FOTW

[momoftwo]

Anyone attend? We are considering going here, but do not know much about it. Is it too big, crowded, or cult like? Would appreciate any info. Thanks.

[Cook57]

Anyone attend? We are considering going here, but do not know much about it. Is it too big, crowded, or cult like? Would appreciate any info. Thanks.


I cannot comment because have not attended and what I hear is just that, hearsay; but if you look in Interfaith Directory under church TW probably has the largest selection in the Houston area. This big selection can make your choice more easy or harder; but just for fun take a look at Interfaith directory, lots of info there.

One caution, though, and this pertains to any 'Yellow Page' category (from years of experience and knowing the industry) the biggest ads many times do not lead you to the best choices, IMEO. :) :)

[momoftwo]

Thanks cook. I just think it might be too big for my taste. Hubby seems to think it would be great. Anyone else?

[Wilson]

We've been, but it really is too big for me (and my dh feels strongly about it). I do like the sound of a lot of the programs they offer, but the whole thing is overwhelming.

[MomTimesFive]

I'm wondering if there are several different services, like maybe a Saturday night service, that might not be as crowded. We have some pretty big churches here, but the services are at different times, and some are less crowded than others. Plus, there are classes, Bible studies, and meetings in people's homes for a small, cozy feel.

[schnauzermom]

Yes there are multiple services, all identical. IMO FOTW is more of a business than a church.

[Wilson]

I agree - but I also don't like contemporary church services - I'm more a traditional kind of gal :)

[baby duck]

It's hard work to find a church where you fit in this day and age. If you do check the yellow pages, you might want to check the web pages for the churches you are interested in so that you can check out their statements of beliefs and see if they mesh well with what you are looking for. This will also give you an idea of what other ministries are available.

[FORE RIGHT]

I was raised in a large affluent episcopalian church in Houston. I attended FOTW for a while. I liked the messages Kerry and his associates delivered, presented in a modern and contempory way, as opposed to the church I was brought up in. But I really, REALLY didn't like the way FOTW solicits their funds. I always felt that it was a hard sell, almost in a evangelical Jim Baker fashion. I find that offensive. It also doesn't help that preaching is big business these days and many of these mega church preachers live in million dollar houses, including Kerry. Heck, there is even a man of the cloth that has his multi million dollar "parsonage" (read: no property taxes) in Carlton Woods on the golf course. That's where my disconnect lies.

[schnauzermom]

Seriously? Which preacher is that? Is he a local pastor?

[FORE RIGHT]

Seriously? Which preacher is that? Is he a local pastor?

His name is West. His church is in Houston and their services are broadcast here as well as in other markets. It is my understanding that he also runs some sort of school for budding televangelists.

[Cook57]

It also doesn't help that preaching is big business these days and many of these mega church preachers live in million dollar houses, including Kerry. Heck, there is even a man of the cloth that has his multi million dollar "parsonage" (read: no property taxes) in Carlton Woods on the golf course. That's where my disconnect lies.


Yes; now not referring to the CW person; but there is another "man of the cloth" Very Active in TW politics, sits on Township Board, he is more business friendly than resident friendly; and his Methodist church very, very wealthy.

So IMO it is our own personal spirituality that counts and how we treat others, especially those less fortunate, that means the most. But belonging to a congregation is good; maybe first best to do some study of religion and form some of your own beliefs first.

What I have heard about FOTW mirrors all the remarks/experiences here. :)

[momoftwo]

Good info!! Thanks. Cook I pm'd you!!

[FamilyGal]

I have heard it is "fun" and there are lots of great programs. But, we were never looking for a "fun" church. We needed something with "substance". My teenage daughter keeps asking us to go to FOTW because all of her friends go there. (I keep telling her "all" is a 100% word.) It is way too big for my family and I don't want my kids going to church excited about the video game room they are going to play in.

It works for a lot of people though.

[cgwoolf]

My sentiments exactly FG - although there is some merit to see kids want to go to church...maybe they get some of the good stuff thru osmosis.

Anyhoo, there are also many small churches in TW that you may find more resident friendly and more to your liking.

[FamilyGal]

She will just have to endure our church. Her biggest complaint is that it is 30 minutes away. But, she is happy once she is there. :)

[eaglesprings]

Ya know, I think everyone should visit, see what you think, personally, and decide for yourself. Many people have been blessed by the ministry at FOTW.

