Gracewood Baptist

There are nice devoted christians in most churches and Gracewood has more than a handful.  I've visited this church several times with my wife and children.  While good discussions are possible in sunday school time, I found that the majority of men (in my class) had a very limited grasp of scripture and less knowledge of Christian history.  My wife found that most of the ladies in her class were more concerned with "looking right" than learning about the bible or acting in grace and love.  Most of the music in the worship service was hymnal based and though I like most hymns, there was a dryness to the singing in the congregation.  The pastor gave sermons that seemed to be designed to preach just enough to keep the old guard satisfied while reaching out with forced humor to the younger listeners.  Retirement can't be far off.  This church has potential to grow out of it's walls if the leadership will learn to follow through on commitments and not just talk of evangelism and missions.  Some of the younger members are moving away.  Gracewood seems to be a great church if you want to join the church social club and you have a neat and tidy life already.  Perhaps the next generation will be able to turn this church toward knowing and following the bible more than their parents.  I hope so.