Catalyst Blog [happenings and other things at catalyst]
We are now into the second week of Context. If you have no idea what that means, let me fill you in.
We're a really new church in Cullman. So new, in fact, that we haven't officially launched yet. But, while we work our way to the point of launching, we thought it would be beneficial to create a series that's designed around sharing who we are with a larger audience. So Context is the package that contains all you need to know about Catalyst, the who, what, where, when, why and how.
One of the cool things about Context is that it's all online (you don't even have to leave the comfort and safety of your home office swivel chair). We've got short video messages each week, along with a study guide and other information. And, because we are serious about building a church for our friends and neighbors, we've set up a discussion forum for you to chime in with your thoughts and ideas. You can access the Context home page by clicking here.
And feel free to share the love. If you know of someone who might find a culturally relevant, freedom-focused, grassroots community of authentic people appealing...be sure to forward our link along.
Week 3: Who? will be available this weekend.
posted by Chris Owens
Catalyst "Context" is here. It's a new series of messages that unpack the nuts and bolts of this new church. We're discussing the things that we feel like we're supposed to be about. But it's more than that. Since we are still in the developmental phase, Context provides a way for you to tell us what kind of church you want to be part of. You can share the things that move you. And (get ready for a shock) you can even tell us what you don't agree with!
Why are we starting our church this way? Since the beginning we wanted this church to be a place where we could bring our friends so that they could experience God in a language they can understand. And what better way to figure out what kind of church our friends want to be part of than by asking them?
Recent statistics tell us that only 20% of Americans (and that's a conservative number) will be in church this weekend. Yet, 80% of Americans say that religious faith is important to them. There's a disconnect somewhere. Why are more people not attending church? It's my belief that more people don't go to church because they find it to be boring and irrelevant. It has no impact on their lives. So why should they invest in something that they get nothing out of?
We are starting Catalyst to be a little different than your ordinary church on the corner. We are passionate about people, regardless of their thoughts on church or God. Seriously. We are made up of people who fall everywhere on the "spiritual spectrum-ometer." And we love it because we are foolish enough to believe that we can actually make a difference in people's lives. And it's contagious.
Most people want to be part of something larger than themselves. They want to believe that their life is more than 16 hour days filled with duties, chores and routines. They want to get up in the morning and feel alive. They want to set their mind to something, plant their flag and dig in their heels. They want to be a frontrunner in a movement. Most people just need a place to start or someone to come alongside them and offer them an opportunity to make a difference.
Catalyst is an opportunity for people of Cullman to get involved in a community of real, authentic people who are interested in loving our city and its people.
Community is important to most of us. We like engaging with people. And that's a big part of "Context." So, if it strikes your fancy, join us for this series. And you can participate from the comfort of your living room couch. The series is all online. Just click the link on the home page to get started.
See you online.
posted by Chris Owens
