1. How did Origin choose Greater Chattanooga?
Very few areas of the United States need another church and our area is no exception. Here’s the startling news: 87% of our area attend no one’s church on a given Sunday! Therefore, we felt like there needed to be a different kind of church. We sensed a call to this area and have a sincere love for the people of this region. We’re here to give our lives for the mission of adding value to a single life and our community in every way, shape, and form.
2. Where are you located?
We meet at the Hamilton Place YMCA, Sundays at 10AM.
3. Do you have a midweek service?
We do not have a midweek service. Instead, we focus on Small Groups that begin in the fall of 2010 – they will meet weekly for Bible Study, Prayer and Fellowship. We know that in today’s culture, people don’t have much time for extra commitments. So, we want to keep our focus simple . . . and for us, that looks like Small Groups.
4. How can I meet others and get connected?
There are many ways to get involved. Email us that you would like to volunteer! You can also begin by attending our NEXT STEPS, which is a 15 minute gathering led by our staff, that explains our vision, our future, and the places you can become more involved.
5. Why do you have small groups?
Small groups are an important part of Origin Church; in fact, you haven’t fully experienced the church until you’ve experienced our small groups. Groups allow you to meet other members and develop relationships that will encourage your relationship with God. As Origin Church continues to grow, groups allow us to “stay small” and connected. Groups are available for all ages and held at various times—there’s bound to one that’s just right for you. Go to origingroups.me and join a group. This site also serves as Origin’s own social network.
6. What kind of church is Origin?
We’re a church laser focused on the mission of helping people find their way back to God and take one step closer to Jesus. We call ourselves non-denominational which means all backgrounds are welcome. Because we care about a lot more than ourselves, we will always be a sending church (that means starting new churches and sending people to help). Right now, we partner with three networks who are planting churches across the nation and spreading the gospel around the globe: Growing Healthy Churches (GHC), Developing Churches Network (DCN), and The Tennessee Baptist Convention (TBC).
7. What makes Origin different?
Certainly each church has a different role in the community. Our focus is to be a church for the “spiritual,” the “irreligious,”, the “bad,” the “broken,” the “bored,” the “agnostic,” the “atheist,” the “guilty,” the “shameful,” the “saintly,” and the “stagnant.” What we’re trying to say is that you don’t have to have it all together to come to Origin Church. In fact, we prefer it that way! Origin is an upbeat, highly-relational, transparent, authentic, and safe environment where people can discover God’s potential for their lives. Origin will naturally develop it’s own DNA as time goes on, but will, indeed, be retro, real, and relevant.
8. How is Origin organized?
We are a staff led church that operates with checks and balances. We have a Board of Directors from other established churches who provide Godly counsel and direction. The day to day operations are led by our staff with the support of our volunteer teams. We like to use the phrase that we are guarded by the directors, guided by the staff, and gifted through the membership. We place a high value on teamwork and accountability.
9. What do you offer for families?
We offer creative and exciting environments for adults, and, children through 5th grade on Sunday mornings. Our loving volunteers teach biblical values that will help you build a strong foundation of faith for your kids to grow on. We connect middle and high-schoolers with small groups and invite students to join adults for a very engaging and relevant worship experience. We also encourage them to find a place to volunteer during our Sunday worship experience. Middle- and high-school worship will be offered as soon as God opens that next door.
10. Are jeans evil?
We hope not, or we’re in trouble. At Origin, there is no dress code. We believe that God cares more about the condition of your heart than your outward appearance. Feel free to dress up, or come in jeans and your favorite t-shirt–whatever makes you comfortable.
11. What is the fastest way for me to plug in at Origin?
In one of three areas:
Production
Guest Services
Family Ministries
Stop by our Information Table in the lobby or email Jeff Gonzalez at jeffg@originchurch.tv to get started!
12. How do I become a member at Origin?
At Origin Church, membership means more than simply having your name on a list. We consider membership to be synonymous with involvement. It’s all about moving beyond attending worship on Sunday and joining us in creating, funding, and leading our environments. You will soon be able to go right through a series of questions related to Origin Church, on our website, and join online. It is very specific and will let you know what to expect as new member at Origin Church. After you review what we’re all about, you will have the opportunity to apply for membership.
We want you to experience the awesome adventure of experiencing real life in Christ and helping others find it too. Our end goal is not for you to become a member. We want you to partner with us by choosing to help us change the world! It all starts right here!
13. Why the name “Origin Church?”
Or·i·gin –noun 1. something from which anything arises or is derived; 2. source; 3. fountainhead; 4. the first stage of existence; beginning. “Life begins, right now, at Origin Church!” A person can begin again, again, again, and again, and as we fail, fall short, or lose touch, Jesus Christ will be waiting, and we feel like He plans to use us to embrace people just as they are.
14. What is the financial situation?
The startup funds for Origin have come initially from individuals, churches, and church planting networks around the United States who have a desire to invest in our vision to reach this community with the hope of Jesus Christ. These outside fundraising efforts continue and are a work in progress; the needs are great! We pray that as the body of people at Origin begin to participate in generous giving, we would become self-supporting. Until then, if you would like to financially participate with us, please send gifts to:
Origin Church P.O. Box 86 Chatsworth, GA 30705
or
Online Giving @ www.originchurch.tv
