FAQ
- Why do you meet on Sunday evening?
- Do you have any programs for my child?
- Do you have any programs for me?
- Why are you working with Peabody School?
- What do you mean by open hand/closed hand issues?
- Why do you take communion so frequently?
- Why does Midtown need another church?
Why do you meet on Sunday evening?
Besides really liking to sleep in, we came to the conclusion that Sunday evening is a great time to gather with friends, family and neighbors for worship. It is a relaxing time of day after you've spent a morning at the zoo, reading your favorite paper, getting that much needed rest, or spending time with others. To some of us, meeting on Sunday evening is a great way to prepare for the work week.
Do you have any programs for my child?
Click here for general information about KidsPlace or here for Frequently Asked Questions with KidsPlace.
Do you have any programs for me?
When you look at the landscape of churches in Memphis you soon realize that programs abound. Most of these churches are well-established and have grown into their programs and ministries. However, we are a very young church and have a lot of growing to do, so we are being very thoughtful about the appropriate next steps for us.
We foresee the day where someone within the church will notice a need and will feel compelled by God to meet that need. We hope to get behind this person and support them in carrying on the work of Jesus. The work of the church is not primarily for the paid staff. The work of the church is the work of THE church, that is, of everyone within the fellowship! We want everyone within the fellowship (members and non-members) to have huge hearts for the city and to make their selves available to serve others for the love of God.
We value relationships, of course, and really enjoy meeting new people, so we do have ways for you to get connected with others. If you are wanting to get to know others and grow in your relationship with God, then we usually have the following suggestions.
1. Make your calendar reflect your priorities. Relationships take time. Sunday evening can often get squeezed out of our schedules. Make the worship gathering and your small group priority.
2. Prepare for contribution. During the week pray for the people you meeting inside and outside the church. Spend time in prayer and reading the Scripture during the week. Don't come to the worship gatherings centered on what you can get, but on what you can contribute.
3. Make the time to come earlier than 5:30pm. Show up 15 minutes early. This extra time goes a long way and prevents a hurried pace.
4. Though we are very friendly, pursue conversations. Don't wait for people to come to you. Be proactive. Go to them. Never assume that the person across the room isn't here for the first time!
5. Help out! Finding ways to contribute in setting up and cleaning up will go a long way. Simply serving others signifies that you are taking ownership.
6. Join a Life Transformation Group.
7. Invest your self and your time and over a period of time friendships will emerge.
Why are you working with Peabody Elementary School?
At our core, we believe that a church must live out its faith in its neighborhood. If we are not working towards bettering our own neighborhood, then what are we doing? One of the ways we feel like we can help is by partnering with our great neighborhood school. We want to be an advocate for Peabody and want to encourage parents to send their children there. We have helped organize a roundtable discussion that allowed parents to get all the information they need about the school. We think that once parents know the facts they will be extremely pleased to have such a school right down the block. The faculty and staff work extremely hard and we have been astounded by the love and dedication they have for their job and for the children. Above all else, Jesus loved children, placed his hands upon them for blessing, and pointed to children as really good barometers as to how we're doing in matters of faith that really count. We want to follow the example and command of Jesus by treasuring and blessing children.
What do you mean by open hand/closed hand issues?
We've written a Pulitzer Price nominated article on that! Not really, but you can go here to read it.
Why do you take Communion so frequently?
We recognize that many Christian churches take Communion at varying intervals. Some observe Communion once a week, once a month, or a few times a year. The Scriptures do not command the frequency of observing Communion but it does state the reason and manner for observing: Communion is the way for the church to proclaim, until he comes again, the reason for Christ's death. The elements used in Communion-the bread and the cup-are visual reminders that Christ body was broken and his blood spilled to provide for the forgiveness of our sins. Observing Communion when we gather together is an appropriate way to reorient ourselves to Christ's work on the cross and his continual work in us. We see it as a way to respond to him in thankfulness, repentance and awe.
Why does Midtown need another church?
Memphis has a rich spiritual heritage that it should be proud of. Many churches throughout the city are actively involved in helping the poor by funding, volunteering, and advocating. This is not to mention the work and education programs started, funded and maintained by churches that are aimed at changing the lives and hearts of the destitute and desperate throughout the city. We think that Memphis is the better for the hard work of non-profits, concerned citizens and churches alike. We admire all of those who have stayed true to Memphis through its ups and downs.
We want to come along side others who love the city and who want to work and live for its welfare. We want to work, live and play here and encourage others to do the same. Our dream is to be a church whose members have such a deep love, trust and devotion to Jesus that they would show sacrificial love to all. Our dream is to have a group that lives beyond themselves so that others may know the love and grace of God. Who wouldn't want more churches like that?
