CrossPointe Church

We tried a new church this morning...called CrossPointe Church in Cary, NC. It was like a combination between Seacoast Church and Newspring Church. The building itself looked a lot like Newspring Church and the music and message were similar in style to Seacoast. I will say the folks were dressed even more casual than the Long Point Campus!

We got there a little early so we could check the kids in and find a good seat. We were helped by a sweet lady at the front who showed us a chart that broke down the ages and classrooms and once we told her which areas we needed, she took us to each room and helped us get checked in. They use basically the same visitor tags that we do at Seacoast. They could use a computer system to help with the check-in process, but for now the "regulars" just have parents sign them in on a chart. Those kids have hand written tags too.

The kids area was designed very well. Great decorations and jungle theme like North Point Church's Waumba Land. It was very simple, but well thought out to help parents know where to go and easy for parents to see into the classrooms.

Steve Daugherty was the Teaching Pastor who spoke. The message was about how we should try not to be so quick to judge others. He wore flip-flops and jeans. Pretty laid back and "raw" speaker (not too polished). He was different from Pastor Greg at Seacoast in that he moved around a lot more and didn't keep his hands in his pockets. : )

The message was good. I really liked listening to him...very funny guy. The thing that caught me off guard was the ending. He just said "Ok, that's it. Have a great day!" That was it. No closing prayer, invitation, or benediction...no special closing music. Just lights up and everybody left. Kinda different than what we are used to....left me wanting just a little something more at the end. Clay thought it was because the next service was starting in 15 minutes and he had ran over a little bit. Other than that, I wish I had more time to connect with the folks there. They all seemed nice and friendly. Maybe next time.

Overall first impression: Lots of families, lots of folks our age, good music, good message, good-looking place, great kids area. Definitely worth another try again.

Here is Cody getting picked up from his class. When we asked how he did...the teacher said, "He's a typical boy!" (we didn't ask for an explanation...I just knew that meant he was naughty). When we picked up Abby, they said she had a super-pooper blowout and had to get her pants changed. Well, I guess you can say the kids left an impression on the church! : )