I didn’t do a “cross”-examination last week because we didn’t go to church. *gasp* Yes, that’s right. Due to the popcorn overnighter, we ended up staying home and “resting.”
But this week was different. We headed down south – and I mean south. Y’all who aren’t from around here parts, lemme fill you in on a little secret. Oak Cliff is afurpiece from where we live. First of all, it’s south of downtown Dallas. Quite a bit south. We live about 35 miles north of downtown. Secondly, Oak Cliff is “old Dallas.” The houses have been there for 50-60 years or more (yeah, I hear you New Englanders snickering – cut it out, will ya?), the trees are huge, neighborhoods are established. We live in a new neighborhood in a newly constructed house with little tiny baby trees and new construction going up all around us. Basically, we live in an area of “new money.” Thirdly, there is a huge cultural difference between where we live and Oak Cliff. Where we live is primarily white, or caucasian. Oak Cliff is predominantly black, or African American. So we headed down for a totally unique experience…and lemme tell you something.
We had ourselves some CHURCH!!!!!
OCBF is a huge church – according to their website 7,500 members strong. You betcha they had a traffic ministry (though no golf carts). We were warmly greeted by several greeters upon entering the building, and then ushers helped us find our seats. Thankfully we were able to sit on the ground floor, near the center, not too far back from the stage, so we had a great view of all the goings-on. We had decided to keep Trey and Crisana with us, to allow them to experience all the sights and sounds of being in such a different environment. The service began, and the praise team – 12 members strong – filed in, with the 75-member choir right behind. Though not in uniform, both the praise team and the choir were nicely coordinated in black-and-white: no robes.
We began with “You are Good” sung only as a TRUE gospel choir can. It was amazing. Such a celebration!! During the praise time we were recognized as visitors. I tell you, we were so warmly greeted!! People seemed genuinely glad to have us there. We were very impressed with the friendliness of the congregation. Then we sang a couple of other praise songs, and were led into communion. Following communion, it was more congregational singing – and dancing – before the choir number. I don’t know what it was called, but the main theme was “God said it, I believe it, THAT SETTLES IT!” Hearing the choir sing with enthusiasm, jubilation, and conviction was exhilarating. Yes!! Watching the congregation, free to respond in their own way, was so liberating! What a joyous time of praise and worship!
Then it was a time of testimony as part of the Sanctity of Life Sunday. OCBF sponsors a local pregnancy crisis clinic in Oak Cliff and some of the directors, volunteers, and other workers were in attendance. One in particular shared a personal testimony of the path that God had used to bring her to ministry in this area. It was a powerful testimony of personal discovery, and the freedom from shame and guilt that we can find in Christ.
We were then treated to a dramatic presentation set to BeBe & CeCe Winans song, “Stand.” Two characters with white masks stood on the stage and dramatized the song as it was played. It was powerful and convicting, and really got the congregation going!
Finally, the moment I had been waiting for – Dr. Tony Evans! The first time I heard him was just prior to our move to Dallas in 1986. I was a senior in high school and as part of our trip to look for a house, we were invited to attend the DTS Founder’s Banquet (an event that is no longer held). This was an especially significant banquet as it honored the 50th anniversary of the Seminary and some of the faculty members there. Dr. Evans was a keynote speaker that evening and I remember being completely wowed as a 17-year-old. His words captivated me. His passion challenged me. His charisma charmed me. And I have deeply respected him and his ministry ever since. I thought, If this is the kind of man DTS graduates, I’m proud to have my dad working there! So I was really looking forward to hearing him again. Matt had heard him at Promise Keepers events, but for both of us, it had been awhile.
He spoke on a truth emphasized at DTS: Preach the Word. He explained, in simple terminology, how to be ready to share your faith. He challenged us to not be afraid to share the good news. His teaching was so simple, but rich with God’s truth. Crisana was less than impressed, falling asleep midway through the sermon – but at least she heard the music! There’s so much I could say about the teaching, but there’s just not enough space. One thing’s for sure: he knows how to relate to his congregation. He knows his people. And he loves them deeply, you can tell.
The service ended briefly, and we made our way out to the car. It was hard to believe it was after 1:00 when the service ended. But we weren’t in a rush. Our hearts were full and our souls had been blessed. It had been a good day to be in the House of the Lord.