There Are Hundreds of Churches in St. Louis, but Which Ones Are Worth Visiting?
When I moved to Barnhart, Missouri seven months ago, I was at a loss at the various kinds of churches that were available. And all of them were beckoning for another visitor to grace their wood-trimmed doors. But, as I began my month long search for the right “sanctuary” I came across some that were good and some that were great. Of course, each establishment had their unique qualities, all variables of the pastoral staff’s individual personality.
The first church that I became infatuated with was The River Community Church in Festus, Missouri. The River is a “non-denominational” church, but its roots are in the Baptist denomination. A mere thirty-minute drive from downtown St. Louis, Festus is a quaint little town that hasn’t developed much over the past five decades, besides the new Wal-Mart Supercenter the locals are so proud of. Upon taking the Festus/Hillsboro exit, one is graciously greeted by stop signs and older restaurant franchises. After about a two-mile drive and a left turn onto Main Street, you are being escorted down a charming fifties-style street. Filled with shops in buildings gracing no more than three-stories in height, you begin to wonder where exactly The River is located. It is only when you see a small sign on a window one’s curiosity level peaks. This local church is located in the LaJade Theater, which was built in 1901 as a community theater.
Still retaining its old-world faÃ?§ade, the church continues to let the old marquee hang elegantly atop the green-tin slanted roof. Once you find a parking spot, either by parallel parking on Main Street or behind the building in a spacious parking lot, the covering of the church provides a lovely shade from the hot summers sun. Approaching the door, you are greeted by a middle-aged man, dressed in jeans and a nice polo shirt, definitely not what one might expect when thinking of someone’s “Sunday Best” that your mother always commanded you to wear. It is quite obvious that this church service is not going to be the typical, three-piece-suit sermon.
After the initial friend-like “hellos”, which were surprisingly genuine, you step into the lobby, which still is decorated in the vain of old-world Broadway. The lobby, small but yet inviting, is adorned by mirrors on the walls, and a dark red carpet that shows countless years of wear. You are greeted by a medium-sized staircase, which was surely a favorite by the female natives of yesteryear, allowing them the opportunity to make a grand, Audrey Hepbourne descend to greet their “Carry Grants”. As you ascend the stairs, the regular “church-goers” shower you will “hellos” and “nice to see you” remarks, which are to be expected. As you enter the massive wood-trimmed double-doors, it is extremely clear that this church used to be professional theater. The slanted floor, allows everyone a perfect view of the stage, and a plush baby blue cloth caresses the movie theater folding chairs
As I found my seat halfway to the front of the church, I sat in the extremely comfortable chairs, which to my surprise reclined and rocked at the churchgoers demand. If nothing else, I was guaranteed to have a comfortable experience here at The River. I glanced up at the understated stage, which looked as if the Broadway cast of “West Side Story” was about to burst out and begin hypnotizing up by their kicks and choreographed spins. The only objects that were resting on the black stage, was an acoustic guitar as well as a very impressive red drum set. The only aspect of a podium was a music stand that anyone who was in his or her high school band is more than familiar with.
After around five minutes of sitting and engaging in light chatter with the locals, a young man around the age of 20 ascended the stage and began speaking. He welcomed all visitors to The River and hoped that we all were feeling at home. After several more minutes of greeting and certain announcements that had no bearing on myself, he picked the guitar and began to play. For the next thirty minutes he led the congregation in contemporary praise and worship. For one that is bored easily when it comes to music, I was greatly surprised by the skill level and ability this young man obtained in playing and singing.
Following the praise and worship, a man dressed in jeans and a t-shirt rose and grabbed the “podium” while making his way to the center of the stage. He was the makeshift pastor, because the founding senior pastor moved several weeks before hand to Las Vegas. This was the only downfall that The River acquired, due to their lack of pastoral reign, fellow members of the congregation were “taking turns” in giving the gospel to the rest of the church. For around an hour this man gave a very inspiring sermon about not letting go of ones dreams. After the service was over, I made my way out to my car. I was very intrigued by this church, but knowing that I had many more establishments to visit, I started my car and left Festus, Missouri.
