What are our distinctives?
September 19, 2008
In a recent comment on our blog, Paul asked us to share what our distinctives would be to differentiate us from other churches in the area. A reasonable question. So why didn’t I just post the distinctives and move on? Why have I been thinking about this the last couple days?
The problem is that I’m not sure I can answer that question fully right now, because I think the distinct attributes of the church will ultimately emerge, not just from our leadership, but from the community of people that will be part of this church. In the meantime, I’ll share some things that I’m passionate about and would like to see characterize our church (Norton, Jason – feel free to share yours as well):
- I want us to be a community of people who so embody the grace and love of Christ that we are as accepting, loving and attractive to be with as Jesus was when He was on earth, particularly to people who aren’t Christian. There are a lot of good churches in Denver, but there are a lot of people who don’t attend those churches. Our hope is that our people and environments will be attractive to those who are far from God. Our mission is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. This means meeting people wherever they are and helping them take steps to grow their faith in God.
- I want our church to embody Christianity as a way of life not just a set of beliefs. I believe that happens best when we are connected in intentional relationships where we are encouraged and supported to become all God intended. (Can you tell I’m the small-groups guy?
) - I want our church to engage in the most pressing needs of our community and be a redemptive presence there. I’d like us to be so involved in addressing these needs that a time would come that if our church were to disappear, the city would actually miss us.
- One thing I have loved about attending North Point is that my kids love going to church (mostly my 4-year old, our 1-year old still gets a bit clingy). They get so excited on Sunday morning and love their worship environment and small groups. I want our church to be that kind of place. I want to create the kind of environments that are so enjoyable for kids that they drag their parents. I want to partner with those parents and give them the resources to help their kids develop a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and impact the next generation.
There are more, but that’s enough for now. I’d love to hear from anyone reading who’s from Denver – what do you think Denver needs our church to be?
-Stephen
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I’ve been looking for a great church since I moved to Denver, but I haven’t found one yet-this seems like a great possibility. I think a church that embodies Christ’s love and leads its community to a way of life instead of to a certain set of beliefs is an amazing mission.
I’m interested to know what kind of community service we will participate it, specifically surrounding the homeless and also gay outreach.
SWEET! i’m from ATL and loved to go to northpoint for Louie and Andy. moved here last year and looking forward to the church !!
Hey Erin,
Thanks for your comment. I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t found a church that you’d consider great in Denver. I hope that either we’ll be that church for you or that you’d find the right community for you soon.
As for your specific questions about homelessness and outreach to the gay community, all I can say is bring your passion for these issues to our community. At this point I think we’re open to whatever issues God might have us engage. I’m sure that those two issues are significant needs, but we want to be led by God and not by need. There will always be more need than any one church can address. Our responsibility is to discern what God wants our church community to address.
-Stephen
I’m praying for this church and I’m sure God is doing miracles already. I live in Brazil and I believe in this vision all around the world, for God’s glory!