Church Services

[Branson Queen]

Has anyone ever attended the Sunday morning show at Jim Stafford's Theatre? I did a search but did not see any reviews. How about any of the other Sunday morning theatre shows? :confused:

[gman]

Has anyone ever attended the Sunday morning show at Jim Stafford's Theatre? I did a search but did not see any reviews. How about any of the other Sunday morning theatre shows? :confused:

Here is a link to some information on it.

http://www.timhillministries.org/

[Branson Queen]

Thank you very much gman. I have looked at the site. Very good information. Thanks! :)

[CountrySunshine]

We were there last Sunday Morning. It was a good service but it lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes which we thought was a bit long.

[LBM]

Sam Stouffer has had a service for many years. Last I knew it was at the Grand Palace. We have also gone to Dave Hamner which would be at the Hamner Barber Theater I would think. Last summer we went to Tim Hadler who has a Hank Williams show at the IMAX. On Sunday mornings he does a religious service with Hank music. It was amazing to me how many religious songs Hank Sr. had. There were pages and pages to choose from.

[oldtimer]

We enjoy Norma Jean and Al Martin's "Cowboy Church" for good ole gospel songs and about a 30 minute message. It's 10:30 at the Bart Rocket Theatre and lasts about hour and a half. We would welcome you all. Al and Norma Jean are as down to earth as you find anywhere, and you can't leave without a hug and a hand shake. (Well you can, if you want.)

[Branson Queen]

Thank you everyone for your information and suggestions. It looks like choosing a Sunday morning service is about as hard as choosing a show! :) I appreciate all of your replies. :D

[shay]

If you don't mind driving about 30 minutes to Ozark....James River Assembly is an incredibly awesome church!!! :)

[nannac]

We attended the Tim Hill service at Jim Stafford this last Sunday also. It was a good service, but was extremely long. Most of the congregation had left before the final prayer was said. He brought a very good message.

[Prayerlady]

I know that this is not a Sunday church service but on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 pm, Bambi VanBurch is giving a bible study at the theatre on 248. My friends from the Sanctuary have attended and they love it. They offer snacks and refreshments and it is free to get in. What a lovely way for people to get together and join in fellowship.
God Bless

[MrMusic]

May I suggest you check the Yellow Pages or the Religion Page of the local newspaper, for the particular denomination of church you attend at home? There are several fine churches in the area that would welcome you with open arms. Personally, I would rather do that than attend services at a theater, where you really don't know if you'll be comfortable or not!

I make take some flack for this, but I think Branson has plenty of churches without the theaters offering services, too. How would the theaters feel if the churches decided to open their sanctuaries during the week for shows?? There is a place for everything.

Mr Music

[JoLaLaLa]

May I suggest you check the Yellow Pages or the Religion Page of the local newspaper, for the particular denomination of church you attend at home? There are several fine churches in the area that would welcome you with open arms. Personally, I would rather do that than attend services at a theater, where you really don't know if you'll be comfortable or not!

I make take some flack for this, but I think Branson has plenty of churches without the theaters offering services, too. How would the theaters feel if the churches decided to open their sanctuaries during the week for shows?? There is a place for everything.

Mr Music

I don't usually post on things that could be perceived as contorversial, because I do not ever want to step on anyones toes or hurt any feelings. However, regardless of any flack I must take, in this case I chose to step out of the norm long enough to say I completely agree with Mr. Music on this one.

Everything has its place. And to me, theaters are for shows, not for church, and I personally would not attend any services held in a theater. If I was planning on attending any services during my stay, I would check into the actual churches around town via internet, phone book, or local publications. Most towns have more than their fair share of religous choices, so I am sure it wouldn't take much looking to find one that suits your own beliefs.

Anyway- That is my own opinion and I am not telling anyone else what they can or can't do- just do whatever feel right in your heart. :)

[ggh]

If you don't mind driving about 30 minutes to Ozark....James River Assembly is an incredibly awesome church!!! :)

Ditto!

If you belong to the Assemblies, you really need to stop in, and see the fastest growing church in your denomination - they've had phenomenal growth in the past 12? years. We've been to services there a few times, and have always been very blessed when we've gone.

