Church of the City - Franklin — Attraction in Franklin

Never have I reviewed a church, as the House of God is not a business. Nonetheless, I feel I should share what I dealt with at Church of the City, in hopes that a few important aspects be improved.

Right away it appears this church seems to focus on what a church should, such as ministry and mission, serving widows and orphans, and feeding the Flock. You will be blown away by the worship, as CotC has an anointed and talented team (would you expect anything less from Nashville, though) which ushered in the Spirit nearly every service. There are a couple of those, as the congregation is decently sizeable. As for the messages, Pastors and speakers were usually spot-on, too, and rarely did I walk out not having gained anything. Didn't get to visit any of the other CotC locations, but if you live near those, then that's an added convenience.

My issue lay in how to serve here. I wanted to be more than just another Sunday attendee. I wanted to pour my time, abilities, and love into those in need through the Church. However, even after months of visiting, I struggled to find HOW. I inquired to leadership. Completed the class one must go to. Asked around. Looked at the website. Yet, all to no avail.

I simplistically still felt there were two strikingly distinct groups of people seen at Church of the City: The weekend goers who checked "go to church" off their list, grabbed an Instagram pic on the way out, and continued blatantly living a lavishly shallow life. The committed individuals who were somehow able to serve in impactful ways through Church of the City, whether by sheer luck or talking to the right people.

I yearned to be in the second group. I was there, available and ready, until I grew frustrated with my six months of stagnancy and began going to another church which let me actually be a part of it.

Your time at Church of the City may be completely different, and who knows? Perhaps they have changed by now. I mean no harm to the people there. This was simply...

I'll make this as short and to the point as I can: The review concerning COTC is obviously by a COTC member or leader, as most, if not all, TPC members are still grieving the loss of three main pastors of OUR church. We left for 8 months, but having children connected in People's Church, they needed to go back to their friends. There are enough of the TPC members and leaders still here to make a difference in our children's lives. #2 this was a corporate takeover at best, and it was poorly executed - leaving members reeling. #3 my husband and I are attending DNA, a class to help you navigate the church. The young man at our table was clipped, "go back on the Internet and listen to the teachings of DNA - Darren did an entire series over a year ago, find it on the net and watch it." First, we were not "with" COTC a year ago - we are TPC members - perhaps he'll consider teaching DNA again...? Do I want to make a difference in my community - YES. But unless and until I see a little more humility in the folks that gained a building after being in our son's elementary school, letting go of key staff because the position was "already filled" (this happened to key people church wide, not just the three ministers that were released) - I will only have one foot in the water. Church is a place for sick people. It's a safe place to go when your heart is broken. That's how TPC felt. Our ministry team was VERY involved in the community, in CR - this church has yet to prove that. Perhaps once they've settled after a time - walked the walk and talked the talk. I cannot give this more than 2 stars at this time. Should that change, I...

Confusing, Chaotic, Rude

Let me preface my review:

I'm not a big fan of leaving reviews of churches because I've been a full time staff pastor at the local church for years so I understand the "they are just church hurt" or "they had a bad morning" or "they just carry a spirit of offence" but unfortunately our family didnt have a good experience this morning.

Sometimes it's good to have a fresh face see the faults or places where the common staffer or attendee might miss.

We waited over 30 mins to get our kids checked in. Then was told two different lines on whether or not our kids could be together in their classes....confusing and chaotic.

Poor signage...we didnt know where to exit and when we tried to leave the way we came some old rude dude with an obvious "I've been here forever I know all feel" promptly and rudely told us we couldn't go that way and had to find an exit...instead of first offering help to a new visitor.

Can't speak on the worship because we missed it by the time we got through the kids checkin (after arriving at...