Chippewa Evangelical Free Church

Today we worshiped at Chippewa Evangelical Free Church, 239 Braun Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, www.cefree.com.


Bob’s thoughts:

The building is large and modern with excellent signage throughout, including a well-marked parking area. Visitor parking identified for 1st and 2nd time visitors and the parking lot was scraped and salted on this icy day.

At most contemporary worship services 20 people on the stage would have been overwhelming, but the wide stage made it seem less of a production. The bass reverb took away from the soloist’s clear powerful voice; it would have been good to let the strings when they were featured have less competition.

The chancel has a large back-lit cross for a focal point, and overall a lot of planning went into sanctuary. Comfortable auditorium seats with a sloped floor provided clear visibility, and speakers and lighting were well used.

I was impressed that the ushers did just that and got latecomers to their seats. Also when the prayer started the outer areas were quieted. There was a sign language interpreter on one side of the sanctuary. An inspiring sign was an elderly woman a few rows in front of us with her hands raised in praise. There seemed to be more than a few who get it – a good sign of a healthy church, and a good mix of ages.

We were greeted and the door was opened at the outer and inner doors, and with the large congregation we were not identifiable as visitors. We did stop at a well-equipped area for visitors after the service. Though we thought it was impressive that the area was staffed, I was disappointed that my wife and I were not permitted to finish a sentence. All of the mission info areas appeared to be staffed.

I realized I missed the layout of the service that a bulletin provided, but the handout had a bullet-point menu that sufficed.

The Christmas message from Philippians 2 on humility in service was well-delivered. I was pleased that it included the thought that we should celebrate the cross as well as the manger. Thanksgiving for the cross is too often lost often at Christmas.

I was glad the offering was taken in response to the Word, and the opportunity was given to come forward for prayer following the service.

The staffing was truly amazing – there were even guides to leave the parking area. There must be a very good business administrator.

Overall I was impressed with this non-denominational church. I have found a strong theological disagreement with most that I have visited. That was not a problem today.

Jan’s thoughts:

Due to some less than positive experiences at non-denominational churches in the past, I was hesitant to visit another; however I’ve realized that I miss the music found at contemporary worship services, so this seemed like a good place to go.

When we pulled into the parking lot, we were happy to find some spaces reserved for first- and second-time visitors, and upon entering the building each set of doors were opened by someone who greeted us. The greeting area (it definitely wasn’t a narthex) contained all sorts of sections, all manned by at least one person wearing a nametag and looking ready to greet anyone who looked curious. There was a mission center, women’s ministries center, and a small room dedicated to welcoming visitors. We stopped in there after the service and spoke with a very nice young man (I would’ve liked him better had he let me finish my sentences, but he was so anxious to greet us he kept interrupting me). There was a large refreshment area, lots of donuts, coffee, tea, and tables to sit and eat/drink/talk.

Signs were everywhere, and there was no need to ask anyone where anything was. Everything was laid out with obvious and careful thought and planning – even the information desk was immediately apparent upon entering. It was also very easy to get lost in the crowd.

The very large congregation was seated auditorium-style in well-padded seats. The lighting was excellent, and the large praise band was well-rehearsed and very professional. I counted two keyboardists, three violinists, four or five guitarists, two trumpet players, two trombone players, an oboist (I think), and six vocalists “on stage” as they put it, which is one of my personal problems with this sort of worship experience.

All that said, I also heard an excellent sermon. He spoke about what took place behind the scenes of the first Christmas, referring to the humility exhibited by the Son of God when He emptied himself of his deity and came to Earth to be born in a stable, making the point that pride is such a huge issue for all humans and we’d be much better off if we humbled ourselves and followed Jesus’ example in living our lives. He was well-spoken and personable and had good (if slightly long) illustrations. His sermon was biblically-based, as was the rest of what was said during the service. I felt that theologically we are probably on the same page, or at least in the same neighborhood.

One surprising difference is that there were no Advent candles. The bulletin was unique: a decorative cover (purple with a red stripe across the top and bottom). Announcements were printed inside; one insert was a sign-up sheet for a women’s Bible study and the other was for sermon notes, and there was a postcard invitation to Christmas Eve worship services. The Order of Worship was printed on the back cover.

All in all, the sermon was the best part, even with the contemporary music.

After Christmas we watched a DVD from the welcome bag. It had a nice cover, but please do not attempt to watch it. If you'd like to know more, please email one or both of us and we'll be happy to give you details.