Almost every day, Mark and I walked Elvis and Frida to and around Liberty Station for an hour-long outing. When we returned via Trader Joe’s to pick up a few groceries, we passed signs for “Rock Church”, and observed a building named “The School of Rock”. Once, our little getaway took place on a Sunday morning. Crowds of people – rows and rows of them on the sidewalks – made their way to the church. Traffic control was in place and notices in the supermarkets’ parking lots warned against stationing your car there to attend Sunday service. Our curiosity was peaked! Especially when someone mentioned that the “rock” had nothing to do with the building material, but with a rock concert.
On one of our last Sundays in San Diego, as our 3.5-month house sit was coming to an end, Mark watched a live streaming of the Rock Church on YouTube and decided the hype was not worth it. I, on the other hand, love (almost) any new experience. We have joined church services in French Polynesia and other foreign lands, so why not here? And that’s how I ended up attending a Rock Church service in Liberty Station. This church was founded by Pastor Miles McPherson, a former NFL player, and attracts around 20,000 people per week, spread over six campuses and four services.
Does the Rock Church rock? Here are a few short videos to figure that out. ?
I’m linking this post to (an almost) Wordless Wednesday.
Would you attend a service at the Rock Church?
March 14, 2018 at 11:01
Would I attend? Not a chance. Much as I appreciate a new experience, I’m afraid I’ve had too much experience of the damage done in the name of a certain Carpenter who had some great, radical ideas once-upon-a-time. I’d have to sit that one out, but good for you for jumping in!
March 15, 2018 at 16:09
Curiosity kills the cat, right? And, I am a cat. 🙂 My dad would have the same reaction as you, for the same reasons.
March 14, 2018 at 11:26
The video clips make it look very rock & roll and I can imagine it is an interesting experience. I would want to know a lot more about the church behind such an event before I would attend though ;o) xxx
March 15, 2018 at 16:09
I hear you, Xenia. For a long-term attendance some research would surely be required and helpful!
March 14, 2018 at 11:40
Interesting! I’m not a church goer, but I did enjoy going to the service on Man O War this week. I think it’s awesome that the whole community gets together each week and then supports each other throughout the week with meals for the sick, etc. It looks like the Rock would be quite different from a service in French Polynesia!
March 15, 2018 at 16:11
Different from French Polynesia, and from Man-O-War, I’m sure. 🙂 This is what modern church going looks like in my eyes. I feel like the establishment needs to “spice” things up a bit to regain and/or remain a following.
March 14, 2018 at 13:33
Well, you already know how I feel about that church. There is no way I would get within 500 feet of that monstrosity. Seeing it from the inside (vis your pictures and videos) only makes my feeling stronger. Yuck.
March 14, 2018 at 13:41
Yeah, what she said! 😉
March 15, 2018 at 16:14
🙂 As a San Diego resident, she hates the looks of the building, traffic and everything that comes with it.
March 15, 2018 at 17:12
Maybe especially the “everything.”
March 21, 2018 at 10:55
🙂
March 15, 2018 at 16:13
I do know how you feel, Janis. 🙂 I checked it out just for you, so I could share the insides (insights) of that “enlightening” building.
March 15, 2018 at 17:11
I appreciate your willingness to enter the den of all that is evil so that I don’t have to 🙂
March 21, 2018 at 10:55
Anything for you, Janis! 🙂
March 14, 2018 at 13:58
My grandfather was a Methodist minister in some small churches throughout West Virginia. I wonder what he’d think of Rock Church…personally, it doesn’t look like my kind of church.
March 15, 2018 at 16:15
As with everything that has entered the era of modernization and technology, I often wonder what previous generations would think of all this, Jill. If only the deceased could talk (and share their knowledge with us).
March 14, 2018 at 14:13
Hmm, no – not for me!
March 15, 2018 at 16:16
I think I might have guessed that! Very different from European and established churches!
March 14, 2018 at 14:22
Glad you finally went!
Attend it? I already do – that is the style of music at our church. And I get to play it.
March 15, 2018 at 16:17
That’s interesting, Alex! Play it, as in at home with CDs? Or, play it on the stage?
March 14, 2018 at 14:24
For one of the first times, I am the odd person out with your other commenters. Your post on Rock Church has peaked my curiosity and I would totally attend (at least once). What were your thoughts after you attended?
March 15, 2018 at 16:19
Same here, Donna. I guess we are both real adventurers. 🙂 Or, members of the most curious group of humans. Good question about my thoughts… I actually enjoyed it, because it was such a new experience. And, it made me realize why this “upbeat” concept attracts so many followers in San Diego. But, I am not religious, so… once was enough.
