A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Christ Our Savior Baptist Church with my family. This is a tiny congregation in my area that meets at a local dance studio.

When my parents decided they wanted us to visit this church together, I was delighted. I had heard of this church for a while, primarily because of some folks from my school who attend there regularly.

My experience at Christ Our Savior Baptist Church that Sunday morning was very positive. We walked in the dance studio, not really sure what to expect, and were greeted by many familiar, and all friendly, faces.

We were introduced to a few people whom we had not met before, and chatted a little with the people we already knew.

After a little bit, we took our seats in the sanctuary, which also happened to be the dance auditorium. Large mirrors on both sides of the room seem to triple its size. A purple mural faces us; not the typical church scenario, yet no less legitimate.

The format of the service in some ways surprised me. Though not what I would describe as “high church,” it did use a rather traditional Protestant liturgy. In keeping with that, it had no icons, no veneration of saints or Mary, and no incense.

But it also wasn’t theologically shallow or even liturgically lacking in any way.

The service began with a typical welcome, followed by a Scriptural call to worship:

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
²³ they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24

This passage was followed by a prayer and a hymn (sung with piano and violin accompaniment) called “I Hear the Words of Love.” Directly after this, the Old Testament Scripture, from Leviticus 19:1-18, was read aloud.

Further in the service, there was more praying, hymn-singing, a New Testament reading, a Confession of Faith (from the Belgic Confession), a Sermon, the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper/Communion, and a Benediction. It was all very structured.

This type of structured service was uniquely refreshing, especially since it was paired with a small, friendly congregation. I thoroughly enjoyed this visit, and I hope to pay a visit again sometime!