
We are dedicated to creating a welcoming, healing, and engaging environment. Our gathering is designed to build trust and community for those who attend, offering a sense of belonging and purpose within the body of Christ.
We at Bar.Church, are committed to:
Fostering Authentic Community: We will be a community that is inclusive, non-judgmental, and friendly.
Living Out the Gospel: We will demonstrate the love of Christ through actions. Community service, outreach programs, and social justice initiatives allow us to impact the world positively.
Listening and Understanding: We will take the time to listen to the experiences and concerns of all who attend, to understand who they are and their story.
Addressing Doubts and Questions: We will create a safe space for open dialogue about faith, doubt, and questions. We will talk openly as well as create forums or discussion groups where individuals can share without fear of judgment.
Emphasizing Grace and Forgiveness: We will focus on the message of grace, forgiveness, and redemption. Highlighting these core aspects of the Christian faith can be reassuring to those who have felt judged or condemned in the past.
Offering Support and Healing: We will provide resources for emotional and spiritual healing, such as counseling, support groups, and pastoral care. Addressing past hurts and traumas can help facilitate healing and reconciliation.
Engaging in Outreach: We will organize community events that are not strictly religious, such as social gatherings, service projects, or support groups. This will provide a low-pressure way for people in the community to connect with Bar.Church.
Engaging in Relevant Worship: We will offer worship services that are meaningful and relevant to modern life. Engaging sermons, contemporary music, and creative expressions of worship can resonate with a broader audience.
Providing Clear and Authentic Communication: We will be transparent about our mission, values, and vision. We believe that authenticity in communication helps build trust and credibility.
Conducting Community Research: We will connect with our communities by understanding their needs and how the local Bar.Church can help meet those needs. It is not enough to serve the community the way we believe we should, we need to serve the community in the way they need us to.
Being Patient: We understand that we are all on a journey and that everyone’s journey is different. We are committed to being patient with each other as we do life together.
Highlighting Stories of Transformation: We will share testimonies of individuals who have connected with God and have experienced positive change. Real-life stories can be powerful in demonstrating true impact and relevance.
Utilizing Technology: We will use digital platforms to do life together. Online services, social media engagement, and virtual small groups provide allow us to be active in each other’s lives, they also provide an easy entry point for those hesitant to join us in person.
Offering Non-Traditional Gatherings: We will organize alternative forms of gatherings, such as dinner churches, outdoor services, or informal meet-ups. These will provide a more relaxed and approachable environment for those disillusioned with the church but seek a faith community.
Below is a list of what you will experience at a Bar.Church service:
Welcome and Gathering - This brief introduction will set a welcoming tone and usually lasts 5-10 minutes. You will be met at the door with a warm and genuine welcome and someone will make announcements as we get started.
Worship through Music - Worship will likely be a mix of contemporary and traditional songs emphasizing God’s love, healing, and acceptance. With worship usually lasting 10-15 minutes, we encourage everyone to join in, we will also provide space for those who may prefer to listen and reflect.
Prayer - We start our time together with an opening prayer that acknowledges the varied journeys of those in attendance and asks for God’s presence, healing, and guidance. We will also invite all attendees to share prayer requests either aloud or anonymously through written notes, praying a prayer that incorporates these requests, focusing on community support and collective healing.
Sermon/Message - Pastor Jim Cedar will deliver a short, relevant sermon/message that addresses topics that matter. This time will usually last between 15-25 minutes.
Reflective Response Time - We will guide the group through various interactive elements, including Q&A, group discussions, and reflective pauses where attendees can write down their thoughts or questions. This time of quiet reflection will encourage individuals to consider the message’s significance. We may incorporate a combination of these elements, with the reflection period typically lasting 15-25 minutes.
Testimony or Story Sharing - We will offer time to share testimonies or personal stories. This will be a time of open, honest reflection acknowledging struggles and doubts, or a time of joyful celebration.
Communion - We will participate in communion at different times and in different ways. The significance of communion will be explained, and all who feel led to participate will be invited. We will offer gentle guidance on how to partake in communion, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and included.
Fellowship and Refreshments - There will be a time of fellowship and refreshments. This could range from a full meal to coffee, tea, and light refreshments. This is designed to provide opportunities for attendees to connect with other attendees and leaders, fostering a time to continue to learn from each other as we grow relationships.
Our goal is to create an interactive environment where everyone who attends can participate, learn, and have their voices heard.
At Bar.Church, you can expect a service that typically lasts between 60 to 75 minutes. We strive to be mindful of time, but since our gathering is highly interactive, the length may vary depending on the level of participation.