Sat Nov 07 2009
By JACK PALMER
Every Sunday morning for the past year, David Hoover has headed off to church.
It might be a Catholic church, Baptist church, Lutheran church or Episcopal church. Or maybe Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Methodist or United Church of Christ.
Since he does not drive, Hoover either walks or rides his bicycle.
"I really get to know the community better through its churches," said Hoover. "I get to know more people on a first-name basis and I've also gotten to know the ministers. Since I started this, more people talk to me when they see me on the street."
More than anyting, he said the practice benefits his own spiritual journey.
"It really helps me explore my faith," said Hoover. "Observing various worship styles, rituals and beliefs causes me to really think why churches do different things."
Despite not being a church member, Hoover hasn't hesitated from becoming involved in programs and activities.
He began his "church tour" at St. Mary Catholic Church in May of last year and has met and talked with Father Tim Kummerer. He has also befriended other clergy such as Rev. Mark Shimer of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and Rev. Tim Reynolds of Zion's Lutheran Church.
He presently attends a Monday night Bible study at First Baptist Church led by Tim Demland and Jason May. He has also participated in the worship service twice at Zion's Lutheran, most recently as lector and communion assistant.
"My view of church membership is that people who come in the door and want to help with the ministry should feel comfortable enough to be involved in a variety of ways," said Reynolds. "Dave is very enthusiastic about serving God and is open to taking classes and learning to do things like helping in the worship and at our Wednesday night community suppers.
"He certainly has a broad ecumenical approach to Christianity and there's nothing wrong with that," added Reynolds. "In many ways, it's refreshing."
Hoover said he collects monthly newsletters from the churches he visits, often studying Bible passages used for weekend services and seeing how closely they follow each other through the Bible.
"If you are not happy with your church, have not attended for a long time or are curious about what else there is, I recommend doing a church tour of different denominations," he stated. "One thing I have noticed so far is that married persons generally do not associate much with single persons."
Added Hoover: "Some churches will tell you that 'we will take you to the cross our way.' Try as they as they might to do the right thing, other churches have a bad habit of being the problem rather than the solution."
Hoover plans to continue his unique Sunday morning practice for the foreseeable future.
"I'm a spiritual work in progress," he said. "In church language, I guess you would call me a 'seeker.' "
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