Can you share some testimonies of individuals who have come to faith at Rockingham Christian Church?
    Jeanette openly admits that "God was not even on my radar!" Through a dating relationship and growing friendship with Bryan (now her husband), Jeanette was able to ask really difficult questions. She found Bryan and some other members of RCC willing to walk alongside her through a journey of faith. Even though she admits there are many things about God that she does not understand, Jeanette has a refreshing way of honestly trusting Him and recognizing His work in her life.
    Deidre also comes to mind. She was not unchurched, but having a personal relationship with Christ and walking with God were new concepts for her. Her daughter Samantha had come to some youth events and encouraged her mom to come to church, and now her other daughter is soon to be immersed into Christ. Deidre was going through a difficult time in her life and the people of RCC ministered to her.

Tom Gerdts baptizing Joe Peters

What do you think attracts individuals and families to RCC?
    Healthy relationships -- people who really care about each other and get along. There is a sense of joy and a spirit of peace one cannot initially put their finger on, but they sense this is a different kind of experience than they have had before. Several visitors have expressed that being at RCC "was like a breath of fresh air." Although we cannot always pinpoint exactly what part of the experience has brought this response, the result is that people are returning and sticking.
    I also believe people are drawn to the excellence of the music portion of our worship experience. We want to be good stewards of the time God has given us to reach people for Him, so the worship is well planned and presented.

How is evangelism encouraged on Sunday mornings?
    Our facility helps us in this area. An industrial space with an "artsy" feel helps to combine the secular and the sacred. Many people have commented that it gives them a feeling of peace and comfort. In thinking about future space, I am really adamant that it not look like a traditional church building. We want people to feel welcome and at ease in our facility.
    The communion and offering meditations are often given by regular attenders who share testimonies and personal experiences of how God is working in their lives. Guests really seem to connect with what is shared each week.
    The music is huge for us and is done very well. People notice that right away. Billy Petty has done a great job getting people plugged in who are gifted in this area.
    The children's ministry, headed by Amy Snyder , is excellent and needs to be promoted more on Sunday mornings. Amy has done a tremendous job recruiting volunteers for that ministry, which requires a huge amount of commitment. It is great to hear the kids occasionally from behind the wall as they express their worship to God. Many families have made RCC their home because of our children's ministry.

How is RCC teaching/motivating those who attend to witness to their family and friends?
    Outreach events make it easy by allowing them to invite others to something that does not necessarily sound like a "church" experience. We have three large events each year-Camp Create (somewhat like a VBS), an egg hunt at Easter, and a Christmas concert. We work hard to make sure these events can be enjoyed by believers and non-believers alike, meeting people where they are just as Jesus modeled for us. Being aware that much of this culture is highly skeptical of "Christianity" and those who claim it as their faith, we try to be upfront about who we are with no hidden agendas.

How does RCC encourage an "inside out" view of ministry?
    For example, this past Sunday we explained how to use pocket cards containing information about our current worship series as a way to invite family and friends. When people do attend, we try to go out of our way to meet them and say "we are so glad you are here."

What is the biggest challenge the staff of RCC faces in evangelism?
    We are all people with long church experience. We like to be intentional about finding ways to connect with people in the community. I have recently joined the Chamber of Commerce in Salem , and that is a new experience for me. Amy Snyder , with two little ones at home, works to connect with other mothers through play groups, a local gym, library story hour, and just meeting those who frequent local community playgrounds. Billy spends a lot of time in the office, much as I do, but he is trying to become involved in other musical groups in our community as a way to meet people outside of RCC.
    The goal of our staff is to strike a healthy balance in our weekly schedules. Time spent in the office and meeting with teams within the church as well as times to be connecting with others in the community outside RCC are all important endeavors to help the church grow.

How do you preach/teach to believers and non-believers alike?
    I like to use a lot of visuals. I have learned over the years that people remember very little of what is said unless there is a visual reminder to catch their attention. Having the printed text up on screens during the service helps people connect. We also make Bibles available and encourage anyone who wishes to pick one up for use during the service to take it home if they want. When we make reference to scripture on Sunday mornings, we try to remember that there may be some in the audience who are not familiar with the Bible. We continue to challenge ourselves to filter our words so that what we communicate is clear to everyone.

How are people being discipled at RCC?
    I am a "next step" type of person. I believe that wherever an individual may be, it is our role to meet them there and take them to the next step. "Come and see," "follow me," "believe in me," and "remain in me" is what I hope we model at RCC. We are currently engaging our staff and other leaders to be part of an intentional discipleship process. I am looking forward to what God is going to do through RCC.

Check out Rockingham's website at www.rockinghamchristian.com.