Blue Ridge Community Church
The Church: Part 1
Locations & Times
Blue Ridge Community Church - New London
2361 New London Rd, Forest, VA 24551, USA
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Here’s the challenge: I want you to draw, to the best of your ability, a church.
A disciple is: someone who’s following Jesus, being made like Jesus, and who is joining Jesus on his mission.
1) If he didn’t mean a building, what did he mean?
2) Where did “building” type of thinking come from?
3) Does it really matter?
2) Where did “building” type of thinking come from?
3) Does it really matter?
1) If Jesus didn’t mean a building, what did he mean?
Ekklesia: a gathering or assembly of people called out for a purpose.
Disciples' Understanding: I’m going to create a movement — a people, a community of those who belong to Me and are called out for a purpose.
Ekklesia: a gathering or assembly of people called out for a purpose.
2) Where did “building” type of thinking come from?
German word: “Kirche”
Kirche: the Lord’s house, a sacred place, a building
Church = a sacred space, a building to attend, a ceremony to go through, a religious system to participate in.
Church = more like a place you go rather than a person/people you are.
3) Does it really matter?
“We don’t go to church. We are the church.”
When we see Ekklesia as a people not a place:
Work becomes worship centers.
Work becomes worship centers.
When we see Ekklesia as a people not a place:
Homes become altars.
Homes become altars.
When we see Ekklesia as a people not a place:
Everyday conversations become kingdom seeds.
Everyday conversations become kingdom seeds.
When we see Ekklesia as a people not a place:
Communities see a canvas being painted of God's Kingdom.
Communities see a canvas being painted of God's Kingdom.
When we see Ekklesia as a people not a place:
Everyday rhythms become mission opportunities.
Everyday rhythms become mission opportunities.
The kingdom of God stops being contained and starts being contagious.
Ekklesia of Christ
Why did God have you here this morning?
In one small, practical way, how could you be the church this week?
Before you leave, have one person at your table pray for everyone — asking that God would give you courage and clarity to live as His church in the week ahead.
In one small, practical way, how could you be the church this week?
Before you leave, have one person at your table pray for everyone — asking that God would give you courage and clarity to live as His church in the week ahead.
When we see Ekklesia as a people not a place:
Everyday rhythms become mission opportunities.
Everyday rhythms become mission opportunities.
New Here?
Welcome! Thanks so much for being here with us today. We are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please stop by the Info Center after the service to say hello. They can tell you a little bit about Blue Ridge and help get you connected.
blueridge.org/Welcome
blueridge.org/Welcome
Start Here
If you are checking out Blue Ridge, or just want to know more about who we are and how you can get plugged into community—check out Start Here. You will learn about our history, values, and ways to get connected. The class is offered in an online format which you can take at your own pace.
blueridge.org/StartHere
blueridge.org/StartHere
Baptism Meeting
Just a quick reminder that our Baptism Meeting is happening today after both services!
If you think Baptism is your next step, join us after service on October 5 for a Baptism meeting. We’ll meet to answer any questions you may have about Baptism and to see if Baptism is your next step.
blueridge.org/Baptism
If you think Baptism is your next step, join us after service on October 5 for a Baptism meeting. We’ll meet to answer any questions you may have about Baptism and to see if Baptism is your next step.
blueridge.org/Baptism
Men's Worship Night NL
Men — mark your calendars! On Friday, November 7, from 6:30 to 9:00pm, we’re hosting a Night of Worship on the back patio. No signup needed. Just come ready to pray, worship, and encourage one another in the calling God has placed on us as men to lead, shepherd, and serve our families and community.
blueridge.org/WorshipNight
blueridge.org/WorshipNight
Groups
Groups are intended to bring us together to experience authentic discipleship and life-giving community. Each group has its own focus, centered on biblically based content, working toward our greater mission of helping people follow Jesus. We have groups for couples, women, men, singles, seniors, moms & those still in college.
blueridge.org/Groups
blueridge.org/Groups
Care Ministries
If you're having a difficult time right now, we invite you to consider one of our Care Ministries. You can connect with a Lifeline caregiver or get plugged into a Care Group such as DivorceCare, MoneyWorks, Life's Healing Choices, or Proven Men. We would be honored for the opportunity to walk beside you.
blueridge.org/Care
blueridge.org/Care
Serving Opportunities
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to serve? It’s more than just doing a good deed—it’s a transformative journey that draws us closer to God and shapes us in powerful ways.
When we say yes to serving, God equips us, fills us, and walks with us through it all. It’s not just about helping—it’s about stepping into His purpose and experiencing His heart more deeply.
If you’ve been sensing that nudge to serve, now’s the time to take a step. Stop by the Info Center to learn more about serving or visiting our website to see what opportunities are available.
blueridge.org/Serve
When we say yes to serving, God equips us, fills us, and walks with us through it all. It’s not just about helping—it’s about stepping into His purpose and experiencing His heart more deeply.
If you’ve been sensing that nudge to serve, now’s the time to take a step. Stop by the Info Center to learn more about serving or visiting our website to see what opportunities are available.
blueridge.org/Serve
Give
For those of you who call Blue Ridge home, we encourage you to continue to worship through giving. There are severals ways this can be done.(1) Use one of our giving boxes as you leave the auditorium. (2) Give online at blueridge.org/give (3) Text NL for New London, or BD for Bedford, and the monetary amount to (434) 290-4483 (For example NL100 or BD100). (4) Mail a check made out to Blue Ridge Community Church to 2361 New London Rd. Forest VA, 24551, noting your campus on the memo line.
https://www.blueridge.org/GiveBlue Ridge Community Church
"Helping people follow Jesus"
blueridge.org
"Helping people follow Jesus"
blueridge.org