"Large" isn't necessarily bad. The church never closed its doors, so that's good. Yet, I completely understand about a church getting "too large." Bookstores, cafes, yes, it does seem like a business.

But, many, many people are blessed by Fellowship. Fellowship may have gotten into the "worldly" things, but I think their heart is still there.

I would not describe them as "cultish." We were involved in Fellowship for a very long time, but the church took a turn away from what we felt was important. We took it as a sign of the area we live in, moreso than what the church was doing. It seemed to us that Fellowship was "in competition" with activities around the area, when I don't think that should have been the case. I'm just more of a "heck, park that church bus out in front of Main Event" type person. We don't have to re-create the commercialism at church. But, I do think it is the area, what gathers people together, the "flash." Fellowship has a deeper side, but we've left that church, and will never go back, except for a rare visit that I promised to the kids.

We are having a struggle. Oldest wants to go back for the WII games. That's what she says, anyway. At one time, she wanted to be baptised at Fellowship. But, now, when we go to church, she complains that she doesn't want to go to a church that doesn't have the WII games. (Or, more accurately, wants to go to the church that has the WII games). This just really isn't how we want to raise our kids. We're having quite a struggle now that we are looking at a different church with the kids, because they only have WII games in mind! That is not why we go to church, doggone it!

We're a little gunshy at this point. We've been attending Woodsedge, which seems to be a church much like Fellowship used to be. But, they are building a new building, and husband especially is a little concerned they may go the way of Fellowship. For now, we like it (except for oldest, who still wants the WII games), but we are also worried about what the future might hold. We just can't keep "church jumping" for years!

I suppose we'll keep going to Woodsedge, but keep our heads low for a while. We cannot be burned again (and I don't mean that in a bad way! We just need to know where the church is headed before we get fully involved.) We don't care about bookstores and cafes. We don't want to pay $50 per kid to go to one week of VBS, even if they did have bouncies. (Besides, they're soon going to be too old for VBS).

Fellowship is a wonderful church, although a little "materialistic." It's been a blessing to a good many people, and I'd certainly never write it off, in spite of the fact it's not for me, anymore. I think anyone looking for a church home should visit Fellowship, at least once, and decide for yourself. It's not for us any longer, but Fellowship is a good church, and a good blessing to our community.

[schnauzermom]

It's good to see you back Eagle.

[FamilyGal]

We have visited FOTW for that reason. To see what it is all about before judging it. It works for MANY families. Just not us.

Have you tried the New Oak Ridge Baptist or Gateway? Gateway was a great church. If we were to move closer to home, we would go there. Although Rayford traffic would stink. We would have to go the back way through Legend's Ranch because of Faith United's traffic.

[turtle]

We have also been going to Woodsedge lately. We had been looking for a new church for a while and went there with some friends and have liked it.

[eaglesprings]

Thanks, Schnauzzer Mom! I don't expect to be very active, honestly, kids are taking up so much computer time these days, and I am afraid there is a little remorse here, so I really don't feel welcome. If I feel that I can contribute, though, I will.


Family, we have been impressed with Oak Ridge Baptist, but it seems the service times aren't working well for us. Turtle, husband and I have really been enjoying Woodsedge, too. Traffic on Sundays is still a nightmare! But, I think we can expect that in this area. Besides our "kid problems," what do you think about Woodsedge? We are enjoying the services, but what do you know about them? Any ideas about where they may be headed?

[momoftwo]

Thanks for all the good info. I think I will stick to what I know and let my dh go find out for himself. Thanks.

[FamilyGal]

Eagle, have you tried Gateway on Rayford? Small, but not too small, offers lots of kids' programs and your kids would know a lot of the kids going there. Just a thought. They are really active in community activities! Which I think is awesome.

[Wilson]

It's good to see you around, Eagle!

[eaglesprings]

Eagle, have you tried Gateway on Rayford? Small, but not too small, offers lots of kids' programs and your kids would know a lot of the kids going there. Just a thought. They are really active in community activities! Which I think is awesome.

We did years ago, when oldest was still a baby. Perhaps it's time to check it out again. Thanks, will check into it.

[MomTimesFive]

Hi Eagle! Nice to "see" you again :)

[MomTimesFive]

Someone I "know" in the area said this when I asked what he and his family thought of FOTW:

"We've visited Fellowship a number of times, and I absolutely LOVE going there for services... but I feel it is a little too big. We ended up finding another church, much smaller (only 1000), called Stone Bridge. The service style is a lot like FOTW, but it's a lot easier to get to know folks there."

