Interactive Learning

In the movie Patch Adams, the main character (played by the late Robin Williams), declares his belief that every person is both a doctor and a patient. Likewise, we believe every person is a teacher and a learner. Based on the "priesthood of believers" philosophy presented in the New Testament, we feel it is appropriate to expect each follower of Christ to be both giving and receiving ministry. We pursue a participatory model that involves and engages everyone (all ages included) as much as possible. This may differ significantly from some people's perception of "church" if it has been shaped by an experience of an identified clergy (pastor, priest, worship leader, etc.) preaching to a mostly passive audience during a church service. In our opinion, all parts of the "body" are needed to contribute for healthy growth and true service to occur. There are no spectators.

A key distinctive feature of our approach to church gatherings is the emphasis on making sure everything is easily reproducible by anyone in any context. Therefore, our teachings are usually guided, facilitated times of learning to engage everyone rather than sermons or lectures that often involve one person. We use many easy-to-recall and easy-to-apply practices and tools for Bible study, prayer, and ministry. Our meals are usually potluck-style. Our meeting places are usually common places freely or easily accessible (homes, parks, etc.). We have no paid staff, no elaborate programs, and no stylish music band or worship team.

Basically, we want all participants to be able to go out from the meeting and reproduce any part of it on their own if they so desire. Our goal is to make disciples, not consumers.

The "main course" of our church meetings is interactive discussion based on biblical writings. However, we also celebrate and encourage diverse expressions of praise and worship to flow from within the body. There are numerous ways that followers of Jesus of any age can demonstrate their love for God. Participants can create songs, poems, art, stories, dramatic interpretations, interpretive dances, objects, prayers, acts of service. sometimes spontaneously in the middle of a gathering. Due to the creative nature of God and how people express different spiritual gifts, no two meetings will probably ever be exactly the same, and still the principles of simplicity and reproducibility (and D.N.A.) will be consistently present. (Note: Again, we do not have paid musicians or a worship band who lead us in a formal "worship time.")

As much as possible, we want our church activities, including the interactive learning meetings, to be an expression of our core principles, our D.N.A.

D - Divine Truth: We feel that it is necessary for people to interact with the Word (Jesus) and word (Bible) directly themselves. While the Bible is considered a holy and sacred text to us, we view this Scripture as a tool to better understand how God relates to people. Ultimately, our "Word of God" is Jesus Christ. We don't worship a book. We don't even necessarily follow the Bible; we follow Jesus while holding the revelations that come through Scripture in high regard. We acknowledge that there are various interpretations to many parts of the Bible and want to respect that fact.

N - Nurturing Relationships: Face-to-face fellowship where everyone has an opportunity to interact and participate is important so that all members of the group can build up, learn from, and minister to one another.

A - Active Mission: Our identity as disciples of Jesus comes from the fact that we are empowered and sent by God to bring a specific message to the world around us. The purpose of any true church does not end with how they treat the people in their group, but also includes how they are representing God to those outside of the group. For this reason, instead of highlighting the benefits of attending a service 1 out of 7 days a week, our objective is to equip people for a 24/7 lifestyle.