I believe it’s possible to be both. It does not have to be an oxymoron.

Here at JOY!, we crafted a vision to be “a spiritual community sharing Christ in a challenging world”. This is what the “nones” and the “uns” readily admit they are searching for. Where can they find the grace and love of God? In a spiritual community (church). Organizations and institutions don’t cut it any more. The commitment and obligation will only come if deep meaning and value is found

Spirituality is hard to define and quantify. It can’t be measured or empirically proven. It is felt, like faith. Once “it” is found, I don’t think it’s ever described anymore as “getting religion”. Our ilk or brand of Christianity is often lampooned in self-deprecating humor. I think that has gotten very trite and unhelpful. There is powerful freedom in letting loose, trying new expressions. We are feeling it at JOY! Along with the pride in our heritage of semper reformanda – always being reformed – is the grounding in our rich tradition of worship.

The power of the Holy Spirit revives us. The unconditional love of God in Christ Jesus sustains us in this crazy world, in these uncertain times that are always held in His hands.

Pastor Art