I was initially concerned about the size of this church, worried about being one of the crowd who…read moredoesn't get to know anyone, but Venture Church strives to make people feel connected by encouraging members to be a part of smaller "growth groups" (instead of old-school "Sunday School" classes) that meet at different times during the week and are focused on different topics - some are sermon based (reviewing/studying the previous week's sermon), others choose a traditional Bible Study, others study specific books on different Christian topics, and others are more service oriented or activity oriented groups. All are designed to make you part of the church as a whole.
Despite the comments in an earlier post, I have found every sermon to be Biblically based, with Jesus as the foundation. Salvation and forgiveness through faith in Christ are constant themes. Pastor Jeff breaks it down in ways that make understanding the scriptures possible for those who weren't raised in the church, as well as for those who are from a traditional church background. I've sat through thousands of sermons in my life, and still get something from attending a service at Venture, every time.
The church bills itself as a "Church for the Unchurched" and has at its heart the goal of reaching people for Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcome and you are just as likely to see someone dressed in shorts and flip flops as you are likely to see someone in the traditional "Sunday best". There is a program called "Recovery" - and it is noted that we are all recovering from something. Sometimes its drugs, alcohol, other addictions, a divorce, an abusive situation/life, problems in our marriages, problems with our kids, or a life of sinful choices that have left us broken, but through Jesus everyone can recover and live a blessed and meaningful life.
Venture also encourages people to get out of the "pews" (chairs in this case) and serve. Serve each other, serve the lost, serve those in need. They encourage members to participate in many community service areas, including the homeless shelters and local elementary schools, in addition to sending members on mission trips both within the US and in foreign countries, such as Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This church means it when they say they are all about reaching people for Christ.
Don't be thrown off by the flashing lights, contemporary music/band, and relaxed, laid back atmosphere. This church is not all about entertainment. Yes, there is a coffee bar. Yes, there is sometimes a smoke machine. Yes, the band rocks. They believe in doing what they need to in order to reach people who are lost. But the focus is on Christ and the need that people have to meet Jesus and give their lives to him.
