The Idea Behind Project Church

The idea behind Project Church is to be an authentic community where people can belong before they believe. Where someone can wrestle with doubts, explore why Jesus is such a big deal, and take next steps in living the life we are all meant to live. We believe church was never meant to be an institution but a movement based on the biblical premise of “Love God, Love People.” This is the church Jesus had in mind.

Project Church is a non-denominational community of faith committed to being big on Jesus, big on people, and changing the way people think about church.

We envision a movement of countless people fulfilling Jesus’ mission (and ours) “To go and make disciples who love God and people” through various expressions of church spread throughout multiple venues of all types, sizes, and vibes around the world- beginning in Rapid City, SD.

Check out projectchurch.net for more information.

Tags: Church, Jesus, missional church, project church, Rapid City, south dakota

A New Church For People Who Don’t Dig Church

Perhaps you’ve given up on church. Maybe your only church experience have been going to weddings and funerals. Perhaps you’re one of those who grew up in church, went to Sunday School and youth group, but have kept your distance from church since then.   Maybe you’re like so many who dig Jesus but don’t dig church.

So why would you want to check out a new church like Project Church?

I understand where you’re coming from.  I almost gave up on church myself.

When I look at the church in the Bible and the church I see today, they are often miles apart. A movement has been replaced with an institution.  Jesus’ command of “love one another” has too often been replaced by “judge one another.”  I could go on.

But what if I told you that the bad taste you have in your mouth about church was well-founded?  Instinctively you and I know that church should be something more meaningful- something true to the original design.   If you’ve ever experienced a community of friends who accept and care about you just as you are, then you’re closer to genuine church than those churches who merely go through the motions of empty religious rituals.

I can’t promise that Project Church will make all your wildest dreams come true.  But I can tell you this:  You can belong before you believe.  You can wrestle with doubts, explore who Jesus is, and take your next steps to the life you were meant to live.  You can connect to a church that won’t creep out your friends and also have a place to make new ones.   We will teach you the Bible in a way you can understand without beating you over the head with it.  We will help you discover why Jesus is such a big deal.  We will be an authentic community where no one stands alone.  We will be the church that Jesus had in mind. This is our project.

Consider this your invitation to Project Church.  Our very first gathering is on Saturday night, September 6 at 6pm.  We’re meeting at the recently-expanded Alternative Fuel Coffee House in downtown Rapid City, SD.   It will last about an hour and will be a time to connect with other people, groove to some music, and hear a message that’s relevant to your life.

If you have a question about the church, you can email projectchurch@gmail.com.  You can also browse our website at projectchurch.net to find out more about this new church coming to Rapid City, SD.

Hope to meet you in September!

Side note: If you’re part of another church and you’re offended, I apologize. I’m not saying all churches are bad.  There are some great ones- even in the Black Hills.  Please save your emails.  Thanks.

Tags: Church, find church in rapid city, missional church, non-denominational church, project church, Rapid City, SD, south dakota

Art Alley in Downtown Rapid City

One of my favorite spots in downtown Rapid City is Art Alley. I love the idea of creating something from nothing. That’s what makes this alley remarkable. It could be just another stinky, smelly, trashy alley. But now, it’s a canvas of stories, creativity, and causes. It still smells- but it’s worth it.

Here are some snapshots. I’ve got a lot more on my Flickr stream.

More:
Art Alley on MySpace

Official Art Alley website

Tags: alley, art, art alley, Misc., Places, Rapid City, ron paul, SD, south dakota

Be a Fan of Project Church on Facebook

If you are on Facebook and dig what Project Church is all about- become a fan.

Tags: Black Hills, Church, Churching, facebook, Rapid City, south dakota

An Open Letter About Project Church

As I’ve journeyed down this road to start a new church, I’m often asked, “Who are you targeting?”

My response: People.

People who want to discover the lives they were meant to live. People who have honest questions about God, Christianity, and life in general. People who are dealing with real life issues and need direction. People who are fed up with plastic religion. People who want to experience authentic community. People who may be stuck in a rut and tired of going through the motions. People who want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. People who desire to be real with themselves, others, and God.

People just like you and me.

We’re not about religion. We’re not about picket signs. We’re not about political parties. We’re about Jesus and people. It really is that simple. We’re certainly not going to be the perfect church, but we will strive to do whatever it takes to connect the unchanging truth of Jesus to an ever-changing culture.

Starting right here in the Black Hills.

So I’ll let you in on the plan. Our goal is to launch Project Church publicly in the fall of 2008- right in the heart of Rapid City. In the meantime, we’re gathering people to help make this a reality- which we’re calling the launch team. Perhaps you’d like to join us from the beginning. If so, give us a shout at projectchurch@gmail.com

If you want to discover more, check out projectchurch.net

Tags: Black Hills, Church, Churching, jason salamun, Rapid City, SD, south dakota

Please, Dear God, Don’t Let Me Screw Up!

In three days, we have our first launch party for Project Church.

Even though we’re months away from a public launch- I’m starting to get that “I’m so excited but I want to throw up” feeling about this first gathering. I find myself praying the prayer that Astronaut Alan Shephard prayed shortly before the launch of Freedom 7 in 1961.

“Please, dear God, don’t let me screw up!”

When the conception of a dream takes its first breath of infancy, it’s really something special. I hope everyone has an opportunity to experience it at some point in their lives.

Sunday is just around the corner. Contact me if you plan on coming.

Tags: Church, Church Planting, launch team, Rapid City, Rapid City church, south dakota