His House, Mayfield, KY

His House, Mayfield, Kentucky, USA

Denomination

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Mystery Worshipper: Nick
Church: His House
Location: Mayfield, Kentucky, USA
Date of visit: Sunday, 22 January 2012, 10:15am

The building

Services are held in a converted horse barn, but you can only tell from the outside. Inside there is a very nice sanctuary, complete with cafe.

The church

Their website states that they exist "to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ." They offer activities for young children and teenagers as well as adults. They sponsor a Mercy Team that caters to the needs of those recovering from illness or bereavement, as well as a van pool to provide transportation to and from church for anyone needing it. Their website offers videos and interactive links for those who wish to learn more about their faith.

The neighborhood

Mayfield is a small city in the westernmost tip of Kentucky. An interesting legend surrounds its name: it seems that a certain gambling man was kidnapped but managed to carve his name, Mayfield, into a tree while his abductors weren't looking. He later drowned while trying to escape. The creek in which he met his fate, as well as the town that sprang up beside it, were both given the name Mayfield. Today, Mayfield strives to attract tourists, boasting of several Civil War memorials plus a homespun atmosphere of country lanes, one-lane bridges, wandering creeks and lush pastures.

The cast

Chad Lamb, lead pastor; Dustin McClain, student minister; Jace Hill; creative media director.

What was the name of the service?

Morning Worship.

How full was the building?

The building was totally and completely packed.

Did anyone welcome you personally?

I was greeted warmly and was handed a bulletin as soon as I stepped in the door. Upon hearing it was my first time, several people welcomed me. The pastor came through and shook hands and welcomed several others and me right before the service started.

Was your pew comfortable?

The pews were several very comfortable chairs side by side.

How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?

Everyone was talking and happy to see each other, discussing events of the previous week.

What were the exact opening words of the service?

"Good morning, His House. Let's stand up and tell each other good morning."

What books did the congregation use during the service?

No hymnals; the songs were on the screens. The Message was the version of the Bible that was used.

What musical instruments were played?

Keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums.

Did anything distract you?

I couldn't see around the head of the tall gentleman in front of me.

Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?

Worship was very exuberant. Everyone was singing along with the band and raising their hands and just excited to be there.

Exactly how long was the sermon?

31 minutes.

On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?

9 – The pastor was very enthusiastic about his message.

In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?

The sermon was on the first Beatitude, or "Be Attitudes," as they call them. Being humble. He mentioned several members of the congregation as examples of humility.

Which part of the service was like being in heaven?

The song worship and just the overall atmosphere of love and caring.

And which part was like being in... er... the other place?

The pastor was pretty loud at times. Because the service was so packed, we were kind of crammed into our pews.

What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?

Several people who had spoken to me before the service came and asked me if I liked it and whether or not I would be coming back. Several others said hello to me.

How would you describe the after-service coffee?

The coffee was delicious, steaming hot and strong. Donuts were excellent too.

How would you feel about making another visit (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?

9 – I liked everything about this place: the welcome, the enthusiasm, the high-spirited worship.

Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?

Absolutely, 100 per cent.

What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time ?

The overall atmosphere of love.

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