First-Timer Guide

What do folks wear?

We want you to come as you are. You’ll see people dressed casual, it’s part of our attempt to provide an atmosphere where God’s love embraces us all. We desire to express the ability Jesus had to be in fellowship with everyone. We want you to belong. You’ll decide how to progress.

Where do you meet?

Our address is 9621 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, N.C. at the intersection of 540 and Six Forks Road.

Is it true you have free donuts, coffee, milk, juice, muffins, and so much more?

You betcha, my friend. All that AND friendly faces to help you get started. Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. we meet and greet before our worship at 10:30 a.m.

When do you meet?

Sunday gathering is 10:30 am. We start our time of worship with music and other creative arts, followed by children’s time and then our formal sermon. We strive to share a message that you’ll find helpful in real life and your relationship to God.

How do I become a member?

First, we ask that you fill out a Connection Card. Then we would suggest you attend a session called “Introducing New Community Church” that can clarify Christ’s gift of salvation, and our part in church membership. Our lead pastor George Fuller will explain the basics of how we follow Jesus and choose to live our life together as a church family. It is a chance to ask questions and learn all you need to make a choice about your part in our life together. You can also email our pastor with any questions you may have (pastor@nccraleigh.org).

Why should I come to church instead of mow my lawn, sleep, groom my cat, get some extra work done, play sports, recover from my hangover, or whatever?

Well, the journey to a better life with more joy, peace, hope and love starts with a new or fresh commitment to a path that takes you there. We’re real people who have found that following Jesus enriches every other part of our lives with just such things. No perfection but we do see progress. Second, you will like it! Great music, neat people, and relevant teaching do wonders for making the rest of your week better!

I like to go to church on Sunday mornings but I also like to sleep in.

No problem! Our worship gathering is at 10:30 a.m., so get some shut-eye. If you fall asleep while you’re with us you won’t be the first! Some have said they came sleepy and left refreshed. That could have been the coffee or something more significant.

I don’t have a suit.

No biggie. Some folks dress up at our church, but not many. Tennis shoes, blue jeans, shorts, Dockers, T-shirts, golf shirts, dresses, slacks, whatever is fine. We prefer clean and non-smelly, but we would rather you discover the love of Christ smelly than not at all if it comes right down to it.

The church is a bunch of hypocrites.

True. Hospitals are full of sick people and even the medical staff get sick. We don’t promise to get it all right. We admit we struggle and fail to live fully authentic and loving lives. BUT we gather together to share the love and grace we need. We have many stories of recovery and transformation. They all started with the admission that we need the Love of God and we are finding it together as we follow Jesus. If you are a hypocrite who wants to change, come on and join us!

Think on this: Have you ever heard of anyone learning to ride a horse without ever falling off? Becoming Christ-like is like learning something, and there are times when you “fall off the horse.” But it is about intent as well as accomplishment when God’s grace is involved.

I don’t want a fuss made over me if I attend and check your church out.

That’s cool. Slip in late, avoid direct eye contact, don’t turn in the Connection Card, bug out early. We don’t mind. We hope you will not feel overwhelmed, and will come back to hear how the message that Christ loves everyone and wants to be a part of your life can be the best part of being alive.

What will happen if I fill out the Connection Card?

We don’t track you down. You’ll get a note in the mail or email. If you want anything more, just let us know on the Connection Card. Jesus said, “I have come for the hungry.” We want to respond to your requests and walk with you as you invite us to. We will never stuff our plans down your throat and we know there are many good churches in our area.

My kids don’t do real well in new places.

You can stay with them in the kid’s area the first few weeks until they get adjusted, and you are comfortable with the care and instruction they will get. We also have a paging system so you can be reached at anytime.

I don’t know the Bible.

Believe it or not, Bible knowledge is not required to participate or understand the message. As you get to know us and follow Jesus you’ll start to know and reflect on the stories of the Bible. The Bible wasn’t even available to most Christians until after 1500 years.

My parents made me go to church and so now I don’t like it.

We started our church family with the desire to do something fresh and inviting for all of us who found the old ways of church somewhat less than engaging. Did your parents make you eat? You didn’t stop eating but now you choose what to eat. Choose who you share this journey with. Give us a shot.

What do you all believe?

We believe God is worth knowing. Jesus Christ is the best way to see who God really is. The Holy Spirit is God working in our world and life trying to bring about God’s best even though we often choose to the contrary.

Will you ask for my money?

You don’t expect the guests in your home to pay your bills. Our invitation does not come with strings. While you are discovering what we are about and becoming part of us we would not want you to feel that you had to give money. As you see what Christ has done in our midst and in our lives, we do respond to God’s provision by sharing and supporting financially (with time and abilities too!). We hope to be servers not sitters, givers not takers, a channel of blessing not a reservoir of stagnation. We are convinced the mission we are about is worthwhile and will invite you to respond and support it as you are led to. So, yes, we will make known the financial needs that are a part of our ministry. We hope you will give as a reflection of support and commitment to the purpose of being the hands and feet of Christ. If you are not there yet, just come be a part as our gift to you.

Why should I add all this religious stuff to what I consider a decent life?

We are trying to encourage relationships rather than religion. If you don’t experience something that enriches your life, then continue the journey with others. Jesus talked of having an “abundant life.” That’s our goal. We’ll be better if you give the gift of yourself to our life together. We hope to meet you soon!

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