[FamilyGal]

I've heard really great things about Stonebridge as well. I just don't want to go down 1488. Isn't there a back way to get on the property?

[schnauzermom]

Research Forest. If this is the church I'm thinking of. It's nearly at the end of RF though, past Rico's;).

[Wilson]

That's right - there is access through both Research Forest and 1488.

[natvtxn]

You can go all the way through their parking lot and get to 1488? Or is it blocked?

[Wilson]

There are coded-entry gates that are sometimes open, sometimes not. And I don't know if it's open on one end, its open on the other?

It'll be nice when they extend Research Forest to 2978 - especially since that Target is opening Sunday!

[FamilyGal]

I haven't seen the RF entrance. The huge entrance on 1488. I can't imagine the traffic when church starts and lets out on 1488. I'm sure they have a traffic officer, but still, 1488 is ALREADY a nightmare.

[Thrilled Dad of Two]

Someone I "know" in the area

Thanks MomTimesFive for letting me know of this site!

FOTW is an awesome church... and like I mentioned earlier to MomTimesFive, I do LOVE the services there. We've seen Michael W Smith and Jenna Bush there in the last couple of months, and think the campus, the programs, and the atmosphere is wonderful...

But it is too big... at least for us...

We came from upstate NY originally, and the church we attended was about 1500 on the weekends.... so when we found Stone Bridge, we felt like we found our ideal church... kinda like FOTW-lite.

They do have entrances to both RF and 1488... and we've never had any problem with getting into the church on the 1488 side since that's about a 3 minute drive for us. There is a traffic cop there to let you in on Sunday mornings.

Anyways, I'm thrilled (as my name implies!) to see this site and look forward to many discussions in the future! ;)

[natvtxn]

Welcome, aboard!

[momoftwo]

Welcome Thrilled Dad of Two!! Enjoy.

[MomTimesFive]

Welcome, TDo2! :) I hope you enjoy TOTW as much as I do!

[Wilson]

Welcome to TalkofTheWoodlands.com!

[FamilyGal]

Welcome to Talk. Great screenname. I immediately took notice of it when you registered yesterday! :)

[Thrilled Dad of Two]

Thanks for the greetings everyone... hopefully I'll be able to contribute some useful info at some point soon!

[FamilyGal]

Thanks for the greetings everyone... hopefully I'll be able to contribute some useful info at some point soon!

Don't worry about that. Many of us still haven't. :p

[baby duck]

:eeek:


:bag:

[VidVince]

Hi all. I stumbled into this site from my Twitter account. I find it amazing how everything is so intwined now days! Anyway, I am a newbie to this website, and this is my first post.

I think that Fellowship of the Woodlands is a great church. I have never been to a service that I walked out of saying to myself "You know, that stuff he said, it wasn't for me, I don't think it applied to me." I think that Kerry Shook is a great pastor because he gets people. Of all his wealth, he is still rooted in solid theology and I believe he puts Christ into every decision he makes and does with the church he is pastor of. After Katrina hit LA FOTW went into overdrive with aid and care for the evacuees. As Kerry always says "A big church can make a big difference."

I think anyone that wants to visit FOTW should go. And then make up their own mind as to rather or not it works for them and their family.

[Wilson]

Welcome to TalkofTheWoodlands.com!

[IndianSpringsGuy]

It's hard work to find a church where you fit in this day and age. If you do check the yellow pages, you might want to check the web pages for the churches you are interested in so that you can check out their statements of beliefs and see if they mesh well with what you are looking for. This will also give you an idea of what other ministries are available.

I agree with you. Finding the right fit is tough. There are the people, the ministries, the goals, the service styles. I never have found a "home", so I go to various churches. I have been moved by several, so I tend to gravitate to the two that do that to me personally. But the family has different tastes. Sort of lkking preparing meals. You can't please everyone.

[aggie02a]

We actually attend FOTW. We love the services, and my DH who isnt that inclined to go to church will actually go there. I do find it a little overwhelming, but I was raised in a very small church. We have been talking about trying Woodsedge and StoneBridge, but my children love FOTW. I think we will be trying the others, eventually. But to get us involved in a church and not feel like we had to be 100% involved all the time, has been good for us.

Saturday services are a lot smaller though!