The River Community Church, lovingly titled, is home to many wonderful individuals. If you are a churchgoer who isn’t impressed by fancy clothes and the aristocratic faÃ?§ade that many churches are beginning to adopt, than this church is for you. But, if you are hooked to tradition, The River may not be the appropriate choice, due to the contemporary aspect of the entire organization. Either way, you will definitely get something out of attending a service at The River Community Church, either by making a new friend or growing spiritually. I will absolutely recommend this church to all of my friends who are searching a new alternative to worship.
After attending service at The River Community Church, I was optimistic about visiting my next religious establishment, First Baptist Church of Arnold (FBCA). FBCA is located in Arnold, Missouri, which is a twenty-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. The last establishment I visited was most likely around one hundred members strong, while FBCA is in upwards of a thousand members. Myself being timid about attending such a large church, because of the possibility of becoming just another face in a religious crowd, I drove to the massive building with a hint of reservation.
As I parked my car in one of the five parking lots available for church members and visitors, I was overwhelmed by the scope of this church. Located inside was a cafÃ?© called “Solid Rock CafÃ?©” which served breakfast food during the morning and lunch during the day. Along with the lovely cafÃ?©, there was a full-gym, one that could rival any Gold’s Gym in the area. Through the various levels of the church, you find the sanctuary. It is not as large as one might think for a church of this size, but is still quite large.
As worship started, it was quickly known that this is going to be a “Baptist” service down to every last detail. The preachers and choir members were dressed in their “Sunday’s Best”. The congregation was also dressed to perfection; there were very little, if any, individuals that were dressed in jeans. They sang traditional hymns, and the sermon was the usual five-point sermon, that lost the attention of many individuals (including mine) after fifteen minutes.
When the service concluded, I wasted no time in returning to my car. First Baptist Church of Arnold, in its amazing splendor. In all of its gyms, and different organizations that reside within its walls, has not developed into a more modern church as many others have. But, if you are searching out for a traditional service, one that is comfortable, than First Baptist Church of Arnold is absolutely for you.
While my second church I visited did not surpass my expectations, it was definitely not a complete lost. But, my search was far from over. The next Sunday I awoke later than usual, because the church I was to be visiting didn’t start until eleven, as the usual starts at ten or ten-thirty. Refreshed by this extra hour of sleep, I stepped into my car and begin driving to Destiny Church (Assemblies of God) located in St. Louis, Missouri, which is around fifteen minutes from downtown St. Louis. The church is extremely easy to find, due to the fact that it is directly off of Highway 270, the same exit as West County Shopping Mall.
As I entered the parking lot to this unusual shaped church, I suddenly became overwhelmed by a sense of optimism. There was something about this church’s aura that created a bubble of happiness within oneself. Upon being greeted by several people, you enter the modern-glass-panned-doors. Immediately your eyes gaze over to your right as you see a coffee bar with bagels and doughnuts, while you become filled with joy, you look for a sign describing the price of the items. And to one’s surprise, everything is absolutely free; they are all complimentary from the church. So once you have your cup filled with either coffee or cappuccino, and your bagel covered with your choice of various types of cream cheeses, you make your way into the main sanctuary.
As you enter, you see a stage full of instruments, and a screen hanging above the stage with a time countdown. It is the time left until the church service starts. I found this extremely cleaver and light-hearted, two qualities churches must obtain in order to be outstanding. As the timer closed in on zero, the musicians and worship leader approached the stage. The praise and worship was absolutely breathtaking. It felt as if I was attending some amazing concert at the Fox Theater instead of participating in a church service. After the praise and worship, the pastor approached and gave a very uplifting sermon.
The attire of the congregation ranged from blue jeans and t-shirts all the way up to three-piece suits. Everything about this church was a happy balance in every category imaginable. It was definitely an experience that I will not forget. After the service concluded, I sat and spoke with several of the regulars, and they further set my decision. Destiny Church was to become my home church. From that day forward, I began to attend this amazing church, and highly recommend it for absolutely any individual. Probably the best advice I can offer any individual searching for a church, is find one that makes you feel comfortable, one that is friendly, and above all else, one that will assist you in your spiritual growth.
The River Community Church
125 Main Street
Festus, MO 63028
636-937-9711
First Baptist Church of Arnold
2012 Missouri State Road
Arnold, MO 63010
636-296-5591
Destiny Church
1809 Des Peres Rd
St. Louis, MO 63131314-965-2122
