What Pastors Really Think About Their Competition
I don't want to be part of a church that builds walls, silos, and defenses against other churches. If we are all part of One Church expressed in different smaller communities, we should be committed to all other churches' health. The way we speak about other churches reveals our heart for God’s Church. Here’s what I really think about the other churches in Castle Rock.
Meadows Church - This is a smaller family- and young adult-friendly church that prioritizes relationships in small groups. Their pastor, Chris Lanier, has refreshing humility and gentleness.
Central Bible Church - A church with a focus on serving and loving the elementary school they meet in. Their pastor, Larry Schembri, tells me they like to have fun and they are on my short list of churches I'd most like to schedule a picnic with.
Ridgeline Community Church - A church that serves the Christian community with genuineness and faith. My wife attends their CBS Bible study for women and my kids attend their Awana program. I've enjoyed getting to know Associate Pastor, Greg Heredia.
Shine Church - I view this as an innovative church, willing to do things a bit out-of-the-box to benefit the church community. They have been very encouraging to me in implementing some of our ideas, especially Dan DeMey.
Canyons Community Church - A traditional Presbyterian church with solid teaching and pastors (Dave and Blake Runyan) who care for the church. Our boys have attended their summer camp several times and loved it.
Plum Creek Church - A large non-denominational church that does a lot of things well. What I appreciate most is lead pastor Doug Miller's willingness to help other churches and pastors, including me.
Calvary Crossway - A smaller church dedicated to teaching God's word. I got to know them and their pastor, Josh Musgrave, through the volunteers they brought to support the youth group that meets at our church Sunday nights called Without Walls. Great people.
The Rock - This is a big charismatic church that makes a big community impact. They have a large food pantry and their pastor, Mike Polhemus, leads the church to be bold and courageous in their mission and faith. Mike encourages my faith with stories of God's healing and grace.
Grace Chapel - I don't know as much about their church, but Bryan Fields, their pastor, is a great man: loves God, loves his family, and thinks smartly about church. We coached youth basketball against each other this past year, and maybe our sons can join the same team next season.
Front Range Christian Church - They are building a permanent church home right behind the neighborhood where I live! They have a heart for families, especially families with disabilities. We have hosted their MOPS group at our church and I can vouch that they are genuine, friendly people.
Castle Rock Baptist Church - They are a small, traditional church. Their church and their pastor, Brian Smith, know patience and endurance through suffering. They would care for you well if that's what you need, too.
Emmaus Anglican Church - A small liturgical church with a lively and engaging reverend, Father Theron Walker. He challenges my thinking about the spiritual meaning and significance in everyday culture.
Iglesia Cristiana Piedra Angular - A Spanish-speaking charismatic church with roots from Colombia led by Pastor Ricardo Perez. They are vibrant and passionate with excellent worship. When you pray with them, you are encouraged even if you don't understand every word they are saying.
Calvary Castle Rock - They are also building a new church home by the iconic rock in town. They are a large conservative church willing to take political and cultural stands. Their pastor Dave Love has a heart to encourage the other pastors in town.
Castle Oaks Covenant Church - Their pastor, Phil Vaughan, was the lead pastor of the church that gave me my first paid ministry experience. He has always been kind and generous to me.
Creekside Church - Torrey House has faithfully led the church for 25 years. I don't know much about the church other than they host a great sports camp every year, but I know Torrey's faithfulness and steadiness through life's ups and downs the most.