In mid-January, Journey Church (formerly Kelso-Longview Church) in Kelso, Washington, began a new journey in Bible study and church fellowship. The goal: to give church members and their friends the opportunity to come together and dig deeper than is possible for just one hour on Sabbath morning.
“Our Sabbath sermon will come from a passage from 1st Peter,” said Jim John, senior pastor of Journey Church. “Then during the week, our church family will meet in eight different community groups to read the Bible passage, discuss the sermon, and find new ways to apply the message in our lives.”
Journey Pastors Jim John and Zach Parks will share nine sermons that show how the Apostle Peter provides practical applications for living in these difficult times. Pastors also prepare a brief study guide for members who host one of eight weekly community groups.
The first round of studies took place from mid-January to mid-March. Spring study groups will begin in April.
“The DNA of this church is very mission-driven,” John said. “They have been very involved in raising awareness and caring for others in the community. Then Covid came, attendance dropped and we felt lonely. I guess it’s pretty normal right now, but people still want and need connection. Our church board met, discussed what we could do to help us all come together, and decided that we could use a hopeful upgrade – one where we improve our worship, improve our relationships, improve our service and improve our reach. We don’t want to have a defeatist mentality because of Covid. Instead, we focus on the toughest issues, showing how the Bible has good practical answers and providing opportunities for members to share God’s love together, regardless of Covid!
