Church of the Incarnation — Attraction in Dallas

After years of swearing I’d never step foot into a church again, I gave God a chance, and so I gave Church of the Incarnation a chance too for the first time this past Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (talk about a wake-up call). Even back before I turned away from Jesus in my youth, growing up, I never truly felt connected to a church/church family like this before. Church always seemed like just another social club, a competition for righteousness (in appearance), a place where God is remembered before he is forgotten and set aside while people go about their two-faced lives, thus, it always felt like a farce. If it’s about God then why all the drama and reading into contexts that really have nothing to do with scripture at all; why all of this weird interpretation of the Word? Why do so many people make Jesus fit their agenda instead of realizing that Jesus quite literally is the agenda? Well, I’ve finally found a church home, y’all. Church of the Incarnation is a place where that sort of thing (you know, heresy and hypocrisy) doesn’t happen because these people not only know but actually live the Word, it’s a place where everything has meaning and purpose, from the colors they use during the services, to the very ringing of the bells; where Jesus is the centerpiece, a place where I am not judged, but welcomed to the table with open-arms, and guided on my walk as a baby believer after a dozen year absence of not choosing to receive His love and forgiveness. God is real, y’all. And you can see that made evident on the face and in the actions of the clergy. They really care about their flock. They speak truth, the Word, know history, ancient languages, and context…and their humanity, sincerity, humbleness and willingness to serve God astounds me every...

I'm so sad to say this about a church, especially one so beautiful and grand, but my husband and I attended only a few months before we just had a feeling the church only wanted our money. Literally every interaction - be it mail or email, was always asking us to give. Even when we received our membership email - we were asked (if we were already giving) could we give MORE?

We were living on one meager income (mine, husband was unemployed due to pandemic), and it was devastating to feel unwelcome unless we could give lots of money. It didn't feel like a church that welcomed the poor like us.

One sermon even extrapolated that the parable of the unjust judge was a parable about giving money. I'm an M.Div and a seminary graduate, and in my own studies, in the multitudes of commentaries I've used, not one ever came to such a conclusion. That preacher stretched Scripture, the Holy Word of God, in the name of getting more money.

I even attended lessons and carols, only to receive an email after asking, of course, to give.

I understand tithing is important, and I understand the need to ask, but when it's ALL I see and hear, it makes me wonder why.

Especially when it proudly gives honor to the powerful and wealthy: like mayors and CEO's as Scripture readers in lessons and carols with lengthy descriptions in the worship guide (WORSHIP. Guide.) of their accomplishments and power.

It's just left such a bad taste in my mouth and seems to contrary to what a church should...

My family and I have been attending the Dallas campus for 4 years now. This church, our church, is caring community of believers in Jesus and the Nicene Creed. They really love people. They are reserved like most Episcopalian/Anglican churches, but they genuinely care and go out of their way to honor. You get what you put in (hope, love and service), and so much more. If you had a bad experience, press in, seek first to understand why, and feel free to share with the clergy. Your opinion will be valued and they will care and pray. They value all Christians regardless of denomination and respect all people without exception.

One year ago I had lost my job. The church family diligently prayed for my family and me. They (the church family) loved us tremendously and gave me great advice on interviewing and they never stopped checking in on my job hunt. I found a job in 6 weeks, and it was their care that motivated me to hope. It was unexpected. They were Jesus with skin on.

We go to both the contemporary and traditional services. My children feel so valued for their talents in the youth group and are growing so much in this great environment. My wife and I love the teaching that we receive and really enjoy the deep theological discussions that we have in the classes between services and events hosted by the church.

Thank you Incarnation, you are a light in the surrounding community and...