In a non-traditional location with a non-religious appearance, the new Woodcrest Chapel purposefully designed its Jefferson City facilities with the doubters, skeptics and spiritual seekers in mind.
"This facility is designed to serve people as they investigate if the claims of Christ might bring more life to their lives, without being distracted by facility issues or some kind of "churchy' protocol they feel they have to learn to fit in," said multi-site director Tim Davis. "It's comfortable, exciting and inviting regardless of one's background."
Woodcrest will hold an open house all morning Sunday - before and after the 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. services - in its new space, where the former Capital 4 Theatres were at the Capital Mall. Snacks and beverages will be provided, and staff will be available show people around or answer questions.
Davis said he appreciates Woodcrest because it deals with the issues in his life personally and provides practical steps to move forward.
"It also is a place where I find people who are friendly and real - authentic and openly dealing with issues just like me," Davis said. "That captured me from the start, even when I was very disconnected from God."
With that population in mind, the new space was designed without religious symbols and a non-intimidating fashion, said Pastor Piet Van Waarde. Coffee will be served and allowed in the auditorium, where a band plays from a stage.
"No pulpit. No stained glass. Just real people on a real journey," Van Waarde said.
The Capital Mall space also provides a better-designed children's area for function and security, said executive pastor Chris Mitchell. The thoughtfully designed auditorium and small group rooms were added to help the congregation grow, he said.
"Our goal as a church is to reach out to those who are disconnected from church and help them have a meaningful relationship with God," Mitchell said. "Our plan is to teach them to apply the wisdom of the Bible to their everyday lives and send them back into their world to make a difference."
For Jefferson City campus minister Heber Mena, Woodcrest aligns with his personal values of transparency, authenticity, service and sound theology, he said. In particular, Mena said he appreciates the "Reach, Teach and Send" approach.
An important part of that goal is to help people grow emotional intelligence, which yields the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.
Mena hopes the new facility will afford the congregation visibility and accessibility.
"Our new location is so practical to connect with people in an organic way," Mena said. "It's a brand new, modern building with top-notch technology, that models our value of excellence with bias towards worship."
Mat Matlack, Woodcrest operations director, said Sunday attendance has grown from 125 to over 200 the first two weeks they've been in the new space.
Sunday morning services are intended for praise, worship and learning. Weeknight activities are for small group discussion, personal development and growth, said Kim Quinn, Jefferson City ministry coordinator.
"We look for ways to break down barriers between us and God, utilizing technology and non-traditional methods," she said.
Call 573-634-4285 or visit www.woodcrest.org for more information.