We get it. We really do. It's hard to go to church these days. Some people have had so many bad experiences in the past, gracing the doors of the church is something they vowed to never do again. Others don't really have a church background but have heard enough to want to stay away. We've heard many reasons about why NOT to go to church, and honestly, we've felt them too.

Our story doesn't end there though, and that's why we're here. The Christian faith is not meant to be lived alone, we're called to build community with one another. We're family around here, and we're on a mission to show the world the same love and grace we've been given.

We've thought of some reasons that held us back at first, and wanted to share our stories of what changed. Maybe you can relate.

• "I Need to Get My Life Straightened Out First..."
  A lot of times, we feel like we have to be perfect and clean up our lives before we ever go to church. Society has painted the picture that only the “Ned Flanders” of the world are welcome in church. That's not the case here. We are all in the same boat - we're sinners. It was the sin of each of us that put Jesus on the cross. We've all received grace and are now living transformed lives because of Him. Most of our stories of life change have come after we've found community at a church. It took us going with that internal whisper of "this is something you should do" and experienced God change our lives when we took the first step of obedience to Him.

• "I Don't Know Where To Go..."
  It's hard to find a church that "fits" you, and to not get overwhelmed by the number of churches. Churches have different music styles, teaching, and creative elements, but all Christian churches should be here teach about Jesus. Ask your friends where they go to church if you're looking for a new place. Or, know someone who just seems to be different and full of joy? Ask them about their faith, and where they go to church. Wherever you end up, make sure they teach about Jesus and provide ways for you to join their community.
  
  

• "I'm Burned Out..."
  If you've been burned by the church; you're not alone. There are countless Christians who have either been overworked by the church or so deeply hurt that the thought of flushing their heads down a toilet is more appealing than going to church again. If you're in this boat, we're sorry that happened to you. While we know it takes time, we encourage you to keep working through your pain and being open to rejoining a community of believers when you're ready. Becoming a Christian is the easy part, but growing as a Christian is a whole different story. It's hard to grow when you're unplugged from the source. You don't only grow when you hear teaching and worship through music, but you also grow by learning from other people. We encourage you to give church another try if you've been burned and stopped going all together. There is a season for everything, and this may be your season for a fresh start and a new place to worship.

• "I Wanna Sleep In..."
  Honestly, we do too. But we guarantee that plugging into a church is worth it. When you encounter Jesus and form genuine relationships with others who share the same faith through church, waking up a little earlier won't be as hard to do anymore.

• "I'm A Good Person..."
  We feel this is a big sticking point, especially when many people who aren't sold on church or Jesus yet are doing so many good things - even more than most Christians they know. If you're in this boat, we understand but challenge you to dig deeper and find your worth in Jesus. Society tells us that if we pick up trash, tip well, recycle or wave to our neighbors as we drive by - we are good people. But the Bible has a different definition and explains that our faith in Jesus is what will lead us to heaven, not our good deeds. Christians do have the responisiblity of being good citizens; however, there's a bigger purpose behind it all.