Church For People Who Don't Like Church

This past weekend I reminded us that New Horizon has always been about being a church for people who don't like church. We're not a common interest group where we share our love for the church experience. We're a church that is on a mission - the Great Commission - which means we will always do things a little different from other churches.

One thing we've always known is that many people who don't go to church aren't staying away because they don't believe in God or Jesus. They just basically don't like church. When they think about church they think of it as...

• Boring
• Irrelevant
• A waste of my time
• Always after my money
• Confusing
•Judgmental
• Hypocritical

So when we started NHC we did our best to remove as many of those obstacles as we could. We knew if we could change how unchurched people experienced church that we might get many of them to cross the faith line and become followers of Jesus.

So, helping unchurched people to have a positive church experience is why we...

• Are casual
• Do music people can relate to
• Preach messages anyone can understand
• Put so much effort into our kids/student ministries
• Try to just be real

So if you ever wonder, "Why do they do church the way they do at NHC?" now you know!

Comments

[Dave]

Kyle,

Yes, I remember you! Thanks for the encouraging words. It always helps us to keep going when we hear stories like yours.

Be sure to check us out on the web. Every weekend message is posted there and you can keep up with us while you're in school.

Hope school is off to a good start for you!

[Kyle Jackola]

Dave,

This isn't really a comment on the post, I just couldn't find any other way to contact you personally. I just wanted to say Thank You for being who you are. Thank you for being honest, and upfront, and unafraid. It was truly a blessing to hear you speak on Sundays and I certainly miss it. You probably don't remember me but I was the tall guy near the front on your left (from the stage) with the long hair. I'm at college now in Brevard and I must say, I really miss NHC. Anyways, I contacting you to tell you that just now, I was sitting here thinking about (though a better phrase might be FREAKING OUT ABOUT) all the things I have to do this weekend and even this afternoon when suddenly your words rang out in my head from a sermon a few months back. You told us to remember that "Despite my circumstances, God is still God, and He is ultimately in control". And immediately upon remembering that I felt a supernatural peace come over me and comfort me. Dave, I want you to know that I can't think of a single Sunday where what you said DIDN'T impact my life. Thank you for your willingness to be open to the words of the Holy Spirit and to speak them boldly and unashamedly.

All the best,

Kyle Jackola