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GoogleThe church meets Sunday mornings at the Neal Center, 301 North Main in Nevada and throughout the week in various homes for fellowship, ministry, prayer and Bible study. On Sundays an Interactive Bible study for adults starts at 9 a.m., with morning worship and ministry at 10:15. The church hosts a light breakfast and beverages from 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. and everyone is welcome to come early and join them.
Explaining the concept for the new church Steve Highlander said, "We really felt the need to do something non-traditional. There are some good churches in Nevada that have been here a long time. To add one more church to the traditional mix seemed pointless." He went on to say, "There are also a lot of unchurched people in Nevada who, for whatever reason, are not connecting with more traditional churches. We felt unless we could offer something different, there wasn't really a need for another church. We like to say that we are 'different on purpose.'"
Some of those differences include: A more casual and interactively styled café setting on Sunday mornings; a lot of congregational involvement; and an emphasis on the importance of small group meetings for real Christian growth, discipleship and fellowship.
According to Robert Fox, the group places a lot of value on participation in the gatherings. "Unfortunately for many people church has become something they attend as a spectator rather than as a participant," Fox said. "We are trying to change that by do-emphasizing a programmed service as much as possible and making room for participation and interaction. We try to be spontaneous as much as possible." Highlander was quick to explain that having a non-traditional structure does not mean that they preach a non-traditional message. "The Gospel of Jesus Christ has never changed, nor will it ever change. It does not need to; it is valid for every person, culture and age" he said. "We seek to balance a conservative Christian message with practical life application. However, the way people gather together to worship, learn, fellowship and pool their resources and gifts to reach out is very adaptable from age to age and culture to culture." The group also emphasizes the social responsibility of the gospel message. Lynn Schmidt explains, "Jesus instructed His disciples to minister to the natural needs of the communities they served. This included providing food clothing and other material necessities as they had ability and opportunity. One goal of starting Christ's Church is to obey the Biblical mandate to help people in the community in whatever way we can."
Even though the church is less than three months old they have already been able to distribute hundreds of dollars of food that has been donated from some very unique sources.
They also have access to clothing and household goods through their association with The Trinity Tribesmen, (www.trinitytribesmen.org) located in Butler Mo.
Recently The Trinity Tribesmen donated a 23- foot trailer, loaded full of coats and winter clothes to be distributed here in Nevada.
Some future educational plans include offering college level Bible classes, seminars on Christian growth, ministry training for laypeople, an Introduction to Christianity for the unchurched and even adult literacy programs.
"We want to work with other churches and ministries in the area in whatever way we can because unity can accomplish more than individuality. We also want to provide some opportunities for worship, fellowship, training and Christian growth, as well as community services that are not currently being offered," Fox said.
For more information about the church, times for weekly house church meetings or to contact a pastor please visit the group's web site at www.christchurchnevada.org.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
I love people who worship mythical beings. I'm going to start a Leprecahn church.
Are you calling my God a mythical being? I will pray for you my child for that is what my God would want me to do.
Sam - The great thing about America, is you have the right to start a Leprechan church if you want to - but I would do it quickly before you lose that right. PS: you may not believe in God, but be assured He believes in you.
CORRECTION: The Church web site address is www.christSchurchnevada.org
This sounds like another Cult movement to me.
This sounds like another Cult Movement to me.
Sam,I'm on board. Where will you meet. As I have said before, I find it interesting that people still believe this myth in the 21st century. I understand the 1st but the 21st. Look at all the horrors that have been done in the name of organized religion. Would it interest you to know that the Myth of Christ was stolen for other "Pegan" myths? Google it sometime. Ask youself what kind of god tells you to worship me or burn for ever. I don't take threats to well. I invite everyone of you to really ask yourself what you are afraid of that you have to believe you are being watched over by jehovah. Why is jehovah better than islam's god or hindu's god or even sam's god the Lep. I do believe there is something that connects us all but its not the judeo-christian god anymore than its the islam god. These are made up by elders to answer the tribes questions and to get them to do what the leader wanted them to do. If i told you don't kill anyone you would tell me where to get off. But if I said god told me to tell you to not kill anyone. Well you can't argue with god. If you do I will have you burned at the stake because you dared to speak against god. People I say you have the right to believe what you want but don't expect me to believe the same. I have the right to believe what I want. Funny thing about the bill of right, they apply for everyone not just christians. yours is the only religion that requires you to push you beliefs on others. Shame on you for that. Now my christian brothers let the comments fly.
LOLOL...wow truthseeker67...after that post you have made it quite obvious that you have NEVER sought the truth nor will you ever would be my guess. I've read posts of yours before but that one was a doozy. I started to write a rebuttal to point out your misstatements but they are far to numerous to list. My guess is...even if I were to prove it to you based on logic, fact and reason...you still wouldn't get it. Mainly because you don't want too. Every atheist I've ever spoken with always had well reasoned arguments for their beliefs and I have often times been quite impressed with their knowledge of the Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths (which by the way all derive from the same God) but you however haven't the slightest clue. I couldn't stop laughing with your use of "Google" as your authoritative source...wow...hahaha. So please...tell us what this "something that connects us all" is...I would honestly like to hear what this "something" is. And for the future...you too obviously have some sort of belief...this "something"...please try not to bash the rest of us that also have some type of belief over the head...unless of course you are willing to share your beliefs and allow us to do a little bashing of our own :-)
Ok, I'm bored so this should be fun. Show me your proof but you can't use the bible. That is a history book just like a school history book. Show me physical proof. Something I can hold in my hand.
