• why do you do sermons focused on Books of the Bible? There's this wrong idea that we need to try and make the Bible "relevant". The BIBLE IS RELEVANT !! Always has been. Always will be. In fact, what's irrelevant is this faddish idea that sermon series based on the latest popular tv show (which may be cancelled and forgotten in a month for all we know) or on some current event - hey, there's actually been sermons on Dr. Seuss (Yeah, the Cat in the Hat changed my life too, right?). It all seems so clever and impressive now, but we may not even recall it in two weeks - it's this crazy idea that faith needs to be "hip" or "current". Faith is about following Jesus not following trends so we focus on the main source material to learn about Jesus: the Bible. Look, we may have new tech, new ideas, new cars, houses, media etc. - but fundamentally, we are still the same people we've always been: the same needs, the same fears, the same struggles, the same longings and desires. The Bible is old - very old. It's story is not just old, it's timeless and eternal. It's truths are unmatched in their perspective, promise and transforming power across every cultural context, in all times, in all places. Listen to what the Bible says of itself:  "16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 1I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom:2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you."  (2 Timothy 3:16-4:5 NLT). And that, friends, is why we teach the Bible, book by book in all its wonderful complexity and glorious detail. What you need to hear right now, right here in this moment... it's still right there flying off those pages to challenge, to change, to encourage, to empower you. Come check it out and see for yourself - there's real spiritual food and drink here that will satisfy.

• why do you meet in a warehouse? Because a TARDIS is not available... (okay - Google that one). Actually the "church" is about the people rather than the place! Where we meet is convenient and relatively inexpensive. We will probably buy some land and build a facility in the future (eventually it will be a better use of our resources) but for now, the warehouse is the best stewardship of our time and finances.

 

• why do you refer to your services as "meetings"? It's an old saying from the Moravians: "this is a meeting - service is what we do when we leave!" We like the terminology because it reminds us that Biblical service is better viewed, not as a noun, but as a verb! 

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• why don't you have Sunday night service? Well, most people are still working out how they are going to live what they heard on Sunday morning. Really, church is not about the event. Sure, it is WONDERFUL to meet together and experience God's Presence in a unique way together, but we're careful not to let our focus become too event-centered. Church is to be Christ-centered - about living out your faith with your family, friends, neighbors, on your job (respectfully and gently, mind you!) Being program/event driven is a modern trap that causes so many to confuse church busy-ness with being about the Father's Business (Google it - its a reference to something Jesus' said!). We don't need more weekly get-togethers at Church  -  we need more daily living-together with Christ!

 

• why doesn't your Pastor want to be called "Pastor"? Because his birth certificate doesn't have "Pastor" or "Right Reverend" or "Most High Holy One"  (although Jedi Padawan Learner is in fine print if you look closely) Seriously, look at what Jesus said about this: "They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called ‘Doctor’ and ‘Reverend.’ Don’t let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates. Don’t set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of ‘Father’; you have only one Father, and he’s in heaven. And don’t let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them—Christ."  Matthew 23: 7-10 from The Message You can call him "Pastor" if you like, or if you're trying to teach your kids respect for authorities (but you should refer to your Doctor as "Doctor _______", the President of the United States as "Mr. President" and the police you see around town as "Officer ______________" too - let's be consistent!) If not, then "Brian" will do just fine, thank you. 

 

• why don't you have the typical staff pastor positions? We believe in utilizing team leaders from within our congregation instead of professional ministry "experts" brought in from outside. We try to have a team of at least two leaders in most positions of responsibility as it multiplies the pool of ideas, spreads the load more evenly, helps keep people from "putting people on a pedestal" as often and makes the occasional leadership transitions less disruptive for the ministry teams. 

 

• what is the music like? Well a note first on style: Our goal is for a group experience with God so we intentionally steer towards things we do together rather than a concert style spectator approach. No one is out to thrill you with their showmanship - worship is about us together expressing our feelings and experiencing God together.  And no - WE PROMISE NEVER TO HAND OUT EAR PLUGS!!! Our flavor is passionate acoustic music - but we set it at a volume where you can hear yourself and those around you singing too because we are all the "worship team"! But more importantly, let's talk substance: We aim to use the same sounds you listen to in the car, Spotify, etc., around your house or on your computer. We don't believe "church music" should sound different than any good music you enjoy - the key is what and Who the songs are about, what they are saying. We do pay close attention to lyrics though - our goal is to ensure that what you sing agrees with what the Bible says so you're reinforcing right concepts about God, life, love and faith. What you can be sure of is that the songs will be scripturally sound expressions of our love and praise for Jesus Christ and our desire to know Him and follow Him better! 

