The Church On the Way

This church is simply amazing. It has helped me so much. Long story short, I hadn’t been to church for over 20 years. I grew up as a Baptist but kind of felt shamed a lot; like I was always falling short somehow. I always believed in Jesus, but was losing belief in «church» After years of walking away (and ultimately walking away from the Lord) I felt a pull to go back.
I tried a couple of other local churches and just felt like they were going through the motions. Something didn’t feel right. Then someone recommended The Church on the Way (TCOTW). I was a little nervous because it was a much bigger church then the one I went to as a kid. TCOTW is also Evangelical, and I just pictured fanatics and people raising their hands in the air. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I decided to go anyway, and boy am I ever glad I did.
The second I walked in the building, I felt God’s presence. It was like goosebumps came over my body and I got a little emotional (but in a good way) Yes, some people had their hands in the air when they sang. But I knew right away that this church didn’t force you to do anything you didn’t want to do. It had an accepting «come as you are» attitude. But I totally got why people did raise their hands. They were worshiping God. It was beautiful and moving.
The worship music was different but awesome. It was contemporary. I still love old hymns, but it was cool to sing songs where I really could connect to the lyrics. And the message that day really hit home.
I’ve been going to TCOTW close to 2 years now. I started going 1 month after Tim Clark took over as pastor. I have been very fortunate to get to know him and his wonderful wife, Deborah, on a personal level and consider them dear friends. They love God so much and they are truly anointed. Deborah actually helped me really feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I never had that before. Now I know what it’s like to have an intimate relationship with God. I can not tell you how much my life has changed because of that.
That’s what’s so great about the TCOTW. They are there to help you wherever you are (or maybe are not) in your walk with God. People from all different backgrounds, races, socioeconomic statuses come and worship there. They don’t judge, just love.
So if you ever want to find me on a Sunday morning, come check out TCOTW. I’ll be one of those people singing God’s praises with her hands in the air ;)

I decided it was time to find a church home a few months ago so I went to the «Find a Church» link on Joel Olsteen’s website. I found several in my area but felt led to the Church on the Way. I’ve been going now since May 2015 and I’ve decided that this is where I want to call «home».
I’ve seen the negative reviews and I’d have to say that finding your place to worship is a very personal thing. That’s why I didn’t read any reviews before going. You’re not buying a car or finding a restaurant, you just have to pray and go. It should always be about where God leads you and hopefully it’s a place where the Bible and God’s teaching are the center and not personal opinions and translations. If you don’t feel that The Church on the Way then move on but don’t leave a negative opinion that may discourage someone else from even checking a church out. What God wants for you may not be the same that he wants for someone else so I caution the negative words when it comes to God’s House… they all have their mission and that’s why it is very important to pray so that you find the place that truly feeds your mind and soul.
All I can honestly say is that over the past year and a half I have gone through one tragedy and trial after another and I am humbled and for me, I found a place where I can feel the Spirit. I know that worship is a very important part of our walk with the Lord and if you are honestly enjoying the worshiping our Father for all He blesses us with, then how can you be timing it… really?! I also found a straightforward Pastor who shares a message that is based on the Word of God… directly from the Bible and he challenges us to dig deeper in the Word and apply it to our lives and how we treat others. I find Pastor Tim’s sermons insightful because I haven’t been to a service yet where what he speaks on doesn’t directly relate to what’s going on in my life at the time, which is why I often feel that God speaks directly to me through Pastor Tim. It’s a wonderful feeling that I couldn’t even begin to explain and very renewing!
So that’s my a short assessment of what The Church on the Way means to me and my spiritual growth… my walk with God and I encourage you to come with an open mind and heart to find out if this is where you belong… where you feel and believe that you can grow and discover a deeper and personal walk of your own, which in my opinion should never be based on anyone’s rating or review on Unilocal or anywhere else.
Jesus will return so make sure that wherever God leads you will be a place where your soul is nurtured and prepared for His coming! You will know it when you’re there just like I do!
God bless you and may the Holy Spirit give you strength and direct your path always!