What's it Like?
We understand that visiting spiritual groups can be tough sometimes. You don't know what to expect! Will they put pressure on you? Is there some kind of obligation to join? Are they going to be calling me everyday? Will I feel uncomfortable?
We want to help relieve any anxiety you might have about coming. Our meetings are typically structured, but they're laid-back too. So to help alleviate any fears, here's a typical evening at IVCF, IIT Style.
Typically you'll come strollin' up to the GodBox from its backside. As you round the corner to the entry, you'll be greeted with smiles, hand shakes, a hello or two, and the occasional 'ready for our test tomorrow?', but we try and leave the latter for later. (pun most definitely intended.)
You'll then be whisked into the Godbox, while more officially called the 'Robert F. Carr Memorial Chapel of St. Savior' (designed by Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe, 1952, if you want any more information, ask an archie.) However, the abbreviation RFCMCOSS just never stuck, so we call it the Godbox. Once you're inside you'll gain a great appreciation as to why it's called such. Anyway, to continue our story of the typical Large Group Experience....you'll typically see a sea of chairs (that's where you sit!), a 'nice' (don't say bad things around it...it can hear you!) projector with accompanying screen, and the worship team will have their array of instruments and microphones setup. Typically at this time we'd be mingling before the night begins. This is a great chance to meet other people, see what's going on, and if you have any questions -- please feel free to ask! No one should be intimidated or have any anxiety about being here.
Finally, once the 'start' time has officially past, we get started...typically we start out with an activity. Usually mind-boggling simple, usually mind-boggling fun, and quite possibly cheesy as well. They're a chance for us to know each other better and loosen up.
Typically, we then go into a time of worship. This is where the Worship Team goes up front and leads us in a variety of songs meant to bring us closer to God and to focus on Him. And of course, to glorify His name. During this time, you are totally free to worship as you feel comfortable. You can sing, hum, stay quiet, lift up your hands, kneel down, sit, pray, clap, jump, shout -- as you see fit.
Typically, we then have some announcements. These can be about anything, from our next conference/retreat, to an ongoing project, to somebody's birthday.
After worship and announcements we typically have a speaker come to share with us some of God's word. Sometimes this speaker is from the area, othertimes they're brought in specially, somethines it's our own IVCF staff member, or it might even be a member of IVCF! Typically, they speak for 20-30 minutes.
We then, typically, have another time of worship to round off the night. While we are officially done, people'll usually hang around and socialize, play some games, or organize late-night trips into the city. You're welcome to do whatever you'd like -- because we're done!
