I attended Paradox

    Paradox is a church held in the beautiful, old Ridglea Theater on Camp Bowie (although I believe they are building a new building downtown.) I mentioned it in my favorite church review, (Redeemer Community Church in Birmingham) but I just find something so charming and empowering about meeting in an old building especially with lots of people singing in a big room with high ceilings (two stories!) There were lots of young people, this seems to be a favorite spot in Fort Worth for TCU students. I would estimate several hundred people were there. I will say I was several minutes late (whoops-I’d miscalculated the time it would take for me to pick up my friend Chandler!) but they had not started yet and several other people were running a bit late and it was totally fine. 

photo from paradox's facebook

    The singing was great. They had a regular-sized band and the music was played really loudly. It is always awesome to hear so many voices come together in worship. I know this band writes original music which is really interesting and I think demonstrates their dedication to the art. While I was there, they played a lot of songs that I recognized and I felt very uplifted. I did not get overwhelmingly concert vibes like I do at some of the really big churches and everyone was singing along, which I appreciate.

photo from paradox's facebook

    Call and responses are where a leader will say a part of scripture or something written by a leader in the church and the audience responds with the next part. It is a big part of the liturgy during catholic mass. I know some people really do not like it because they feel like it gives them cult vibes. I don’t mind it, but they did do this twice so I wanted to make sure y’all knew. 

    The sermon was fine. It used the gospel of Luke where Jesus sends out the 72 to demonstrate how we ought to treat others. 

    They did take communion while I was there. I’m not sure how often they do or whether I just got lucky. They had bread, juice, and wine sitting out on little tables throughout the space for you to partake during the last few songs (dipping the bread into either the juice or the wine cup.) 

paradox bulletin 

    I personally really enjoyed this service and it was probably my favorite that I’ve been to in Fort Worth as of writing this. 

Rating: 10/10- A blend of more traditional service and modern music.