Christian Faith Community

When Patrick and I moved from Sugar Land to Indiana, we knew a lot of things would be different. Some things have turned out to be wonderfully different, while others have been pretty discouraging. One thing we knew would be completely different, good or bad, was church.

Patrick felt strongly that we would be planting a church in Indiana. I was a little hesitant with the notion for very selfish reasons, but my heart came around after we were "church less" for a few months. We tried a few churches and even went to one regularly for a while, but it just didn't feel right. Something was not there.

Fast forward to six months ago (or rewind, if you'd rather), Patrick starts meeting weekly with three other guys who feel the same way and want God to be glorified in Indiana. They talked about values, motives, missions, scripture, hearts and directions. We all prayed fervently for guidance. One thing was certain - God had given these four guys very similar visions for "church" in Indiana.

So, we had a few meetings with the wives included. We talked about great things we learned from past churches and also how we'd been hurt by churches. We talked about expectations and questions that people might ask us. Finally, we just set a date to meet together.

We've been meeting for two weeks now. We are a group of people in Indiana, PA who meet in someone's home and have church. I've learned so much from this process! I can see that the church is not the end, it's a means to growing God's kingdom. I've seen how much I've worshiped church instead of God. I've come to realize that church isn't a building, it's people.

This new perspective is so freeing! Thus far, every time we meet I know God more and grow closer to Him and to the people I'm surrounded by. I've been so encouraged by the faith of my husband and of the other men and women involved. I look forward to continuing this journey and I can't wait to see what God does as we wait and pray.