Well first of all you still have failed to explain your "something that connects us all" theory...secondly...if you're serious we can talk offline and I'd be glad to "prove it to you"...it will however take a bit of reason and logic before I can put "something in your hand you can hold". Your call...
What is a cafe' style setting? Can members drink coffee and smoke cigarettes during worship services? They might be on to something.......
LOL...well truthseeker, I appreciate your concern for my health and wellbeing and will take your suggestions under consideration. However, I have met several nice people on the internet, some of which have become good friends of mine, and I believe that if a person is smart about the decisions they make the internet can be as safe as meeting someone in a grocery store or anywhere else for that matter. I do not live in the Nevada area anymore but I often times check in to see how things are going in my hometown. I've seen your posts before and I believe that you are a reasonable and intelligent person. With that said, the risks of you being a "mass murder" or something along those lines are slim not to mention the fact that if you were...you could be easily traced. Death is the least of my worries.
This article is about a group of people who have come together to learn, listen and discuss their beliefs. While I may not agree with them I still think it's great that they put forth the effort and are willing to invite anyone else to join them if they so choose. Then Mr. Floor made a comment that I'm assuming he thought was funny but was really nothing more than an insult to these fine people who are doing nothing more than exercising their right to assemble. I would expect that Mr. Floor and yourself would agree that this is a great thing...just one of the many great things that make our country so special.
My offer still stands but I do understand if you do not want to speak offline. I could be "nuts" like you suggested...hahaha. I'm a scotch/brandy/cognac/port drinker and I always enjoy an intelligent conversation. Speaking to people who believe the same as I doesn't always seem to get me very far. I personally enjoy those who have a different perspective or outlook than myself and often times have learned a great deal from them. Your "something that connects us all" theory I'm guessing probably isn't too terribly far from what a lot of other people believe. Only they have given a name to it whereas you still have not. Best of luck to you my friend and I'll try to catch the youtube bit first chance I get.
Well said erie well said. Sometime I will sit down and try to put my "all connected" theory to wards. I can't really come up with the words fast. It's more of a feeling I have. It seems that all of us are born with the idea that there is something bigger than us. Long before we are aware of what is being said in church we seem to know the difference between what is good and what is bad. I believe most religions are based on this feeling. I think that that each religion is structered so that the follower can except it. Meaning what helps me accept something may not be the same that helps you accept the same idea. I do believe that right or wrong i can't argue that the what jesus teaches is a bad way to live. I have to admit that it is a great way for a person to live their life. My only hang up is I don't believe he was a god or son of a god anymore than the rest of us are. To the original article, if these people find comfort in their gathering then I have no problem with them gathering. I may not agree with their beliefs but I will stand up for their right to belive. I only ask that they don't try to say their way is the only way. Before i'm jumped I know this group is not doing that. Its the more high profile groups i'm talking about. Such as the Catholic church or any number of islamic leaders. Please do check out the youtube link. She is crazy as a loon but she does give some food for thought. Also, let me say before I get jumped, I don't buy into everything she says. She just brings up some good points that sent me online to research.
Agreed. They removed your link or something truthseeker because I don't see your post with the link on there anymore. I don't remember anything inflamatory or offensive. Gee...
Looks like your free to believe what you want as long as you don't post it on youtube. So much for freedom of speech. just remember it starts with censorship.
Victoria1208 A "cafe Style setting" means just that. We have tables and chairs rather then pews. You can drink coffe if you like - smoking is not an option though. The concept is that the atmosphere is less formal than many traditional churches which many find "stuffy" or "religious," of which neither quality is required for real church. Some people find God easier in a traditional setting, however many feel that the traditional setting is not reflective of real life. We're "different on purpose." Different does mean better it just means different. In fact the 30 or so churches in town exist because they offer something different to various people. Church should be a refletion of real life, not a religious escape on Sundays. Rather than make "assumptions from afar" why not join us for breakfast and a gathering. You can even sit inthe back and leave quickly if we you want.
To Rgreen44: The big problem is many people complain about church being out of touch and hypocritical and legalistic and judgemental, but when someone tries to change that, they are automatically deemed a cult because they aren't like the the rest of the churches people seem to think need to do things differently. Catch 22? Our offer stands to anyone with questions: visit us for breakfast and a service or go to our web site - get the number and call an Elder to talk. Uniformed opinions seem - uhhh - hypocritical and judgmental. www.christschurchnevada.org
I think its great when people find new ways to worship. Why would anyone care what someone elses beliefs are. Some of these comments are ridiculous. Why can't you respect what others believe. You don't have to believe it, but you should respect it.
I must admit I'm intriged (sp) now because of shigh's reply. It actually sounds like a pretty good concept. I always dredded sunday as a kid because of the stand, sit, stand, sing song, sit sing another song and go home. I always had questions but question were not allowed. I do agree with nosurprise. I may not agree with someones choice of belief but I will fight for their right to believe it.
Well said truthseeker67.