A Tale of Two Churches

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Hey friends!

So if you’ve been listening to my podcast, Oh What a Beautiful Morning!, then this is old news to you, but I’m in Denver, Colorado right now!

I’m out here for a shoot, and in my downtime, I’m just enjoying the mountain air in the Mile High City!

Well, this weekend, I had some much appreciated time to myself.

So what did I do?

I went to church…twice.

Now, I know – seems kind of a bit…much. But here’s the deal. I have heard so many amazing things about Red Rocks Church. I was at this nonprofit event on Thursday in NYC and had an incredible conversation with one of the organization’s founders about Red Rocks in Denver, and how I should check it out when I was there this week.

So I did.

Here’s the catch.

Being a dutiful Catholic, I didn’t want to miss Mass either. SO on Saturday evening, I went to mass at Holy Ghost Church, and then Red Rocks on Sunday.

And honestly, I could not have had two more different, and yet equally moving experiences in my life.

I mean, wow.

Spoiler alert, I ended both experiences in tears.

First of all, walking into Holy Ghost, I knew that I was going to be having a meaningful date with Jesus, as right when I walked in, I was greeted by a huge image of the Divine Mercy. And you know my affinity for that, and its “Jesus I Trust in You” message. So already I knew I was in the right place.

It wasn’t anything flashy. Humble in fact, as one of the oldest Catholic churches in Denver, founded in 1905. A sparse – mostly older – Saturday 4pm crowd was attended to by a lovely priest who gave a homily about mortification – aka the spiritual discipline of putting the flesh to death. Not exactly a sparkling, feel good topic.

And as I was about to tune out, he began to describe the process of pruning and blooming.

And quite honestly, at first my ears only perked up because of the mention of my book’s name sake: Bloom.

But he began talking about how a gardener has to prune the flowers and the branches in order for the plant to grow and produce even more blooms and shoots. That, although hard to do, it is necessary for a healthy and vibrant plant. And in fact, the pruning is done by a loving and caring gardener, wanting the best for his plants.

And it was in that moment that I fully appreciated how my past, and everything I went through with my anorexia and ulcerative colitis, and my mom’s stroke – those were all pruning seasons. And that I need to let go of the, admittedly anger – I can sometimes feel about those seasons of my life. Because God knew what He was doing. That pruning, was actually done in love, so that I could become fully the person I am, blooming with full capacity.

So walking out of mass, I felt completely revived. Having gained a new perspective.

Little did I know what was waiting for me in the morning.

Friends. I’m not going to lie. Amongst “diehard Catholics,” there is a bit of a stigma about the “Big Box” non-denominational Christian churches. The trendy sermon themes, and the coffee-touting patrons, ready to be entertained in cushy chairs by a too-hip pastor with Justin Bieber-hair, that shops at Zara, or Hollister. Catholics love to snark on it. We really do, and admittedly, I have partaken in many a conversation about just that. Zingers included.

So when I showed up to Red Rocks, with the free specialty coffee and donuts, and the concert-style worship music from a man with a perfectly groomed handlebar mustache, a pastor in ripped jeans that were tighter than mine, and a graffiti background/skateboarding-vibe sermon series called “Freestyle” – I could feel my snarky inner Catholic checking off every stereotype box there was.

But after about 30 seconds inside the building, I realized just how dead wrong those stereotypes were. (Surprise, surprise.) And how — real talk — Catholics really have a lot to learn.

I mean, wow. The Spirit was SO ALIVE inside that Vietnamese-grocery-store-turned-church.

I loved it so much I almost stayed for a second service.

I walked in, and the first thing I noticed was that not only was everyone super attractive, but I would say that 70-80% of the congregation was my age. Mid twenties to mid thirties. And they all wanted to be there! 

And within 5 minutes of me being there, I was warmly greeted by – no kidding – six different “staff” greeters, many my age – all genuinely glad to see me, and welcomed to their community.

And it’s not like it was a small little gathering where I stuck out as an obvious “newbie” — although my “Sunday best” Lilly Pulitzer attire kinda stood out among the “come-as-you-are” athleisure wearing counterparts

The church was literally packed. It was standing room only. Probably 3 or 4 thousand people. The worship music was truly radio-quality — playing current worship songs that are on the radio. And I know I knocked on the handlebar mustache man, but boy could strum a six-string, lemme tell ya! The crowd was so into it. And so was I.

But here’s the thing that really was what made it truly special.

And maybe this says more about where I am in my life, but the sermon was so personal. So life applicable. And so moving.

You walked away from that hour and a half heart-fest feeling so incredibly loved. SO loved by our Father. SO welcomed by a community of imperfect people just like me. And SO on fire for Jesus.

By the end of the sermon, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Then they brought in the band – people continued crying like babies, and singing their hearts out to Jesus.