[Branson Queen]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I have printed a list of churches off of two different sites. The reason I was thinking about a theatre service was because I assumed that those would be non denominational. We are traveling with another couple and we attend different denominations at home so I thought it might work out well for us this trip. Thanks for the suggestions!:)

[Coach Man]

May I suggest you check the Yellow Pages or the Religion Page of the local newspaper, for the particular denomination of church you attend at home? There are several fine churches in the area that would welcome you with open arms. Personally, I would rather do that than attend services at a theater, where you really don't know if you'll be comfortable or not!

I make take some flack for this, but I think Branson has plenty of churches without the theaters offering services, too. How would the theaters feel if the churches decided to open their sanctuaries during the week for shows?? There is a place for everything.

Mr Music

Mr Music,

I agree 100% with you.

Coach Man.

[Prayerlady]

Wow, anywhere you can receive the word of God is a good place whether it be a theatre, the sidewalk, a restaurant, etc. Please people! It is not just church that feeds our spirit!

[Kaylynn]

Mr. Music, I understand your opinion, but keep in mind, I 'm sure the services held at the few theatres in town are not geared toward churchgoers. I tend to think they are held for the benefit of those that would NEVER enter a church. I'm not sure about all such services but I know the one that used to be held at the Jim Stafford theatre was sponsored by a church.

[MrMusic]

I seriously doubt that any of the "church services" offered by the theaters are geared toward the unchurched. They all promote themselves as just that - "church" or "worship" services. Now, while it is true that you may have the occasional "unchurched" individual decide to try it, the vast majority will indeed be those who regularly attend worship services in their home congregation. My complaint is, that more and more theaters are offering "church services" and taking away from the local congregations, who I'm sure would welcome tourists! If the trend continues, it won't be long before all the theaters will become "churches" - then maybe all the churches should think about becoming "theaters"!

Lest anyone take me wrong, let me say this: although my "handle" here is "Mr Music" (rightfully so), I am both a Christian and a Minister. I have absolutely no problem with people worshipping! But the theaters need to back off the "church services" and let the churches take care of this part of the tourists' visit to Branson.

Mr Music

[PatiCake101]

May I suggest you check the Yellow Pages or the Religion Page of the local newspaper, for the particular denomination of church you attend at home? There are several fine churches in the area that would welcome you with open arms. Personally, I would rather do that than attend services at a theater, where you really don't know if you'll be comfortable or not!

I make take some flack for this, but I think Branson has plenty of churches without the theaters offering services, too. How would the theaters feel if the churches decided to open their sanctuaries during the week for shows?? There is a place for everything.

Mr Music

Thanks for stating your opinion on this....I just want to add that I totally agree.

[PUMPKIN]

SERMON ON THE MOUNTAIN

http://mehangcuugiup.net/images/Sermon%20on%20the%20mountain.jpg


:) JESUS ONLY ENTERED THE CHURCH TWICE IN HIS LIFE. ONCE WHEN HE WAS 12 YEARS OLD. THE OTHER TIME WHEN HE CHASED THE TAX COLLECTORS OUT OF HIS CHURCH.:)


:) MATTHEW 18:20 READS: FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE TOGETHER IN MY NAME,THERE AM I IN THE MIDST OF THEM.:)

[Coach Man]

When I go to Branson, I try (although it is not always possible) to attend Mass at "Our Lady Of The Lakes" Church which is located just off of Hwy 76, near to the Intersection with Hwy 65.

It has a small congregation, but, there are ample seats for visitors. You never know who you may see in there, too;)

Coach Man.

[Prayerlady]

How dare you accuse "Theatre People" of not being true believers! How can you even say those things if you don't know these people?! Some of these people have 4 or 5 people that come to worship with them on their ONLY DAY OFF! That shows ALOT to me that they love GOD and it doesn't matter where they worship as long as they do it. It really hurts me that you even write these things or think them out loud. God only knows how people truly feel. Stop and think before you speak. Oh and Coach man I attend Our Lady of the Lake church, maybe we will run into eachother sometime. I would love to meet you and introduce you to my entertainer friends who are TRUE BELIEVERS!

[Prayerlady]

Mr. Music, I understand your opinion, but keep in mind, I 'm sure the services held at the few theatres in town are not geared toward churchgoers. I tend to think they are held for the benefit of those that would NEVER enter a church. I'm not sure about all such services but I know the one that used to be held at the Jim Stafford theatre was sponsored by a church.

