What Kind of Church?

Several years ago, Troy worked with my brothers and husband for a big retailer.  We knew Troy was what some people would label, "Very Religious".  All I knew was that he was part of a church that consisted of around 10 people who met in their houses.

So, I remember wondering, what kind of church has 10 people and meets in houses?  Seemed really kinda weird at the time.  But I knew Troy and he and his wife were very very nice people.  So if they seemed to have a strange religion, who am I to judge.

And Troy was never pushy with his religious beliefs, he was just kind and wonderful to everyone, whether they followed his beliefs or not.

Troy and his fellow church members met for a few years and their membership of "whatever" church kept growing, eventually growing big enough that Troy quit his job with Big Retailer to become a Youth Minister of this church.  I remember his going away party.  It was heartfelt as Troy had touched all of the people he worked with, especially my husband.

About 17 years ago, Troy's Whatever Church outgrew their house meetings and began to look for a "real" building to meet.  They prayed about finding a place and happened upon a strip mall that had some open space that was owned by "Locally Owned Big Grocer".   They called Mr. Big Grocer's business and asked about leasing the space.   Mr. Big Grocer's man said the rent would be $7,500. per month.

By then Whatever Church had a real name and their membership was growing, FAST.  But this was a local community and that rent was not within reach, which they informed the owner's agent.  The agent said he would check on something and get back with them.  In the meantime, Troy and the other Pastors began to pray about what they should do.  The members prayed about what they should do.

A few days later the agent called them and said that if they would pay the utilities for the property, they could occupy the empty space.  Which they did.  For FIFTEEN years, growing and growing all along.  Taking up more and more of the retail space.  All of which was rented by only paying the utilities.

We went to one of the services at the strip mall about 10 years ago, along with my brothers when we heard that Troy was going to be giving the sermon.  It seemed to have a lot of life and a nice band and interestingly enough, it was not some weird religion that I had envisioned when I had heard of it years before.

Three years ago this church had been able to save enough from the free rent and the generous donations of their ordinary members to build their own church.

We decided to go to the grand opening service. 

What we found was amazing. 

The lobby of the building was gorgeous and inviting.  The "auditorium" had three huge video screens and soft comfortable seating.  Having grown up Catholic, this was a far cry from the wooden benches and the punishing "kneelers" that were in the Catholic Churches in the 1960's.

The place was packed.  We arrived early and found seats as more and more and more people entered.  The auditorium will hold around 800 people and it was quickly filling up for the first service.  We were greeted at our seats by a kindly old gentleman who introduced himself as Pastor Jesse.

He was making his rounds shaking hands, giving hugs and welcoming members and "Just Visitors" like us.

Suddenly we heard a familiar voice behind us looking for seats.  It was Troy and his wife.  We had not told them we were coming, and you could tell they were delighted to see us.  Then everyone stood as the church band began.

We had never listened to contemporary Christian music and were amazed at how incredible the band sounded and the main singer blew us away.  We were even more blown away when the music was done and the singer walked up to the microphone and began his message.  He was not only the main singer, he was the Senior Pastor.

We had gone out of curiosity.  Pastor Mark began to talk what seemed like a message directed to us.  The big screens showed a video that not only brought chills to my arms, but tears to my eyes.  The next week would continue the series message and we were hooked.

Within just a few months, we began the classes to become official members.  The next August, they held the first baptism in "the pond" that was built outside.  There were over 100 people that "got dunked" in the pond that day and we were among them, with Troy holding onto Bob as we went under. 

He gave us both a big hug, while standing waist high in the water and finally said to me, "I have been praying about this for years."  He never pushed his faith on anyone, but just quietly prays over those he loves.
 

Sadly, last year, we lost Pastor Jesse.  It left a big hole in our hearts and a loss we still feel every Sunday, not having him greet us with a big hug. 

So Troy's "Whatever Church" was not some weird cultist backward church.

It was and is a simple "interdemonational" church who gear their message to the unchurched.  They do not have saints attending on Sundays.  They have just plain old ordinary sinners.

They don't offer judgment, and yet they do not sacrifice God's Word to appeal to the masses.  They appeal to the masses by being simple true Christians.   And "we" have now already outgrown this new huge building. 

I'm sure it was not even dreamed about when they started the church in their homes.  But I'm glad they had a vision that I could not have fathomed.