March 17, 2018 at 09:21
I’m with you, Donna. I’d probably attend at least once (maybe a couple of times) to see what it was all about. I don’t believe “church” has all that much to do with the “place” – and has a lot more to do with the heart. I, too, am curious about the actual service, after all the music was stripped away… ~ Lynn
March 21, 2018 at 11:02
Hi Lynn! The actual service was actually inspiring, useful and interesting, except for one thing… the pastor was on big screens and not on the stage. This was a disappointment and made me think: “Why would I leave my comfortable house and come here for that?” The services are streamed on You Tube as well, you see. The fact that his presence was not live, took away from the experience.
March 14, 2018 at 16:58
Hi Liesbet
I’ve attended a rock service or two in my day. Not on the scale of that church though. I would not like that. Too many people, too much noise. It’s confusing. If I’m going to church I need a much more personal setting. And traditional too. Whatever that means.
Laura
March 15, 2018 at 16:21
Hi Laura! I had no idea that the “rock service” was a thing, as in that it takes place in other cities/states (countries?) as well. This one is, indeed, very big and non-personal, which, for me wanting to check things out unnoticed, was a good thing. 🙂 I could see why attending a service in more intimate circles is more appealing.
March 14, 2018 at 17:42
No, I wouldn’t attend. Not because of the music – perfectly fine by me – but because of the crowds and the anonymity of the whole thing. I’m not a fan of anything where I’m sitting so far away that I have watch the performers on a screen. Doing so makes me feel otherworldly, and not in a good spiritual way!
March 15, 2018 at 16:25
There was some room in the front row I think, Karen. Although, I think most people who secured front row seats arrived with plenty of time to spare. Luckily, they were entertained by the band from the beginning. I needed to be in the back to feel unnoticed and “unrude” by taking photos and movies. I hear you about the crowds, though, and the screen stuff. I was disappointed that the main part of the service by the Pastor took place on the screen and not on stage.
March 14, 2018 at 22:50
Like others have said, I’m not a church goer, so it wouldn’t be for me, but I’m all for new experiences. If something speaks to you, by all means try it out.
We only regret the things we don’t do, right?
March 15, 2018 at 16:25
Amen! 🙂
March 14, 2018 at 23:39
I think it would be interesting from a rock point of view, but personally I can’t think of anything less spiritually uplifting.
March 15, 2018 at 16:27
But, all the words are spiritual… 🙂 My best friend read this blog and we just talked on the phone. Your comment reminds me of what she said, Denzil. She often hears songs on the radio that sound really good, until she listens to the lyrics and they are all about God and Jesus…
March 15, 2018 at 05:25
Yes, why not? But maybe only once. 🙂 🙂
March 15, 2018 at 16:27
That’s my girl! 🙂 Kindred spirits.
March 15, 2018 at 09:15
Looks fascinating and well worth going to. Not a conventional church of course but perhaps that’s what appeals to people. A great idea I think.
March 15, 2018 at 16:28
It sure seems to have taken off in San Diego, Jonno. It is a fascinating concept and experience, and I understand why (especially the younger generations) are in to it.
March 15, 2018 at 10:34
I’d attend just for the experience. I’m always fascinated by the spiritual practices of people, even if I don’t agree with them. Their passion is always unexpected.
March 15, 2018 at 16:29
And, I have exactly the same sentiments. That’s why I wanted to give it a try. I doubt any of these churches exist in Utah, Ryan…
March 15, 2018 at 12:58
Hmm, not for me on several fronts, but if it works for someone else that OK.
March 15, 2018 at 16:30
I am glad I posted this blog, Hilary. There are so many different opinions out there; fascinating in itself. 🙂
March 16, 2018 at 08:20
Not my cup of tea, but I can see how attending it once would be an interesting experience.
March 21, 2018 at 10:55
Exactly! Modern pop culture religion… 🙂
March 16, 2018 at 23:42
20 K per week ?. I hear you about being ‘up’ for almost any new experience and totally would have gone with you to check out the service
March 21, 2018 at 10:59
I knew it! All the things we could do and explore together, Lisa! Too bad we are at opposite ends of the world right now.
March 17, 2018 at 13:23
No, I wouldn’t come close to the rock church. But I appreciate you trying it out to see what the ‘fuss’ is all about. I grew up with a wonderful Episcopal church experience as a child. Loved the sweet music, the soft praying, the friendship among the congregation. But as an adult, my church is nature, walking and musing, writing and seeing how the ‘spirit’ moves me. That rock church is kinda everything opposite of that. ;-0
March 21, 2018 at 11:03
I love your current idea of “church”, Pam and can totally relate to that. Now, this spring better arrive in earnest, so I can start enjoying all the things you mention again as well!