SITE VISIT WORKSHEET

You will use this worksheet for both your Eastern religion visit and your Western religion visit.

Name: Ashley N. Thompson

Where I went: Calvary Baptist Church
When I went: 4/23/2017

In order to get credit for your site visits, you must complete the following questions and submit via upload at the
appropriate time (Midterm or Final). Please use complete sentences, and no question should be answered as yes
or no only.

BEFORE YOU ATTEND: List 3 of what you understand to be the primary beliefs of this faith.
1. Believe in Jesus
2. Believe the Bible is God’s word
3. Easter represents God’s Resurrection

How does this religion understand the world?

Baptists believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior and that the Bible is his word. They believe that those who seek
God will have an individual and intimate relationship with him.
How does this religion understand their relationship to others?
They respect others diversity and expression of faith. They pride themselves on their relationship with God and
congregation.
DURING ATTENDANCE PAY ATTENTION TO THESE THREE DIMENSIONS:

1) Physical (Spatial) observations: What did the worship space look like? It was very open when you first walk into
the building. There is an area where you may sit or wait until an appropriate moment before entering the chapel. It’s a
large area with art and black and white photos.
a) Was there symbolism on the exterior of the building? What is its purpose?
The building looked like a regular church with large white lettering advising the name and on top was a white cross. Its
purpose is to let the public know they are there and what they represent.
b) What rituals marked the boundary between sacred and profane? (The extraordinary and the ordinary)
The waiting area was a large space with couches and tile floor. An area for family and friends to meet up before entering
the chapel. There are two sets of double doors and ushers waiting at the entrance of the chapel to escort you to a seat.
The chapel is carpeted and huge. Full of pews facing towards the front where the pastor and choir sit.
c) What was the focal point of the space?
The focal point is the front where the pastor and choir sit. They also have large projectors on each side so the
congregation may see the words of songs and the pastor when teaching and preaching.
d) What decorated the space? Why was it there?
Very simple décor. Behind the choir was a large set of Maroon drapes but other than that it was plain. I think they did
drapes up front to catch your attention and left everything else minimal.
 e) Did the space reflect functionality? If so, how?
Yes, it was functional. The rows of pews were long enough for many people and there was space for movement. The
simplicity didn’t distract from the choir and the pastors.
2) Ritual observations: What took place?
When we walked in everyone was standing and singing with the choir. We all sat and listened to announcements and their
pastor was being celebrated for 43 years of service. During prayer, they have you grab the person’s hand next to you so
that you all may pray in unity.
a) Describe the elements of worship (liturgy).
During the speech’s everyone always started with “Good morning church”. There is a lot of audience participation.
Everyone saying “Amen”, “Say it Pastor”. They speak from their hearts and the high emotion running through the entire
congregation.
b) Did they have a specific purpose?
I think participation from everyone along with the words from the pastor and the choir enhanced the feeling of positivity
and God. The feeling give you a sense of purpose and importance.
c) Who participated? (Was there clergy? A hierarchy?)
The entire congregation, pastor and choir.
d) What seemed to be the benefit of these rituals?
The benefit heightened the experience of feeling closer to God and each other.
3) Emotional observations: What was the mood?
The mood was positive, fun and respectful.
a) Did the physical space enhance or distract from the emotional/spiritual experience?
The space enhanced the experience. There was enough room for everyone to stand and clap and sing with the choir.
Stand for announcements concerning accomplishments of members and to stand and raise hands while the pastor spoke.
b) What were the attitudes of the participants? (fear, awe, love, hope, union, boredom, excitement,
passion etc.)
The attitude was love, unity, excitement, praise, passion, enthusiasm and a positive vibe.
c) What does this tell you about their ideas toward worship?
Members worship from their heart and soul. It’s not just listening to God’s word but also getting to express it in a way that
feels best to them.
d) What did you learn about this religion’s relationship to non-members?
They asked if it was anyone’s first time or out of state; had us stand and welcomed us. We participated like we had been
part of the church forever. Very welcoming.
POST OBSERVATION: REFLECT ON YOUR EXPERIENCE

1) Reaction: What were your expectations and were they met?

I had seen a few videos showing the enthusiasm and the participation of members but getting to experience it was
amazing. This experience has exceeded my expectation and then some. I appreciated when prayer was said because
they had you hold hands showing unity through the congregation, which was beautiful. And prayer itself was very
humbling; whoever was giving prayer would make sure to thank God for all their own prosperities and after that they
would thank God and make sure he blessed those in need. It was a very beautiful and humbling experience.
2) Reflection: Making connections.
a) Were the beliefs and the worldview of the religion present in the physical observations? How? Where?
Yes, members were dressed in their Sunday best. Family and friends were gathered together. The pews were full and the
pastor and choir were sharp.
b) Were the beliefs and the worldview of the religion represented in the rituals and symbols? How? Why?
Yes, they were presented in the pastor’s words, prayer among members and the respect that everyone had for each, the
pastor and the choir.

 c) Were the beliefs and the worldview of the religion felt and/or observed in the emotional observations?
How?
Yes, you could feel the love and unity in the room while everyone sang with the choir or praised Jesus. The emotions
were raw, honest and positive. Everyone was enjoying the atmosphere. It was a whole other level.