I went to Redeemer Community Church

My favorite church I’ve ever attended and what I have compared all others to since.

Photo from Redeemer Community Church's Facebook on October 31, 2017.

    I went to undergrad at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham is home to many churches, and I tried a lot of them, but Redeemer routinely stuck out to me.

    Services are held in this beautiful old building in Avondale. The church was chartered back in 1887, and this building was built in 1914. Of course, none of that really matters, but it adds to the experience. In particular, I love the old stained glass windows and how the light just pours in from them.

image from Google Maps.

    The services could be described as stripped-back. The band is small, with 5-7 members, and there is no crazy lighting going on (you’ll notice the old chandelier at the top of the photo.) Being a community church, it takes parts of different religions and incorporates these things into a unique service every Sunday. For me, I loved experiencing various catechisms, etc., and learning about different denominations of Christianity. While many of these practices might become old and routine in their original denomination, this blend allowed me to fully appreciate the words and meaning of the practice each time we did it.

    The message is what kept me coming back. Joel is superbly gifted. I started going for the social aspects and I would be sitting in a pew half-listening, when suddenly I would realize I was completely engulfed and moved by what he had to say. Joel inspired me every week to think about things differently and made me want to be a better Christian girl, student, friend, everything. I don’t think words describe his approachable demeanor, deeply knowledgeable Bible intellect, and relatable stories. Everyone I’ve brought with me agrees he is somehow able to tie all of these attributes together for an incredibly moving message every week.

    Since graduating, I either live stream service or listen to the podcast recording of the message on Monday. Joel Brooks is still my favorite preacher (and the others on staff are all phenomenal too.) While I wish there were a way to be there, present in person every week, I’ve found that at least hearing Redeemer’s message sets me up for the week.

    Redeemer is also unparalleled in their servant’s heart. While at Samford, I took a class on how to be a good Christian in the business world. I was amazed at how involved Redeemer and its members are in the Avondale and Birmingham communities and how much good they are able to cause for all those around them that I was unaware of even going to church there! They also have a lovely community garden that the members tend.

I could go on and on about this church, but I think I’ve hit the highlights.

Rating: 10/10- I cannot find a church that can match Redeemer’s message and a service heart.