Authentic Church: Real people in a real world serving a real God

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • September 3, 2012
  • 391
                        
Summary: In 2011 Josh and Jolene McDonald, both Tuscarawas County natives, took on the challenge to plant a church in the area that could help individuals and families build better and stronger relationships with their families, their community and with God. Of course there were obstacles along the way but hard work and faith allowed the McDonalds to create a comfortable environment that exists to celebrate God’s glory. Authentic Church is real people living in a real world serving a real God. Pastor Josh McDonald invites the community to join him for the new church’s first service at Welty Middle School on Sept. 9 at 10:30 a.m. The McDonalds have been assisted by the Association of Related Churches in launching what they believe will be a church for Christians that have left the faith and are wanting to return and people who are only now discovering the purpose-filled life they could be living by following Christ. Authentic Church has been blessed with a launch team made up of young couples, new families as well as older individuals and couples all of whom bring something important to this new church that welcomes everyone. Come as you are and discover Authentic Church. For more information about the church call Pastor Josh McDonald at 330-339-5433. Main Story: 110 million Americans don’t attend church regularly. Authentic Church at New Philadelphia under the ministry of Pastor Josh McDonald intends on changing that. For the last 18 months McDonald along with his wife Jolene has been listening to God. With the assistance of the Association of Related Churches, a network of more than 400 churches that has provided the spiritual and financial support needed to create a new kind of church in the region, a church for the un-churched and the de-churched, an authentic church that aims to create an atmosphere that is life-giving, comfortable and healing. “We want to remove many of the hurdles for people looking for a relationship with Christ,” said McDonald. “We want to help empower them so they can discover their own path that will allow them to live a meaningful Christian life.” Sunday, Sept. 9 at 10:30 a.m. Authentic Church will hold their first service at Welty Middle School auditorium and the community is invited. “We are focusing on people who may have never attended church or perhaps those that have a Christian background and want to get back to attending church,” said McDonald. “We believe having a church family is necessary in order to live a fulfilling Christian life.” Authentic Church makes no claims of perfection; they simply want to help others build lasting and meaningful relationships with God, family and other members of their community. Using a set of core values that include fun, generosity, empowerment and excellence, Authentic church believes, after all, a life with Jesus is filled with joy and church should be as well. “When Christ died on the cross he gave his life and we should follow by demonstrating our own generosity,” said McDonald. “When we do our best for God he receives all the glory.” An ever-increasing team of people have dedicated countless hours and have tirelessly worked to prepare for the launch of Authentic Church. “We have a great mix of people from young couples just starting out, families with small children as well as couples that have recently become empty-nesters,” said McDonald. Authentic Church is about families and children are encouraged to be a part of the spirit-filled worship that includes contemporary music and biblical themes that allow parishioners to hear messages that can be applied to real life. “For some people that no longer have a relationship with Christ they are wondering how to answer questions from their children,” said McDonald. “We can help them.” Authentic Church offers Sunday morning services at 10:30 a.m. A children’s ministry is available and offers a safe and secure environment while parents attend Sunday services. As children get older they can join in Sunday service with their parents. According to McDonald studies have shown children in 5th. Grade and above who have attended church with their parents are 250 times more likely to attend church in their 20’s. Authentic Church offers Growth Track, a four week course that gives participants the tools to live out God’s vision for each individual. Beginning with the Newcomers Dinner held the fourth Sunday of each month at Authentic Church Office and Training Facility at 1840 Hicks Ave. NE at New Philadelphia, the program offers classes on each Sunday thereafter and includes Church 101, Essentials 202 and Discovery 303, all an integral part of discovering how parishioners can better serve God. Authentic Church utilizes small groups in order to serve others and to encourage growth as individuals travel down a spiritual path with God. McDonald believes small groups are the key to developing connections with others who share interests and might be dealing with similar life situations. “For so long I thought I personally had it all figured out,” said McDonald. “I have discovered it is ok to be wrong. It is ok to not be ok.” For more information about Authentic Church email Pastor Josh McDonald at questions@christianlifepassion.com or call 330-339-5433.


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