That God-high stuck with me for the rest of the day. I can only imagine what that would be like to go back to the well like that, week after week.

My two church experiences could not have been more different. And yet, both brought me close to the heart of Jesus. And it revealed a gross prejudice I had been harboring, that frankly I need to put in check.

As far as I’m concerned, God is God. And no one form of worship is better than the other.

And frankly, -let’s call it what it is – the judgement from both sides of the “worship line” are doing nothing but create walls instead of bridges.

Because both sides are guilty. The Catholics think the “Big Box” churches are too “entertainment based” faith-periences and the “Big Box” churches think Catholics worship wafers and are too rigidly stuck in tradition, lacking a personal relationship with Jesus.

And you know what – both are wrong.

And in fact, I’d like to submit that both have something to learn from the other. IF we could stop speaking past each other, and constructively come together to talk about one another’s strengths and areas of improvement.

Catholics are reeling, feeling the threat of parishioners being “poached” by the Big Box, but how about we all come together, and compare notes? Because clearly, they’re doing something right.

Does this mean I’m going to abandon Catholicism and jump ship to Hillsong NYC or something else where young people abound (and I could probably meet a husband)? Absolutely not. I love the beauty in the history and tradition of our faith, and the meaning behind it, (namely the Eucharistic miracle and the sacraments) which make it so truly special and sacred.

But, I am going to try to build more bridges between the two. Because at the end of the day, we’re all brothers and sisters in Christ, and we’ve all got the same goal and the same God.

OK – that’s all for tonight – See you tomorrow for my Bachelorette Breakdown w/ BBB Podcast!

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305 thoughts on “A Tale of Two Churches”

  1. I think I’m a bit old for all that rock music (or maybe it was being brought up strict Presbyterian and needing to know what’s coming next). However, I get what you’re saying. God isn’t limited by our comfort zone. I had a reminder of this recently when I went into an Episcopalian church to pray (https://scotinprogress.com/2018/06/17/ecumenical/) and came to the conclusion that we need to build bridges not dig deeper ditches.

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  2. Thank you for this amazing post! It’s so moving and so true that we tend to villify fellow Christians. I am one of those who attended a big church with loud music and I love what I get from that. Your post about your Catholic experience helped me see that different.

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    1. Oh my gosh thank you so much for your kind words! Yes! There is so much beauty to be found in the Catholic Church too! 🙂 glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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      2. Wow – thank you for saying that. I can’t begin to express how much that means to me. I’m so glad they hit home with you!! Hugs and love xox

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  3. yes yes Amen Amen. The BRIDE IS BEAUTIFUL and your wrote of HER so well!!! Just experienced the Eucharist becoming Catholic on Pentacost. .. . I too have found from raising hands to kneeling knees He is BEAUTIFUL!!

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    1. Oh my gosh congratulations!! That is so amazing. I am so happy for you and will keep you in my prayers. Amen!! Hugs and love xox

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  4. Personally, I don’t think you can get to know a church at the first meeting you go to. I think you have to go several times to know what the theology is & to guess what is really going on. There are a lot of hip new preacher’s that preach the prosperity “gospel” and people there are happy because if you hear that God’s going to bless you all the time…..I would be happy too, they change all the meaning of bible to warp in their idea’s truly saddening to see. A lot of churches these days are straying away from the truth and becoming more conformed to the world rather than the bible which is also sad. I know you are Catholic but I would have to disagree on the practices & theology behind Catholicism. At the end of the day, I think you have to be discerning & vigilant and find a church that has Godly council, theology, people.

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  5. It seems that churches in Your country differ from those in my country. Many of our churches are wooden churches. Their Bell towers are separated from churches. Outside, in many cases, there is a wooden poor-man statue, inside a Votive ship and walls are full of paintings.

    Church of Haukipudas

    Happy weekend!

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  7. Growing up Catholic and now being part of an Evangelical church, I sometimes miss the sacredness of the liturgy. But I have learned to appreciate that each form of worship has its place in ministering to people. In the same way I have learned to appreciate that people have different callings. God is immensely creative in how he choses to reach people.

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    1. Thank you for sharing that. Lots of great food for thought here. Yeah the litergy and the Eucharist keep me Catholic! 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  8. It really depends on what brings you closer to God and His Son Jesus Christ. I have been to the big churches i.e Planet Shakers, Baptist & Enjoy churches and how wonderful are their homilies and singing???? But I always go back to my roots, when it comes to the time of consecration and the real presence, in the other churches I always feel as if I have been cheated out of the best part of Jesus_His real presence as spiritual food.

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  11. Truth be told, we “non-denominational hipsters” (LOL) make snarky comments about the trudged traditional ritualism marking many of our brethren of the Catholic persuasion (smile). I guess the important thing is that wherever we worship we get to experience and know God more fully. Love this post.

