Upper Room Church - Paxton kendra kupferschmid: I was raised in this church so I am biased, however I have since lived in multiple states and attended numerous churches in search of community and find it very difficult to match the genuine sincerity and acceptance of my home church without losing biblical values.
My only criticism would be to update the childcare system they provide during Sunday service etc.
To my knowledge, none of the nursery and childcare workers are vetted or background checked outside of “personal affiliation” nor are they trained in any capacity.
Many churches require vetting and a minimal class of basic handling as well as utilize simple rules for those allowed access to other people’s children.
These rules are as simple as
having 2 caretakers present at all times,
never leaving the area with a child,
having a designated changing station,
sticker labels for each child with corresponding attachments for the parents,
and providing a basic pager to every parent that the caretaker can activate if the need arises.
These precautions were clearly not a concern when this church was a congregation of 30 people but now that it has grown exponentially and new members and their children attend weekly, I find this department in much need of revision.
As for the church itself, it has endured and evolved a lot over the years but has always maintained its compassion and love for people while rooted in truth.
They walk a delicate balance of the standard Christians are called to, “not being of the world” while engaging and offering encouragement in the trench mud of every day life.
Checking in on a sick or injured friend, visiting nursing homes, singing Christmas carols at assisted living facilities, prayer chains, helping elderly members who seasonally struggle - these are not trite concepts mentioned only to be applauded, but truly lived out here and with authentic Christ-like intention.
