Attending a church other than yours can be a revealing experience. I am out in Colorado taking a couple seminary classes and had the opportunity to attend Red Rocks Church with some friends. Here are a couple take-aways:

• Theme parks are funny places for churches. From the parking lot to the worship center is a journey through the old west; including rides, photo locations and a store selling dream catchers.  Interestingly enough, it felt similar to Mariners.
• Screens should be necessary, not intrusive. Red Rocks has 7 screens in a fairly small space (guessing 800 seats).  They did use them well, series graphics, music backgrounds, etc, but even I was overwhelmed.
• The message is awesome in the front of the service. Program started at 9:30 and after one song and some announcements the speaker had started by 9:40.  The rest of the time was allotted for response, prayers, and some final reminders.  Great to see a church simplify a service to the necessities.
• Seeing students in main service makes me jealous.  Red Rocks has three services (two Sunday morning and one Sunday evening) and the first service is open for the whole family.  I loved seeing families sitting together.  The junior high meets during the second service and high school gathers Sunday nights.  I would love to have a “family friendly” service at Mariners.

Overall, it was amazing to attend church.  The pastor was likeable and vulnerable, I felt welcomed walking in the door, and I knew exactly what they were about.  And as a special bonus, the worship leader has the incredible voice combination of Neal Diamond and Chad Kroeger (Nickleback).  So, if you are looking for a great community in the Denver area, check out Red Rocks Church.