The story of Open House began in 2005 with a week-long visit to Panama, Central America, when a team of 10 made the journey to join in the work of a community church plant. In the midst of that dynamic setting, there was a much deeper sense of God’s presence than back home. There was a tangible love that seemed to surround everyone. There’s little doubt that being in a different country, in a impoverished area, with full focus on God contributed to this sense of connection with both God and each other.
Yet it was something more.
People with the same busy schedules, same rowdy children, same family problems, and same chaotic lives were putting true value in living out their faith together. This value wasn’t a stated one; no flashy websites or glossy fliers. No mission statements or board members. Rather, it was a reflection of the activity of their daily lives.
They shared their faith and life together. In this setting, the words of Scripture penned by Paul, literally came alive:
“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”
1 Thessalonians 2:8
So the question became this: Why is it different back home? Why does church evoke a sense of place rather than a sense of true connection? What would it take to do it differently? Questions like these are what led to a four year conversation that has culminated with a new small community called Open House.
We desire to be a place of connection; a place where lives and faith are shared; a place where church is about people and authenticity; a place where people both share and show the love of Christ. To find out more about how we try to live this out read about COSMOS.
Open House is a church community that is centered on relationships. We strive to do life together and grow our relationships in the rich soil of the love of Christ. Our area needs a place like this. A place where people who don’t have to have it together can fit; a community where ideas and struggles can be voiced without judgment. Often times “church” is not where someone goes to be accepted. But if we are following Jesus, church is exactly where acceptance should be found.
Our story is simply a continuation of a much bigger one; a greater story that extends beyond culture and time. A story we are all invited into. As each paragraph unfolds in this novel, our prayer is that many others find themselves written within it’s page by the author, Christ Jesus.
