international house: Last night I had customers from a church called International House of Prayer (http://www.ihop.org/). Arriving at the address in Grandview, at first I thought it was a small shopping center. They had a Gift/Card store, plus a nice IHOP Espresso Bar, and another business. Looking through the windows, I could see they were connected to the church, where a rock band was playing. The drove the visitors back to their hotels. They were from out of the country and was here for a conference. This Church is pretty far out and not in any of the normal areas where we find customers, so if I had not gone out to get them, they may have been waiting a few hours. I asked why someone else in the church didn't drive them back to the hotel? They said they didn't know anyone. Isn't fellowship in a faith a part of getting to know each other in the faith, and knowing they can ask anyone for help? The place just felt more like a night spot than it did a church of learning and worship.|||that is very common theese days... I know people who attend those churches who on examination have nothing in common with what the church says it stands for. I simply try to put it in perspective, it doesnt work for me, and I highly suspect there is some corruption involved with so many money-making opportunities around (the giftshop, espresso bar...) but you never know they may be using that money for good...and in the end while it may not work for folks like you and me it may be good for someone else. there are still plenty of places around with a close knit religious community, if you are looking for one i'm sure you'll be able to find it just seek out a smaller church that has views similar to your own.|||Well, since you know nothing about IHOP, I can understand why you think that. Let me try to explain it. IHOP is a 24/7 house of Prayer. All the money goes into IHOP. Report Abuse |||The rock band you were talking about? That's a worship band. Which goes on 24/7. I don't get why you'd call it a rock band. Go in for a 2 hour set, and you'll see how soft the music usually is. Report Abuse |||IHOP funds that music, 24/7. It costs millions of dollars to keep IHOP running 24/7. With all the music, and the lights, and the free conferences and everything else. Report Abuse |||The real estate building is there so people can get housing near IHOP. The thrift store is there so IHOPers can get cheap clothing. Most don't work, and are sponsored to be on full time staff. They live off, at most 20k. Report Abuse |||IHOP uses the coffee shop to help fund IHOP, and help people on internships to work in the IHOP enviorment. It's hardcore, I know. But IHOP is IHOP. No one asked. If you ask, they let you use one of the shuttles. Especially if they're missionaries. We probably provide money for their cause. Report Abuse |||And IHOP is not a church. It's a place to go and worship God. Forerunner is the church. There are services Fri-Sun. If you go on the website you can view the webstream for free. Report Abuse |||Church is where a particular understanding of Christianity is forced on you and anyone who disagrees or asks questions is told they have the devil inside them and need saving.|||Indoctrination and discipline ... power and supremacy|||From what I have seen, most preachers pray to the almighty dollar rather than Jesus Christ our saviour|||Yes, its also a social place.|||You know I have to agree with you. That's pretty sad. Tell someone from the Church (What you told us and how you felt). Let them think about it, maybe some changes will be made. (FOR THE BETTER) Now you mentioned Grandview- (Grandview Vancouver, British Columbia Canada?) Edit: Pa bear, I can't get into the site- sorry I tried :(|||Jesus said "You have turned my house into a den of thieves" referring to the market place in the temple. The modern church is a sad state of affairs on the majority.|||You don't mention the girls. I find that strange....|||Be carefull, lets explore that term "the church" as apposed to "a church" satan has "a church" God has "THE CHURCH" it says in Rev.12:17 that THE church has two factors Keeps the commandments [thats ten commandments including the fourth one the seventh day sabbath saturday] and the testimony [spirit of prophecy IS the testimony of Jesus Christ Rev. 19:10] both factors MUST be within that place you call a church, in Act 2:47 We are told the church is SO important that Jesus added daily to it AS SUCH AS SHOULD BE SAVED so if God counts it as important then it must be so, find out more free bible lessons www.itiswritten.com bible questions www.bibleinfo.com talk to me also wgr88@yahoo.com God bless|||You would more likely get pancakes than salvation at the IHOP. NICE HOAX.|||How true, a church is meant to be a place of learning and worship, yet many have forgotten to Learn, to love thy neighbour and how to worship. Although, you do not need to go to church to do these things. Sometimes a church exists, to teach, brainwash and control!|||I have always considered my visit to church to be a Learning experience with God--lead by the spirit of God to a deeper knowledge and understanding through prayer and praise.