EDITOR’S NOTE: Exploring how people are building connections in today’s world, Mellow DeTray’s new column “In Search of Community” will delve into the diverse ways individuals are finding a sense of belonging – not only in churches and religious gatherings, but also through secular groups. This monthly series aims to resonate with readers across South King County, offering a thoughtful look at the evolving nature of community in our modern lives.

From the moment I approached the entrance to Deeper Church, I was greeted by several people saying good morning and holding the door for me, complete with eye contact, effusive welcoming, and even a hug. I appreciate hugs, even from strangers, and the dozen enthusiastic greetings I received were both fabulous and a little overwhelming. To put it mildly, a new person at Deeper Church will be made to feel very welcome. 

Online interaction through social media can only go so deep, and I think more and more people are finding that it does not fulfill our real need for human connection. I’ve begun a project to explore the ways people are finding community in real life. To this end, on Jan. 12, 2025, I attended Sunday service at Deeper Church. Of the handful of programs I had sent a brief contact email to, Deeper was the first to respond with a welcoming email.

Inside, the foyer was beautifully lit with several Christmas trees, and I laughed with one member since I too still have my decorations up, weeks after the holiday – but I appreciate the sparkles too much to take them down during these dark months. 

I was shown around and introduced to a series of other members, and eventually even to Pastor Hannah, who co-runs the church with her husband. She was very personable and friendly, and seemed like someone I could get along well with. I gave her my email to connect later on the topic of building community. 

The main room is surprisingly grand, with a very lofty and beautiful wooden beamed ceiling. There is a coffee station right at the entrance, behind six rows of seats. The coffee station not only has real half-and-half, but also multiple types of tea. As a lover of all hot drinks, I was feeling right at home. A table nearby was loaded with tiered trays of pastries, bagels, and other treats. A stage with a drum station is situated at the far end of the room.

Near the coffee station, there is a long table with about a dozen sign-up sheets for various groups, bible studies, volunteer shifts, and other ways of being involved. There definitely seems to be a big emphasis on gathering beyond just the Sunday service. I was encouraged by one young lady, who is a member of the youth group, to join the women’s group.

I had thought Deeper was relatively new to town, but spoke to people who had been attending for nearly a decade. The woman I sat next to said it was a shame I came that week, as the usual pastor, who is apparently amazing, was out of town. Later I found out that he had taken his oldest son to a bible trivia contest, where the eleven year old earned first place in his age group.

We were all asked to stand as the service began. The first portion of the service consisted of three lengthy songs that might be called musical worship. I would note to those not especially used to loud music, you might wish to bring earplugs. The band’s sound itself was alright, with female vocalists and lyrics that clearly differentiate them from secular songs. Some of those around me were into the music: singing along and clapping, even dancing a bit. Later, during the actual sermon, a few of those same people were scrolling their phones and sleeping, respectively. There were others who were obviously very into both the sermon and the music. Both lost me, in their length and material.

The message of the sermon was about maintaining humility, and how pride in our own knowledge drives a wedge between people. There was a reminder of the importance of being able to maintain relationships when disagreeing with people. If they had stopped there, I could be on board. However, the guest pastor went long and deep into the different ways pride, knowledge, and general hubris had come into play in biblical stories. I enjoyed the view of the gorgeous ceiling, whilst allowing my mind to wander just a bit.

Many people took liberties with the coffee bar and snacks throughout the service, so I didn’t feel bad getting up to check out the bathroom and stretch my legs. The two bathrooms are beautifully decorated, clean, and well-appointed. Definitely worth a visit if you also find it hard to sit through the two hour service.

The demographics of those present were pretty diverse. I had thought it was mostly older white people when I first arrived, but the younger and more racially diverse people did filter in later. About half the seats were empty throughout, with a handful of teenage boys in the front row, two of which played in the band on stage. There were also several children who were ushered out to the kids’ service after the second song, and two infants. The infants stayed around and were alternately adorable and irate, possibly expressing their discontent at the very long sermon. If they protested while the band played, none of us could hear.

There are some statements on the church website that give me pause, like that the Pacific Northwest is a “spiritual war-zone” and that Jesus is going to “crush” Hell. These statements reflect the denomination’s emphasis on spiritual warfare and eschatology (the study of end times). Deeper Church is affiliated with Assemblies of God, which is Pentecostal. Speaking in tongues and divine healing are two of the four foundational beliefs for Pentecostals. I didn’t personally experience these things at the service I attended, though both were mentioned.

As I left, I was given a small gift bag with some chocolate by a very kind guy, who told me that the service does not normally last quite so long. These people know how to make you feel welcome and good about being there. For someone seeking community, who is open to heavily biblical teachings, this could be a place to consider. 

Are you part of a regular community gathering that you would like me to cover? Please let me know via email and I’ll do my best to get there.

Mellow DeTray is a Seattle native who has spent the last 16 years raising her family in Burien. She has volunteered at many local establishments over the years, including the Burien Library, Burien Actors...

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