Wow, this is bold to say this and GROSS! I will pray for you KAYLYNN!

[Branson Queen]

I'm sorry I posted this question. I never meant to cause problems. I should have known better with a subject like this!:shoot:

[ggh]

Branson Queen -

I think the question was very appropriate - I know you can worship and praise God from anywhere, we've done it while camping on the mountain tops, and along side the road, at rest areas many times over, while traveling with the church youth.

Churches are abundant in the Branson area, I know if I were in Branson on a Sunday morning, I'd go to the church that my homechurch helped establish, in Forsyth. You have many options, you can go worship at a church, or you can go worship at a theater - what you do is completely up to you.

I wonder why those who have services in the theaters don't support a local church. I personally prefer to be fed, and ministered to as opposed to going to a singing. I'm sure the answer as to why they opt not to support a local church, varies for each theater - could have been they wanted to minister to the visitors, but it might also be seen as 'advertising' their abilities, to encourage folks to pay to see them later in the week. It is the later that has kept me from trying to attend a theater service in Branson.

I think your question was very appropriate Branson Queen - there are many theaters who offer services, as well as many churches who have church on Sundays in the Branson area - and I'm sure no 2 of them are alike.

[loves2fish]

May I suggest you check the Yellow Pages or the Religion Page of the local newspaper, for the particular denomination of church you attend at home? There are several fine churches in the area that would welcome you with open arms. Personally, I would rather do that than attend services at a theater, where you really don't know if you'll be comfortable or not!

I make take some flack for this, but I think Branson has plenty of churches without the theaters offering services, too. How would the theaters feel if the churches decided to open their sanctuaries during the week for shows?? There is a place for everything.

Mr Music
100% agree Mr. Music!!!! It is not like all the churches in Branson are overflowing. There are SO MANY churches in Branson. I am sure one can find one they like. Also, the fulltime churches are just that, fulltime churches. And with churches really being a 'business', it is hard on them to spread all the offering plate money to theaters that have another income. These fulltime churches depend on it to keep the church going. Let's keep the church services and offerings in the churches where it belongs.

[Prayerlady]

I know some entertainers can't go to church on Sunday mornings, they have shows or other volunteer work that they do. So they choose to use their day off to have services or studies at their theatre or at someone's house. This is great that they are even taking the time to do it! It doesn't belong just in the churches! Jesus preached on top of a mountain! Come on!

[MrMusic]

Boy! This sure has raised a ruckus! A few thoughts:

1) I don't recall anyone saying that "theater people" weren't true believers! I know I certainly didn't say it. I have no doubt that they are; but why don't they support the local church instead of opening their theater for "church" services? How long will it be before some of the smaller congregations have to close because of the "church services" in the theaters??

2) If there are entertainers who are good church-going people, then I would have to ask them why they think they have to have a show on Sunday morning, or do "volunteer work" on a Sunday morning. Where are their priorities?? The Bible teaches that if we put anything before God, then that thing has more or less become "god" to us. If our priorities are straight, then we will be worshipping on Sunday morning, not putting on a show or doing other work which would keep us out of God's house.

3) I agree that where 2 or 3 are gathered in the name of Jesus, He is there. But you can't just rip it out of its context and apply it to any gathering as a "worship service." (This is where the preacher comes out in me!). Such haphazard interpretations of the Scriptures are irresponsible.

4) I, too, prefer to be fed - not attend a concert. Having been in praise bands in the past, I felt at times that it had become a concert or performance rather than truly leading people in worship - so I dropped out! What is the FOCUS of the "services" in the theaters? Mainly singing/performance? Then throw a little devotion in?? If so, the FOCUS IS OFF!

5) True, we can praise God anywhere we want - I've done it at church camps, retreats, conventions, etc. But I always remember: "Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together" - and I just can't see a performance and a devotion in a theater as truly worshipping the risen Lord!

The local churches need the support of the Christian community - and the theaters (IMO!!) have no right to usurp the position or (dare I say?) the authority of the Church. If they want to offer a Sunday morning Gospel SHOW, then bill it as such. I know that when I come back to Branson on vacation, I'll be attending the CHURCH I currently attend in Forsyth - not some performance at a theater - on Sunday morning. I'll save the SHOWS for the rest of the week!

