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On Sundays, we alternate between house church gatherings (small group) and corporate gatherings (large group)
We have seen firsthand how much can really change when we press into models of church that champion relational discipleship. In the early church, we see ways they valued teaching and gathering both publicly and in homes (Acts 20:20). We've chosen to shape what happens at our gatherings based on how we can best learn to walk in the ways of Jesus together. With these things in mind:
We meet in homes two Sundays a month. These meetings emphasize being relationally known and foster close community in a way the large gatherings can’t. To be a regular part of our community means to be a part of a house church. This gathering prioritizes engagement in Scripture, discussion, and prayer. Kids are included in as much as possible, and everyone present has an opportunity to contribute and participate in the gathering in some way. Responsibility and leadership is spread out and shared. These meetings end with communion and a meal together.
The other two Sundays we meet collectively as one congregation. These meetings utilize teaching and corporate worship, but they are still participatory and shared. Each week might look a little different as we utilize the tools that would most effectively build unity in our body. Chairs are set up facing each other around a communion table to emphasize the centrality of Christ and encourage dialogue in our teaching time. Opportunities and stories of victory are shared, along with challenges that need prayer. Kids join us for worship but have a special kids' class with teaching, crafts, and games. Everyone is invited to stay for a meal together afterwards.
Sometimes, usually when there are 5 Sundays in a month, we may change it all up and do something out of the ordinary. The church can’t always do everything it is called to do in a quick Sunday service. Sometimes, we may need to take extra time to emphasize a service project, or to have an extended worship and prayer service.
Our gatherings are participatory and Spirit-led (1 Cor 12-14)
The expectation of the New Testament church, like the Corinthian and Ephesian church communities, was that the Holy Spirit would empower and work through believers in different ways as they gathered together. Everyone has a part to play and is encouraged to use their gifting according to the measure of faith they have (Romans 12:3-8). We won't force you to share or pray, but will simply create opportunities where you can. This requires time waiting on God together, regular teaching on hearing God’s voice, safe places to step out in faith, and accountability with biblical guardrails to “test what is good” (1 Thess. 5:19-22). We understand that many in our community come from different backgrounds, so we are careful to let the Bible set our expectations for the working of the Holy Spirit rather than the culture of the church community we came from or grew up in. If you come from a background that was less open or cautious to the gifts of the Spirit operating in church gatherings, you are still welcome to join us, and we’d encourage you to keep an open mind as you share your perspective and engage in the way you feel comfortable. If you come from a highly charismatic background, please be sensitive to those around you, slowing down enough to make sure people understand what you’re saying and doing as you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you. Step out in faith, but leave room for questions. In all things, operate in love and humility.
We practice hospitality as modeled by Jesus
Jesus was known for being a “Friend of sinners” (Matt 11:19) and we will strive to be known for the same. In general, many of Jesus’ key teaching moments or miracles took place at a meal or on his way to one. Jesus shared his life, both in time and proximity, with others, inviting them into areas that would typically be reserved for those who shared similar life backgrounds, values, and beliefs. We believe that hospitality is a strategic key for evangelism in our day. We may occasionally use the strategies of street outreaches or invitational services to reach out to others, but our primary form of outreach will be inviting others into our homes and lives to share meals and develop relationship. We are intentional about keeping our church calendar light in order to create room for this. We want to help create margin in people’s lives to have room for neighbors and new friends.
Unity in diversity: We welcome varied Christian perspectives
Ephesians 4:2 -6: " 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Alongside affirming the core tenets of the Christian faith, we also recognize that there are many secondary issues on which we can hold different opinions and still worship together in unity. We want to create space for people who think differently than us and show them we still value their voice and see them as brothers and sisters in Christ. Another way we say this is that we have a “broad but orthodox theological circumference”. For this reason, our Statement of Faith is simple, referencing the Apostles' Creed and Nicene Creed. There are a handful of areas outside of this that may not be “essential for salvation” but require clarity and agreement for practice, and we will try our best to provide clarity in kindness when that is the case. Church gatherings should be safe places to ask hard questions, and we hope you can find a listening ear in our community. This mindset should also be reflected in our attitude and posture toward skeptics, doubters, and questioners as well. You are welcome to seek Jesus with us.
We will keep church simple, reproducible, and cost-effective in order to give generously to benevolence and missions.
By keeping church simple and participatory we can put more of our assets toward the outward efforts of mission and blessing. This means we will have minimal paid staff and leverage volunteer efforts. We are also committed to avoiding large facility costs and will try to rent spaces when we need them for our larger gatherings.
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