Isn’t this just another “store-front” church?
Why don’t you state a denominational identity?
Why should people who don’t like church come to church?
Isn’t this just another “store-front” church?
No. We are leasing facilities at 710 Rockingham Square because it is cost-effective for the time being and because it provides a neutral ground for people who are intimidated with brick buildings and white columns. We own 21 acres on the corner of Highway 311 and Lindsey Bridge Road that will house our future campus.
New Vision Fellowship is basically a N.C. Baptist Church in a different wrapper. Our doctrine is identical to our 4,000 sister churches in our state. The only difference is that our format is more contemporary than traditional. We do this because it appeals specifically to young people who have no prior church experience.
Why don’t you state a denominational identity?
People who don’t go to church are usually turned off by big denominations. We have people representing various Christian traditions in our church, as well as people with no particular church heritage. We want all people to be welcome, so we chose a name that would hopefully not conjure up any preconceived negative ideas.
Dr. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Mission Viejo, California, wrote a book called “The Purpose-Driven Church”. It documented the growth strategies of Saddleback Church over the last 20 years. He designed the church to be attractive to people in our contemporary culture with no church experience. We have simply adapted those ideas to our community.
Mr. Paul Hooker, Associate/Missions, has recently been licensed to the ministry. He has completed a Diploma in Theology through the Seminary Extension program of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is working on a diploma from Southwestern Seminary. He has extensive experience in Baptist relief work and is a veteran of many national and international mission trips.
Why should people who don’t like church come to church?
Surveys indicate that the two greatest complaints that unchurched people have about church are the need to dress up and the perceived plea for their money. We dress in casual clothes and we don’t pass an offering plate. We have found that many people dress up all week and they need a break on Sunday. We do teach Biblical principals of stewardship, but we believe that our first priority is to make someone’s first visit to church non-threatening and enjoyable. Therefore, we don’t pass a plate. Our offering box is discreetly located in the sanctuary for those who would like to give to our ministries.