Mr Music, Minister!

[onlemee]

Just a thought, I am really neutral on this one, but if there were no services at theatres, would the local churches be able to handle the large numbers of people who vacation there in the summer? It might present a problem concerning things like seating, parking, etc. I don't know what kind of crowds they have at these theatre services. Also,visitors might be more comfortable in a setting where they are all vacationers and have that in common. I don't know.

[charonthego]

:) The church that we attend when we are in Branson is a little church downtown and they are always glad to see visitors. You can dress up or dress down in vacation clothes and it doesn't make any difference to them. The main purpose is to serve our God. I don't know of any church that wouldn't be happy to see visitors and I doubt that there wouldn't be room for them, anychurch that you would go to. I know one thing, the days go a lot better when you start out the week in the House of the Lord.
charonthego:) :)

[ozarkgal1960]

Does Dave Hamner Have His Church Service's Going Again? Where Are They If He Has Them Going Again? I Truely Want To Go To Them Again.

[ggh]

Another thought, question -

Do the theater gatherings take up offerings?
Do they offer communion?

I'm not from Branson, but an outlying non-vacation spot - and we warmly welcome anyone to church - in their shorts & t-shirts, or their best Sunday dress, doesn't matter. Last week I wore jeans, and was NOT in the minority. The welcome from the regulars at a Church is likely to be much more welcoming, and heart felt than being a visitor in a crowd of visitors at a theater. I am sure there are those vacationers who aren't comfortable going to church in their jeans/shorts, which may lend them to the theaters.

We usually make an effort to return home by Sunday morning, to be a part of our own church, but this thread has me thinking we might intentionally stay in Branson and attend the little church in Forsyth the next time we're there for a w/end. I know that it's rewarding to ME to be able to greet visitors, maybe I should bless someone else?

[MrMusic]

I think I can speak for my church - we would welcome anyone visiting the area. We're not all that big (we've been running around 60-65 lately), but we have some empty chairs we'd love to fill with vacationers.

I'm pretty sure that nearly all the local churches feel the same way.

BTW - we do offer communion each Lord's Day.

ggh - which "little church" in Forsyth do you have in mind??

Mr Music

[deb_803]

May I suggest you check the Yellow Pages or the Religion Page of the local newspaper, for the particular denomination of church you attend at home? There are several fine churches in the area that would welcome you with open arms. Personally, I would rather do that than attend services at a theater, where you really don't know if you'll be comfortable or not!

I make take some flack for this, but I think Branson has plenty of churches without the theaters offering services, too. How would the theaters feel if the churches decided to open their sanctuaries during the week for shows?? There is a place for everything.

Mr Music

I agree, I'd rather go with my own denomination. I wouldn't feel comfortable in a theater for church services. My opinion.:rolleyes:

[LBM]

Does Dave Hamner Have His Church Service's Going Again? Where Are They If He Has Them Going Again? I Truely Want To Go To Them Again.

I believe that he has his service at the Hamner Barber Theatre across from Pierce Arrow Theatre on Shephard of the Hills Expressway.

[ggh]

I think I can speak for my church - we would welcome anyone visiting the area. We're not all that big (we've been running around 60-65 lately), but we have some empty chairs we'd love to fill with vacationers.

I'm pretty sure that nearly all the local churches feel the same way.

BTW - we do offer communion each Lord's Day.

ggh - which "little church" in Forsyth do you have in mind??

Mr Music

There's a little Christian Church in Forsyth that I am anxious to visit - will I find you there Mr Music?

[cstarr89]

We were there last Sunday Morning. It was a good service but it lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes which we thought was a bit long.

They have been working on shortening the service, I have attended there many times and usually we're getting out no later than 12:00

[cstarr89]

May I suggest you check the Yellow Pages or the Religion Page of the local newspaper, for the particular denomination of church you attend at home? There are several fine churches in the area that would welcome you with open arms. Personally, I would rather do that than attend services at a theater, where you really don't know if you'll be comfortable or not!

I make take some flack for this, but I think Branson has plenty of churches without the theaters offering services, too. How would the theaters feel if the churches decided to open their sanctuaries during the week for shows?? There is a place for everything.