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    1. Thanks friend. Yeah, I think it definitely goes both ways. Amen – same God, same Christian family!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  12. Thank you so much for writing such a thought provoking post that appeases to folks on all ends of the spectrum. It served as a reminder that we must embrace the fact that despite our differences, we are all one people, seeking the same thing. Why let those differences define us? Rather, why are we not celebrating what we do have in common? I am a lifelong Catholic and am deeply rooted in my faith. Like you, I find a lot of comfort in the sacraments, namely our Communion. I also find it so rewarding to know that no matter where I go in the world, or no matter what language is being spoken, I will not only understand what is going on but will be able to share in a ceremony that is universal. On the other hand, as a millennial myself, there have been parishes that I have attended and experiences that I have had where the services seemed impersonal and like we were just “going through the motions.” I, too, have gone to quite a few churches from other denominations, and have found those to be extremely enriching experiences. In the end, I still deeply appreciate my Catholicism, but have the utmost respect for people of other faiths and the way that they worship. As long as we all feel a deep connection with the Lord and act in a way that He would be proud of, we should keep our hearts and our minds open. Ultimately it’s our relationships with God that counts—not the places we go to pray. Thank you again for touching on this important issue. As many wise people before us have said, there is “one truth, many paths.”

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    1. Thank you Christina. So true. I’m with you – the Eucharist is why I’m Catholic too! Amen – let’s celebrate what we have in common! Hugs and love xox

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  14. My mother grew up Anglican and when she met and married my dad she joined him at the pentecostal church where I grew up ( and still worship!) Like you said there is beauty in each form of worship and I think we as members of the body of Christ need realize that no “style” is better than the other! Lets make Jesus famous again no matter the denomination! Thanks for this post !!

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  15. Amen, sister! The thing I see is that “all things work for good for those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) This division of Catholic and Protestant has been difficult and painful at times, but I am starting to see gifts that are coming from it. We have many converts in our parish, and they have brought a burning desire for Bible study, which has kindled a love of Scripture for many more in the parish.

    How amazing would it be to combine the beauty, reverence, and Eucharist in the Catholic Church with the joy, community, energy, and message delivery that you saw? That would be pretty powerful indeed.

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    1. Thank you so much Karen May! I so agree! It would be so amazing. There a beautiful aspects in every church for sure! Hugs and love xox

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  16. Thanks for your post. I really enjoyed it. I lived in Italy for a couple of years as a missionary for my church and love all things Italian and (almost) all things Catholic as well. I too have felt the spirit while attending other religion’s meetings–both Catholic masses and other non-denominational services–and I agree with you whole-heartedly that we can and should judge less, learn more from each other, and tear down the walls that divide us. More bridges would do all of us well.

    I appreciate your sharing such a personal experience and appreciated your insights and perspective very much.

    If you’d like to visit my own blog again and Like, Share, Comment or Follow it, I’d always welcome your contribution. You can find it at https://thedailymormon.wordpress.com.

    Thank you again and warmest regards,

    Patrick Laing

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  21. Thank you for your thoughts on big box churches. I never knew Catholics thought about them that way. My family and I were part of one for 8 years and it was a beautiful thing for a time. We were in leadership there and became uncomfortable with the branding and business-like way of running it. It became more like a corporation than a community, the teaching more motivational than Biblical and the emphasis was on church branding and excellent entertainment, instead of Jesus. But you’re right, all of them aren’t that way. Thanks for the reminder to listen and build bridges!

    My son lives in Boulder. I’m going to let him know about Red Rocks.

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    1. Thank you so much Marie! Oh YES! do pass it along to your son! And thanks for this insight – you’re right- let’s build bridges! Hugs and love xox

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  22. Good for you! I grew up Catholic as well, and have that snarkiness. It’s a lovely thing to watch it dissolve in front of the presence of the living Christ. Or to find Him in the Eucharist. Either is a golden path, and they both lead home.

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  23. Nice compare/contrast. I often wonder what the worship concert type Christians would do if they actually understood that the same Jesus they are so energized about is here, waiting for them in the tabernacle and adoration chapel.

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  24. I’m a little late on this post since I just started my blog on 8-10-18, but that’s cool you were here in Denver! If you are ever in town again, my wife and I would love to have you over for dinner! The kids would have so much fun meeting you! You know me, we are 100% Gluten free, Organic, and NON-GMO! Great post about the church! There are a lot of on fire churches here! You would love our church too! God bless you!

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  25. We humans tend to complicate spiritual matters. I appreciate your open and honest heart. Here is a simple principle of faith in Jesus found in Acts 8:35-37 NKJV
    [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. [36] Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” [37] Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

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