Crossroads Church Bakersfield

November 29, 2008

Does this Church believe the world is getting worst? Yes
Does this Church believe in a Unity of Beliefs? No
Does this Church believe war is inevitable? Yes
Does this Church believe the only way to salvation is by a belief in their Deity? Yes
Does this Church believe the world will end soon? Could end today
Is the Church welcoming of non-members? Yes
Is money required for the Churches existence? Yes

The Church is a second stage Christian Church, i.e. Protestant. Sermons are derived from the Bible exclusively. The churches doctrine is from Bible. As always, the Bible is interpreted by the Church teacher. Self study is also emphasized.
 
Crossroads in located on Fairfax Rd in Bakersfield, CA. The group has occupied the building for about a year. The teacher, Kenny, from a previous Church, brought his followers with him. The place looks like it was built in the 1960s or 70’s. Holds about 500 people. I would say there were about 100 there this night.

I’ve went to Crossroads Church, an independent protestant church, last night for a gathering to offer thanks to god. The evening before Thanksgiving.

I enjoyed myself. I found myself staring at the cross and thinking about all I am grateful for.

People are friendly. Other than Kenny, others I talked to were sharing the troubles in life, asking Jesus for Help.

The Church emphasizes hope for the individual through their Deity, Jesus, and the hopelessness of mankind. Of course this is a paradox.

About Crossroads – I felt their connectedness to god. Members of this Church seek guidance from their teacher, Kenny, about the Bible. What I heard was the need for church members to admit to their daily sin, believe the world is getting worst, and prepare for the second coming of Christ. I missed teachings of Jesus, i.e. the love we need to show each other.

Something was mentioned about the 144,000. In revelations this refers to Jews, so I am not sure what Kenny is referring to. As always, it is a person point of view of words written by others. No matter how much Church leaders talk about The Bible, or other church doctrine, it still is their view of these words.

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Church Journalist

March 12, 2008

We are about providing first hand knowledge about visits to Churches around the world.

Would you like to contribute to The Church Journal Weblog? If so, please comment on this post with your thoughts and we will get back to you.

Thank you.

Kenny


Unity Church of Bakersfield

March 12, 2008

Visited 3.9.08, 10:00am. Angeline Damigos, my great companion, joined me.

2001 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA

Web Site 

Religious Affiliation: Christian Unity

New Comers are Welcome.

Well maintained.

External – White Stucco with Tile Roof. Square in Shape.

Internal – Pews, Alter, and Pulpit.  Alter had pictures, carvings of dove in flight. Candles Lit.  Organ/Piano on Alter.  Back of Alter was mural of Vines and Waterfall. Biblical quotes on Back Wall. Quote “[God is within you]“.  Carpeted. 

Looks to be about 50 years old.  People capacity about 250, about 50 in attendance. Grounds about (1) Acre.

Dress is casual.

Music by single keyboardist.

The guest speaker was Chuck Wall.  Topic was random acts of kindness.  He was easy to hear and understand.  He spoke of simply being kind to people each day. He and his wife, Di, also spoke of living in the now.

The minister was not in attendance.  Lots of prayer and meditation time. Read from “Daily Word” (can be found on-line). Spoke of the importance of God and Love in our life’s.  Brought Children up front and sang song in celebration. Closed with everyone encircling pews holding hands, singing a song, let “there be peace on earth”.

Tithe Optional.

Child Services Provided.  

Commentary:  It is fairly easy to be kind to people when circumstances are easy. The real challenge is being kind to others (and ourselves!) when circumstances are difficult. I pray we integrate kindness into our daily lives, not just randomly, but automatically, through varied circumstances.


University Baptist Church of Bakersfield

March 12, 2008

Visited 3.9.08, 11:00am

2515 Church Ave, Bakersfield

Web Site

Religious Affiliation: Christian Baptist

New Comers are Welcome.

Well maintained.

External – Brown Stucco with Asphalt Roof. Square in Shape. Cross on Top. 

Internal – Pews, Alter, Pulpit, Stage.  Alter has Cross Carvings. Candles Lite.  Music/Band Instruments on Stage. Carpetted. Music/Video System.

Seems to be 50+ years old. People capacity about 500, about 200 in attendance. Grounds about (1) Acre. Dress is casual. 

The speaker spoke of avoiding gossip, how to be be nice to people by excluding gossip. Spoke of trianglation – telling other people about problems you have with somebody versus talking directly with the person you are having problems with.  References to Bible, and living a god centered life, throughout sermon. Minister in attendance, but did not give sermon. Church Band and Singing throughout.   Closed with prayer.

Tithe Optional.

Child Care Services