“You don’t look like the kind that goes to church.”
If I had a dollar every time someone told me this, I would be able to… upsize my McDonalds meal tonight. Ok that’s not a lot, but it’s enough for me to warrant a post. So tell me, what exactly does a church going type look like? You can drop some suggestions in the comments below.
Why do I attend church? Maybe I was dragged to Sunday school as a kid and it stuck. Why do I attend Heart of God Church specifically? Hmmm… Just sharing some of my thoughts… My Heart of God Church review…
Location
Forgive me for being fickle. If church was in Bukit Panjang, I probably wouldn’t be there. No offence to Bukit Panjangers. Ok, if I’m serious about something I would travel for it. But being more centrally located made it easier to take the first step.
Demographics
There are both young and older people here. While there are many young people (schooling, etc.), there is sufficient representation of working people, families and grey heads. A nice mix really. Some BG on the church’s history: A Heart for Youth.
Sermons
I stay away from churches that preach these kind of sermons:
1. Empty your wallets
Nothing against giving. But you cannot outright tell someone to give everything they have (explicitly, word for word, etc.). Giving is a personal decision. You give as far as your conviction goes.
2. Stand at the MRT to evangelize
There isn’t enough space for both Christians and Insurance agents at an MRT station. And if you’re promoting god the mother from Korea… Cult, Polis pls. Thank goodness that both are no longer loitering around since Covid happened.
3. Boring
If I want to sleep I’ll stay at home in bed, covered by my warm blanket. Did you know Singaporeans are one of the most sleep deprived people in the world?
HOGC hasn’t ticked any of the boxes so far. When it comes to giving, there is a strong culture of giving and contribution, but no get-rich-quick sermons or testimonials. And I quite like their pastors’ sermons actually.
Herd Mentality / GroupThink
The “Heart of God Church cult”? In my opinion, there needs to be some form of same-ness in the church. But it is in the area of values and convictions, not on the outside. Have you ever attended a church where everyone dresses the same? Suit up for church? Or wear one of those tiger faced tees? I’ll pass. If I wanted to wear a uniform, I’d go back to school.
From my experience, people in HOGC actually think. Discussion is encouraged as long as you’re not being a d@&%. If you want to experience the herd, try Herbalife or World Ventures. That’s where the real dope is.
I’ll admit, I’m not one of those happy clappy people you meet in a church. But I want to be a better person, and the stuff I learn in church helps me, can?
