We tell our visitors that one visit isn’t enough. If you are planning on visiting once, we feel you should spend your visit someplace else. Whatever you are hoping to find in a single visit, it likely isn’t here.
NsP takes time to settle into. We realize that notion is deeply offensive to our impatient culture. In our cultural setting, people may not even know what they are looking for, but they know they want it now. NsP is not trying to present a “carry out” version of Christianity to our city, which means that most people considering paying a visit probably shouldn’t. But if you are still interested, these tips may help.
We recommend a minimum of three visits. One month is optimal, but if you don’t have a month, try to give it three consecutive Sundays.
Know what to expect. Look through the website and anticipate what you might experience at NsP. How will it be like your most recent experience? How will it be different? Am I prepared to be introduced to a new tradition (Or more accurately, am I ready to be introduced to old traditions made new)?
Come early and meet folks. Ask them what they like about NsP. Ask them what they don’t like…if you are looking for a church, you must find a church you can love even in its shortcomings (and every church has them! If you are looking for the ideal church, please don’t come.)
Introduce yourself as a visitor. At NsP visitors don’t have to hide because we do not force them to make hasty commitments. We do not believe that we should talk anyone into becoming part of NsP. We believe that we should be honest about who we are, visitors should introduce themselves honestly and membership may or may not result. Be a visitor. Enjoy your visit. Expect to be shown around and treated like a guest instead of as "a new prospect".
Ask questions. Everything we do has a theological and practical reason. Find out what those reasons are…If something doesn’t make sense to you, you should ask about it. We are expecting your questions, because honest exploration is vital to settling into a church.
Introduce yourself to our pastors. Rich and Colin want to meet you, welcome you, and learn your name. We work at knowing people by name, since Jesus knows his disciples by name.
Ask for a meeting with a pastor or elder. We love to meet new comers for lunch, or coffee or up at the church offices to answer questions and help you decide if NsP is right for you.
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