My very first service I attended at Grace was Easter 2013 & I've been coming ever since. (If you asked me a few years ago if I'd attend a Christian church, I would've said 'NO'. I obviously had 'ideas' of what Christians were 'like'.) I already had a relationship with God, but never consider myself 'religious'... I say Spiritual.
Pastor Jarrod's explanation at the 1st service I was exposed to made me feel 'at home' when he stated that 'Born Again' simply means a renewed belief/ relationship with Christ. (I completely related. Even though I wasn't going to any particular 'religious facility' at that time, I began re-connecting with our Creator, Lord Almighty, back in my 20's... & found my 'family' in Christ here at Grace.)
I was completely impressed that the pastor is my age & married to a beautiful wife, with a beautiful family. (There's no 'hierarchy' per se & we all play a part. Unlike the church I attended as a child, where we were told that God would punish us. Plus, I thought church was boring. I never enjoyed going to church as a child.) I LOVE that we sing as we worship & the children & teens love being here! Pastor Jarrod's sermons are given without any 'fluff' & he allows Christ to move him, even if it means a whole lot of discomfort. (Meaning, some are not going to like what he says, but not everyone is 'ripe' to 'hear' the message... be patient & Love them.) All I know, & was Blessed to be taught at a young age was, if I'm feeling uncomfortable or agitated, I better take a deeper look within me because Truth can be painful sometimes. Especially when we're holding on to things - tangible or not - emotions, behaviours, etc. So, if I feel this during a sermon, I know I need to take a closer look at myself & surrender it to Christ.
Also, with the new campuses opening, the focus isn't on the buildings as it is the actual church... which is us - the people. Some do not like that we're growing, (but that is their struggle & for them to work out with The Lord Almighty). We all would like to stay in our 'safe, comfy' circle, but then we would never grow... & that is not the purpose of Life. It is to serve Him, whether we want to or not, whether we believe or not, it is Truth. (This is the ONLY time I feel at complete ease & have Joy, is when I forget 'self' & am emerged in serving Self - Don't focus so much on the vocabulary of what is written here, the ego loves a distraction.)
Enough rambling! Lol! Bottom line is I'm grateful to be a part of Grace Community. Every time I'm surrounded by the amazing people who attend, there's a calmness, a Unity. For all those who cringe at the words 'Born Again', I feel you. If I had not been introduced the way I was, I probably wouldn't be a part of this amazing place, meeting some of the most amazing people! I am Blessed! If you're a skeptic, there's no harm in coming to Grace & checking out a sermon. I've a feeling, you'll be glad you did;) read more