts after the service I told her that to me, the presence of 50+ nationalities, 60+ new members, missionaries in Central and South America, and a baptism all suggested a quite healthy and grounded body. I also really enjoyed the worship. The one thing that surprised me about the whole experience was that they never had any process (eg visitor cards) to "capture" my personal info and have someone follow up with me, put me on the email list, etc. In any event, I hope to visit again (although next time I'll arrive earlier to get parking).
Golem said:Fat Daddy said:
Just curious, where do you regularly attend?
Don't live in Waco. Go to a Bible church. It's all about Jesus rather than all about putting yourself on display and getting accolades from others.
I didn't ask if you lived in Waco… I asked where you attend regularly. Can you be a little more specific.. I may want to visit.
Highland has always been very charismatic. Not necessarily my style, but to each their own. Depends on where their hearts/focus were during the "look at me" moments as you describe them. Some people worship that way, and I think it wise not to judge whether they were doing it for attention or true acts of worship. That is God's job. And no, I don't attend Highland.Golem said:
Visited Highland Baptist for the first time in 25 years. The church's tag line should be "Look at me!" From the moment we entered, (new member Sunday) they began talking about how now they had a Japanese person and 50 national flags were on stage finally. They then had a roll call of new members to stand in front of the church to get cheered. They then had a baptism that included a YouTube style video of the person talking about herself like it was a therapy session. Next the pastor urged everyone to walk to the front to pray at what he called an 'alter' so everyone can see you. Music restarted and they told everyone to raise their hands while they danced on stage. This church is so much about image it seems like worshipping God might be a challenge if He's not behind you in the mirror into which you are intently and lovingly staring.
From my observations, Highland is a really good ambassador of Christ in Waco, and would be greatly missed if the church were to disappear.
I attend a different church in Waco due to differing beliefs, but the OP's attack on Highland is not of God. I understand that the worship might not be your preferred style. I once worked at a church whose worship style was Southern Gospel music. I quickly came to the realization that if I could not worship God with other believers who were worshipping him the problem was with me and not them.
Golem said:
Visited Highland Baptist for the first time in 25 years. The church's tag line should be "Look at me!" From the moment we entered, (new member Sunday) they began talking about how now they had a Japanese person and 50 national flags were on stage finally. They then had a roll call of new members to stand in front of the church to get cheered. They then had a baptism that included a YouTube style video of the person talking about herself like it was a therapy session. Next the pastor urged everyone to walk to the front to pray at what he called an 'alter' so everyone can see you. Music restarted and they told everyone to raise their hands while they danced on stage. This church is so much about image it seems like worshipping God might be a challenge if He's not behind you in the mirror into which you are intently and lovingly staring.
Did you arrive in a mood of worship or just wanting to judge a church?
When I attended Highland back in the 70's, it was called High Hands. More than one hand in the air makes a lot of Baptists nervous.loanbear said:Highland has always been very charismatic. Not necessarily my style, but to each their own. Depends on where their hearts/focus were during the "look at me" moments as you describe them. Some people worship that way, and I think it wise not to judge whether they were doing it for attention or true acts of worship. That is God's job. And no, I don't attend Highland.Golem said:
Visited Highland Baptist for the first time in 25 years. The church's tag line should be "Look at me!" From the moment we entered, (new member Sunday) they began talking about how now they had a Japanese person and 50 national flags were on stage finally. They then had a roll call of new members to stand in front of the church to get cheered. They then had a baptism that included a YouTube style video of the person talking about herself like it was a therapy session. Next the pastor urged everyone to walk to the front to pray at what he called an 'alter' so everyone can see you. Music restarted and they told everyone to raise their hands while they danced on stage. This church is so much about image it seems like worshipping God might be a challenge if He's not behind you in the mirror into which you are intently and lovingly staring.
beardoc said:When I attended Highland back in the 70's, it was called High Hands. More than one hand in the air makes a lot of Baptists nervous.loanbear said:Highland has always been very charismatic. Not necessarily my style, but to each their own. Depends on where their hearts/focus were during the "look at me" moments as you describe them. Some people worship that way, and I think it wise not to judge whether they were doing it for attention or true acts of worship. That is God's job. And no, I don't attend Highland.Golem said:
Visited Highland Baptist for the first time in 25 years. The church's tag line should be "Look at me!" From the moment we entered, (new member Sunday) they began talking about how now they had a Japanese person and 50 national flags were on stage finally. They then had a roll call of new members to stand in front of the church to get cheered. They then had a baptism that included a YouTube style video of the person talking about herself like it was a therapy session. Next the pastor urged everyone to walk to the front to pray at what he called an 'alter' so everyone can see you. Music restarted and they told everyone to raise their hands while they danced on stage. This church is so much about image it seems like worshipping God might be a challenge if He's not behind you in the mirror into which you are intently and lovingly staring.
Not at Houston's First Baptist!
Golem said:
Visited Highland Baptist for the first time in 25 years. The church's tag line should be "Look at me!" From the moment we entered, (new member Sunday) they began talking about how now they had a Japanese person and 50 national flags were on stage finally. They then had a roll call of new members to stand in front of the church to get cheered. They then had a baptism that included a YouTube style video of the person talking about herself like it was a therapy session. Next the pastor urged everyone to walk to the front to pray at what he called an 'alter' so everyone can see you. Music restarted and they told everyone to raise their hands while they danced on stage. This church is so much about image it seems like worshipping God might be a challenge if He's not behind you in the mirror into which you are intently and lovingly staring.
Something that always stuck with me from Sadler's Christian Heritage and Scriptures classes was (paraphrasing some scripture):
-Does the worshipper with both hands raised, dancing in the aisles present any more strength in their faith than the humble 80-year old woman who sits in her pew and sings calmly from her hymn book?
No.
Nor does the humble, seated, hymn singer glean any higher place in heaven that the worshipper hands raised at the front of the alter.
I feel that wisdom might've prevented this OP, but what do I know? I'm prob a someone whose opinion you would vehemently disagree with…
I was always told that raising your hands in church meant "pass me the collection plate!"
Thanks for the mention Lanky.
I hope all goes well with you.
I hope all goes well with you.
As screwed up as the world is today…I'm totally fine with people worshipping God in any manner they seem fit.
I am sorry to hear the OP had a bad experience. I have been a member at Highland for about a year. My family chose Highland because we always felt welcome and got a great sense of community. It has been especially good for my children. The teachers/volunteers have poured into them. Pastor John is anything but a "look at me" guy. Highland's centennial was this past May. Rather than celebrating Highland, the church raised funds for three different churches in Texas that are just getting started. The goal was $150,000, but more than $450,000 was raised. I am not a charismatic and was turned off for many years off by contemporary music and the hand waving, but I have learned to appreciate that every one worships differently. The important thing is to be present and worship with family and your community.
Attended Columbus Avenue youth group with John Durham. Of course, his father " Brother" Ron Durham was the lead pastor. Just like brother Durham, Ronda and his lovely mother V. Beth, john was an AMAZING Christian and all around guy.
Sorry the church was not for you, but that does not make it " wrong."
Sorry the church was not for you, but that does not make it " wrong."
Felt the same at Anitoch. It's ran by some guy named Eli Gemstone.