We found a church home and small group! Both Brenton and I grew from the church we were attending previously, but never quite found the means to connect. During our move to NC, we committed to find a small group and stick with it, regardless, this time around. We were blessed yet again.
Week one, we visited a very weloming family of Christ, it was just a little too far away. Week two, we tried a church recommended to us, though it was a little more charismatic than we are use to. Week three, we attended a Baptist church that was well seasoned, but just not for us. Week four, we attended Highland Christian, a church that meets at a bar downtown Asheville. We were a little skeptical, but greeted with a breath of fresh air. It felt like we had arrived home once again. The church definitely makes outreach a priority, and is grounded in it's values. The last four weeks, we were invited out with different couples. Again, the key word is "connect". The last two Sunday evenings, we attended get-togethers at the pastor's (who is a humble servant of our Savior) home to learn more about the church's vision and core values. Two weeks ago we walked into a small group that we fell in love with almost immediately, thinking back on the handful we attended previously, though never found a connection.
I have to make a disclaimer that in writing this post, I almosted hesitated in writing that we are now attending church at a bar. Yet the Holy Spirit quickly convicted me. Shame on me for being too concerned about others thoughts when we now have a chance to be a part of the Lord's ministry through such an exciting means. Praise be to Jesus for allowing such a church to be planted in the heart of our mini "San Francisco".
In closing, it has been a true blessing to "belong" and "connect" in so many ways. We've enjoyed the many random outings, a dinner with Montreat's Adult Club, dinners with sponsors of Montreat's soccer team, a house warming gathering for a co-worker at The Cove, and the many other random encounters. Random to us, though I know the Lord has planned each one. I, again, want to give Him the glory for these gifts since I have not not always been faithful in doing so.
4 comments:
Any Wesleyan Churches in the area? Well that is sure interesting to go to church in a bar....are there other people in there too, during church? Like, people that aren't part of the church? It sounds like an interesting concept, but I don't know how I feel about that. It seems like there would be some challenges to ministering to drunk people (not saying that all bars are always full of drunk people), and do the church people drink alcohol during church?
We are having a wonderful time getting to know you two! And no worries, we love sitting next to you at church!
The church welcomes anyone who wants to come, but when Sunday morning rolls around the bar is used for church. The staff uses discernment to usher people out that would be a distraction to the service (ie. someone under the influence). There is wisdom in knowing when to minister to someone that struggles with addictions.
Oh, and alcohol is not served there during church. The church is careful about what could be a stumbling block.
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