Life Church of Chicagoland is a new church that was seven years old this September. We describe our wonderful, multi-national, multi-generational church family and ministry as a *seeker aware (as opposed to seeker sensitive), small-group-connecting, care-focused, worship and renewal center.
We really want to say up front that we do NOT think that we are the perfect church or the only church. In all honesty, we feel a little 'wobbly in our knees' because we are seven years old and we are working hard to carry on an 'all-grown-up' church ministry and programs although we are still in our infancy and development.
Our founding pastors have more than thirty years experience in different fields of ministry and they love us dearly and serve us well. Our unique experience of carrying on such significant ministries at only seven years of age is uncomfortable but it is a 'good uncomfortable' - it keeps us dependent on God.
Learning From The Past
We are also working to draw upon the insight and the experiences we have all had in church life, some that may have left us wounded or disillusioned, and raise up a church that does not repeat some of the same mistakes. Our strategy is to be certain that we do not reconstruct faulty systems and structures that do not serve the church well today.
Its All About Love
Most importantly, we really want to get this 'love your neighbor-thing' right so that this church family really looks like Jesus, sounds like Jesus, and acts like Jesus. Consequently, people who are in spiritual crisis or spiritual need are not our enemies. People of different political parties are not our enemies. People who are critical of the church life in America are not our enemies. People fit into one category and one category only: Jesus loves all of mankind and died to show and share His immense love for each and every one.
Not your sissy church!
We know what it is to hurt, suffer, and experience loss. Now, our challenge is to determine how we can encourage and serve those who find themselves in similar times of distress and challenge. Sometimes our pastor will take a rather direct approach when he preaches and teaches us, believing that we all prefer that he is straightforward (or what some people call - 'in your face') when it comes to matters of our life, soul, our family, our search, struggle, or eternity.
It's Safe In Here
A person's sin or problem is not how we identify or relate to someone. The fact that ANY human being has been created with the opportunity and potential to be God's child through faith in His Son Jesus is the truth and passion that drives our ministires. Our own past struggles, failures, addictions, and challenges remind us constantly of how gracious and good God has been to us.
We want everyone to experience God's gracious gifts and goodness too. We are aware that the many stressors and demands of life take their toll on us leaving many depleted of the essentials that are required for coping, succeeding, and living life to the absolute fullest. Maybe we will be able to be a cool cup of refreshing and healing water to a soul that is thirsty for more of God.
We try to meet you 'where you are' with worship and ministry opportunities that will help lead you to discovering and finding answers and becoming better prepared for living your new life in Christ victoriously over every life-controlling influence.
Our Roots, Fruit, And DNA Life Church of Chicagoland is located in Palos Heights along with several other wonderful churches that offer effective leadership and ministries to our region. We hope to exist and to function as a catalyst to help bring healing and wholeness to the individual, to families, to our region, and to the world.
How can we best describe our 'dna'? In outreach we are indiscriminate and committed to having a genuine love for everyone. In doctrine, we are evangelical. In worship and ministry, we are charismatic / pentecostal. In networking and accountability we are aligned with the Church of God. In mission we operate in the prophetic and relate in the apostolic.
We are grateful to be a part of the Church of God, a pentecostal / charismatic church with roots deep in the Wesleyan / Methodist tradition. We are able to draw upon the rich heritage of these great worldwide movements adapting them to the unique dynamics associated with present-day, urban-type ministry. Feel free to click 'Church of God' to read about our opportunities, resources, and local church support.
As our pastors and many associate ministers and elders serve and minister, we rely heavily on the promise found in the Bible in the book of Zechariah 4:6 that promises us that even with our best efforts, it is still not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit.
We Believe In You!
'Ask not what you can do for Life Church, but ask what Life Church can do for you!' We are here to serve you. Life is for serving. We want to serve you and help you discover and develop your gifts, talents, dreams, and the calling that God has placed on your life. More than anything, we strive to be genuine and sincere in our love for God and our love for everyone - no matter your station of life, baggage and all or no baggage at all.
Our pastor reminds us regularly that as we relate to people in need or those we are connected with, we don't dig for dirt, but we mine for gold. In short, our mission is to love God and love people.
Apostolic Assignment
Life Church of Chicagoland also exists to identify and equip the Five-fold Ascension Ministry Gifts described in the Bible in Ephesians 4:11. We enjoy fellowship and interaction with some of the world's most anointed apostolic and prophetic voices.
We also want to make it clear that we are not in competition with any other church. Rather, we are grateful for all of the churches serving our communities and we ask God to bless each one wonderfully. Life Church is only a piece of the church puzzle of our region, unique in our own way just as the other local churches are unique in their own special way.
If you do not have a home church, visit us. We would certainly appreciate the opportunity to meet you and get to know you.
If Life Church is not what you are looking for in a home church, we will gladly assist you in locating a church that will welcome you and receive you gladly. Log onto a site that we have created to assist you in your search for a home church at www.paloschurches.com.
If you have a home church, be faithful where God has planted you to be fruitful and be a blessing.
"Come home to Life!"
(Although we are very aware of your comfort and work hard so you can have an enjoyable experience, first and foremost, we are 'sensitive' to having the Holy Spirit's approval on all we do. In the Pentecostal / Charismatic tradition, this involves structure and order as well as an openness to spontenaiety.)
