DOWNEY--Revolution Church is unlike any other – at least in Downey, that is.
While many churches are traditional in worship, Scripture and practices, Revolution Church stretches boundaries in a contemporary, creative way.
For example, an average Sunday morning – with over 100 adults and kids in attendance – usually consists of energetic worship, a 25-minute teaching film, and a 10-minute application and challenge session.
The vision behind Revolution Church lies within Lead Pastor David Trotter, who back in 2003, desired starting a church that would connect people to God and each other in a non-traditional manner.
“Church isn’t about a building,” said Trotter. “It’s about people connecting with God, loving one another and serving the community.”
With 12 people, Revolution Church was started, meeting in the fellowship hall of the El Dorado Park Community Church in Long Beach.
By 2006, the church grew larger, having to meet at Artesia High School.
Trotter’s vision then went deeper, hoping to plant seven churches in seven years – not including the already up and running Lakewood site (Artesia High School). Thus far, the Lakewood site, as well as the Downey site (Columbus High School), are well under way. Future sites will be opening in North Long Beach, Downtown Long Beach, Belmont Shores, Compton, Carson and San Pedro – with the Carson site opening next in September 2008.
The Downey site was opened on Easter of this year, with 35 adults in attendance. As Trotter said, “It is a very multi-ethnic, multi-life stage church…there is a variety of people – it’s beautiful and everyone is welcome.”
Although they are a part of the Reformed Church in America denomination, they are uniquely their own. Their denomination is part of their heritage, but according to ineedarevolution.com, their emphasis is on the following:
• A Fresh Start – Many of us wish we had the opportunity to make a fresh start – to discover a place where we are accepted for who we are and can grow into who we want to be. Perhaps you went to church in the past and have gotten out of the habit. Or, maybe you’ve never been to church at all. Wherever you find yourself, Revolution is ready to help you make that fresh start. You will find people who are discovering and growing together.
• Real People – At Revolution, you’ll find real people – in other words, people just like you. It is not about a building, a place, or an organization – our church is about people! Some words that describe the people at Revolution are “friendly, warm, open, accessible, and loving.” Come as you are, and be yourself.
• Casual Atmosphere – You don’t need to get dressed up to come to Revolution. Wear whatever you want – shorts, t-shirts, sandals – it doesn’t matter to us.
• High-Energy Music – Every week, our worship leader and dynamic musicians will lead us in high-energy music. Without even realizing it, you’ll find yourself clapping and singing along. Plan to have fun and be re-energized for your week.
• Practical Messages – Each week we’ll present creative messages from the Bible that will easily apply to your life. We want you to walk out of revolution with a greater understanding of God’s plan for your life and how you can practically live that out during the next week. If you are just checking out what Christianity is all about, you’ll easily understand what we’re talking about. If you’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ for years, plan to be challenged in your faith. Believe us – your window of opportunity to take a nap will never open at Revolution.
• Authentic Relationships – At Revolution, church isn’t just a once a week event – it is about relationships. We’re excited about the newly forming friendships that are happening at our church. We know that authentic relationships are hard to come by, and that’s why we’re making them a big emphasis.
• Exciting Children’s Ministry – Children are a gift from God, and we treat them that way. Every week, we offer children’s ministry for birth through 5th grade at the same time as the adult service. Our gifted team of teachers prepare a fun, interactive program for the kids every week – stories, crafts, games, and snacks – all in a safe environment. We think your kids will love it!
• Conviction – We hold certain truths to be non-negotiable – truths that have been held precious by followers of Jesus through the ages. You’ll find our approach is to “major on the majors” and “minor on the minors.”
• A ‘Down to earth’ Pastor – Every week, you’ll hear how he is seeking to live out the message – openly sharing the ups and downs of life. His desire is to see you connect with God in a way that is life-changing. He wants you to experience the life that God longs to give you – a life full of hope, meaning, and love.
• Fun – We believe that life (and church) should be “fun.” Life isn’t always easy, but living life together can be an incredible journey. High-energy music, practical messages, and real relationships – now, that’s fun!
“Ultimately, the message is permeated through everything we do,” said Trotter. “Our desire is to follow Jesus and help people follow Jesus. And we want to minister to our community and surrounding communities, as well as join forces with other churches.”
In addition, Revolution shares many of the same beliefs as other churches. They consist of the following:
• There is one true and living God existing in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created humans perfect and free to make choices. They chose to disobey their Creator. Turning away from god, humanity fell into sin. All of the suffering and evil in the world is because of this sin.
• Even though we have turned away from God, God still loves all people and wants our lives to be full of joy and peace. Right from the beginning, God had a plan to make this happen.
• God’s plan was to send His Son Jesus Christ, who lived a life of perfect obedience to God and who dies to pay the price for all people’s sins. God raised Jesus back to life. He is in heaven now, but he has promised to return to earth someday. When he comes again, he will resurrect all believers and take them to be with him in heaven.
• Believers are people who accept that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, who believe that Jesus died for their sins and rose from the dead, and who do their best to follow his teachings and example. Together they form the church, which is called Christ’s body on earth, and which has a responsibility to continue Christ’s work.
• Living the Christian life is not always easy, but believers receive guidance from the Bible and from the teachings and example of Christ; and they receive encouragement and power from God’s Holy Spirit.
Revolution Church in Downey has also already become involved in the community, providing water and refreshments at the recent Relay for Life. On July 28, the church will be participating in “Serve Day” – a day when numerous churches tackle community projects. So far, Revolution is hosting nine projects, one being a clean-up project in Downey with over 40 volunteers who will be picking up trash, cleaning windows, and more.
“We value service,” said Christopher Lytle, Downey campus pastor. “We are here to serve and help Downey as much as we can.”
Worship services are held at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays and throughout the week for student ministries.
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