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• why is your Pastor's photo not on your home page? Pastors, Biblically speaking, are kinda like coaches - and not the multimillionaire pro sports types either. Pastors are more like High School coaches (sometimes they feel like Little League Coaches!) than celebrities and media personalities. They are meant to help us learn to love God and each other more effectively by teaching, correcting, rebuking sometimes and encouraging God's people with His Word and living as an example of what it all looks like in the flesh and blood world we live in. We believe a Church is first and foremost about God and His people. Pastors are important, sure, but they are fulfilling their God-given roles just like anyone else so there's no purpose in elevating them or making them the "poster-boy" for a Church. Jesus is the only Star any Church needs! PS - if you EVER see a church that features leadership's glamour shots in their advertising - RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!! Not to be brash, but Jesus warned us about this - and anybody who thinks his/herself so important that they promote Christ's church with their image ... well, 'nuff said.

 

• why don't you market your church more? Advertising isn't wrong (of course not), but there's something more happening in the recent church marketing craze. Marketing is all about selling something - and we're interested in sharing - not selling. We've all seen the glamorous photos of the church leaders on the big billboards along the highways. They usually say something about how this church is the best at this thing or offers better of that thing or is the best and brightest and most upcoming whatever thing - you know the clichés: "Friendliest church in town", "Real Church", "Being Church, not Doing Church" etc. The problem is that marketing is built on the twin concepts of competition and customer service. Is the Biblical picture of Church about competition and customers?  No. The Church of Jesus Christ is built on the Truth of Jesus as Lord and Savior and Head of one great universal Church down through the ages made up of people in nations all over the world who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and King. In any given town, on any given day, there are people who go to different locations to worship. Although the label on the outside may use differing verbage, the content on the inside is the same if they share the common faith in Christ alone: One Church, One Body, One Lord and Savior. So marketing's competition is not Scriptural. And that "customer service" concept? Well first and foremost, followers of Jesus Christ are to serve God, and then secondly we serve people. So marketing to people based on all the great things you will do for them is kinda "getting the cart before the horse"! We figure if we're about loving God with everything we have, and then (in response to His Spirit's leading and guiding) how to love and serve each other best, then the "Lord will add daily" like the Bible says in Acts. In Revelation chapters 1-3, you can read a lot about churches who thought they had things great but God's estimation of them was clear - He doesn't buy into slick marketing campaigns. If we're about His reputation instead of our own, He'll take care of the crowds. So we'll settle for promoting Christ and let Him decide if we need promoting! 

 

• why don't you dress in your "Sunday best"? Because God's more interested in your "Monday worst"! Look, "Sunday Best" is built on the false premise that we need to dress up as an act of reverence in order to encounter God . In the New Testament, the people who had Jesus arrested and crucified were also some of the best dressed religious people! God's interested in your heart, not your fashion. He doesn't obsess over outward appearance. Dressing up for church is vain - clothing your heart with respect and reverence for God is holy. You can do both - but in practice, people tend to get too focused on the fashion instead of the faith, so we just go with what matters most - the substance, not the style. 

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• ​what is the typical attire? Everyday casual. If you like to dress up, put on your tie or favorite dress and have at it! If you are a t-shirt and jeans person, make yourself at home. In general, as long as everything's covered up, anything's pretty much okay. We recommend you wear to church whatever you wear throughout the week. Think of it like this: The same hands you may lift in worship Sunday, are going to be behind the steering wheel at rush hour Monday, playing ball with the kids on Tuesday, doing the laundry Wednesday, buying groceries Thursday, eating popcorn in a movie Friday, mowing the lawn Saturday - it just makes sense to wear the same clothes, to see the same sleeves on those worshiping arms Sunday as you'll be seeing all the rest of the week!