Mr Music

Mr Music, I understand your concern but you need all the facts before you draw to a conclusion... For example at the Jim Stafford theatre on Sunday mornings Pastor Tim Hill leads the Gospel revival service. This is not a performance show, There is a worship segment, prayer time, a sermon and they do take an offering to support a Thunder Ranch, which is a christian housing development for foster children. Tim Hill is the senior pastor of a small local church called the Church of Acts (like the book of Acts in the new testament) The entire congregation (about 60 people) come to the theatre in the morning and go back to the church building on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Every week during the season (March thru December) there is about 600 visitors! Our small church could never accommodate that size of a crowd! Also, each week between 10 and 35 people has dedicated their lives to Jesus. I agree there is a place for everything, and this is the right place.

This is not a business, the Stafford Family donates the the theatre to be used free of charge! The do not finacially benefit from the service! They are simply sharing what God has giving them to bless the Kingdom of God

[resident]

:) Does Dave Hamner Have His Church Service's Going Again? Where Are They If He Has Them Going Again? I Truely Want To Go To Them Again.

I KNOW that he has his service at the Hamner Barber Theatre across from Pierce Arrow Theatre on Shephard of the Hills Expressway. I attend. :) :)

[kbradleyar]

:)

I KNOW that he has his service at the Hamner Barber Theatre across from Pierce Arrow Theatre on Shephard of the Hills Expressway. I attend. :) :)

Sorry to revive this discussion but I will say a few things. I enjoyed the service at the Hamner Barber theater. I have had MANY bad experiences with churches in the past and I do NOT go to church because of the unpleasant experiences.

I went to one church in Branson (NO I will NOT tell which one) in 1998 and I got the impression that all they were interested in was HOW MUCH MONEY I WAS GOING TO GIVE THEM THAT DAY. Two people from the church came up to welcome me and the second thing out of their mouth was "Do you have a envelope". One person stated with the 10% sermon and I was not even in the door yet. Each guy was more interesting in making sure I had a donation envelope that he didn't care if I was a chainsaw rapist, as long as I left some money in the collection plate and waited till AFTER the service they were glad to have me.

As I said, I have had like problems with churches before but I was encouraged to go because my girlfriend wanted to go to a 'CHURCH" on Sunday. It was a joke. All they wanted was MONEY, MONEY, MONEY. I put 2 cents and a note telling them my anger at them being so money hungry.

Hamner/Barber: We have been there and the service is very nice. They are not woried about money but really seem to want to give people an uplifting expernece. This is from a person that HATES CHURCHES. I have stores that would fill this forum about bad experiences but I have always had a wonderful experience at the Hamner/Barber therater for their service.

I would NOT feel confortable going to a church but I do feel confortable going to a theater so i guess I say, if they want to have a service at I theater, I would say that it is great.

[preacherman]

kbradleyar ~ I was so sorry to hear of your bad experience at the church that seemed to be pushing for money. I have nothing at all against the many kinds of services offered to Branson's visitors. God has many ways to help each of us. We ended up deciding to go to the United Methodist church when we were there since that is our denomination but had considered many other things first. There was no talk of money at all except of course a time for offering as usual. I pray wherever you go it will be a blessing of the Lord for you.:)

[kbradleyar]

kbradleyar ~ I was so sorry to hear of your bad experience at the church that seemed to be pushing for money. I have nothing at all against the many kinds of services offered to Branson's visitors. God has many ways to help each of us. We ended up deciding to go to the United Methodist church when we were there since that is our denomination but had considered many other things first. There was no talk of money at all except of course a time for offering as usual. I pray wherever you go it will be a blessing of the Lord for you.:)

Thanks for the information. I understand that a church has to play for the light bill the same as you or I. But I was amazed at the rampent greed of that church. I don't even remember it's name but I have drove by it recently. I am sure there are good people but when a person isn't even in the auditorium yet and 2 people are trying to get money out of you, it is sad.

I have had some bad experiences with "Churches" but that was an interesting experience. It seened like they were trying to be a "Tourist Trap of Churches".

[Traci]

When I'm in Branson for a week-end,I don't go to any of the
church services. I used to go to church services @ one of
the theater's. Now,when I'm in Branson,I head for home on a
sunday morning. I stick with the church I go to.

[Coach Man]

Erm.......I think that this thread does not belong on the "Branson Show" Forum. It should be somewhere else.

Coach Man.