I have finally found my church home and it's at IBOC! I was told that IBOC is "different" from other churches and I would say that is true, but in the best way! Upon my first visit I felt as if I was waiting for a concert to begin! The praise and worship is LIT, everyone is moving and singing! Pastor Rush is HILARIOUS and you can easily relate to him! He is not afraid to reach out to his congregation to make sure we all understand the word he is TEACHING us! Which makes sense because he was a schoolteacher back in the day. This church is perfect for me because I am trying to grow and learn in the word of God to help others, and I am doing just that! They have the main Sunday service and then Monday School (which is like Bible study, but the word is really broken down and made simple), which is much smaller and intimate than the Sunday service. I have been attending IBOC for two months and Pastor Rush has been at each service except for one or two--at every other church I visited in Oak Cliff the presiding pastor had guest speakers, even if they were there that day, which was one of the many reasons I chose IBOC over the others. There is only one Sunday service at IBOC, kids included, so it does kind of suck if there are fussy kids, however, Pastor Rush really focuses on the development of the youth in the church, so he really desires to make the Word as simple as possible so they can understand it. The staff are just as friendly, and I cannot wait to do my part to serve at IBOC. It doesn't matter how old you are, I've seen toddlers serving in ministry in IBOC--youth serving in ministry here is HIGHLY encouraged! IBOC has just opened a school for 1st and 2nd grades, so if you're a member and you want your child to be taught in a Christian environment, that is an option, and the cost is much lower than other private institutions. There are some reviews complaining about the aquarium and where the tithes go to--yes, offering goes to all parts of keeping the church up and running (this goes for all churches), plus the aquarium, and it's more of a symbol of the congregation of the church than just having "fish on display"--please ask a staff member if you don't understand why the aquarium is there or what it stands for. (Whatever you can give, even if it is one penny, just do it! No one needs to know as that is between you and God.) Yes, the little ones go up on stage to give the pastor a hug--I, too, thought it was "rude" at first, but if you really think about it, what is wrong with that? They're little kids, harmless human beings who want to show their pastor some love, as does he--it's really sweet, actually--you'll get used to it! Also, there is a restaurant ("Rushtaurant") where you can have brunch and watch and hear the word at the same time on Sundays! And for new members they have an orientation with free breakfast and a warm welcome to the church every few months, it's awesome! And you get giftcards to local restaurants (a token of gratitude, I assume)! Let me tell you, I grew up at the Potter's House and I desired a church in which you were able to approach the pastor and feel like family, without a bunch of security around (church is NOT supposed to be like this) no matter how big the church is. Pastor Rush even gave us a phone number that we can all reach him on--what pastor of any other church is going to do that, especially a mega church?? Not one! Pastor Rush is probably one of the most hardest working pastors I've ever seen--you can really tell he loves his church and his church family because he is working literally everyday, not just Sundays and Mondays. If you want a place where you can feel like family and really grow and learn in the word and your relationship with JESUS CHRIST, give IBOC a try! I promise you...
Read moreEnjoy the service from the comforts of your own home... especially if you have a medical issue or just so happen to be human and have the need to pee, bowels move, diarrhea that day etc during the times they hold u hostage... No one can move during offering for fear/prevent stealing... NO EXCEPTIONS, the usher will even laugh while informing you... Great Word... its presented in an extremely understandable way- its taught not preached which is great... But I say... if ur human and sometimes cant wait/hold it or dont know when you'll have to "go" n heaven forbid if your just now being potty trained child has too during a time your held hostage- they gotta go when they gotta go... stay home and enjoy it where a toilet is ready available and you wont be near embarrassment for fear of releasing on your self! Lets just say- Ive never been in a position where when I had to go I wasnt allowed or was told I had to wait irregardless of what I had going on with my body that day... Other than that- the...
Read moreThe new time my girl said is the old time to start this morning is 11 am once more.....Thank you Ricky. Rush for helping Willie edens out you are the best. I love coming to your service and making me feel like I am at home. Thank you for all the years and especially when my mom was passing you was there. You did not deny me when I needed someone to help. I got denied three times whenever or before I came to your church. My girl has been coming to your church and have been knowing your family for you. We love you and we keep you in our prayers and your family. Also thank you for all of years that you have given us. We see that top of the balcony so we can see you from all high. We love the way that you communicate in a way that you love...
Read more