A Church for People with Ecclesiophobia

Ecclesiophobia.  noun.
1. The fear of churches.

How's this for a new un-offical Connections motto,
"Connections- the church for people with Ecclesiophobia."

Why start a church for people afraid of church?
It's is ridiculous on many levels.
But it highlights the depth of conviction that we have about what the church is,
and why it exists.

The church is the hope of humanity, and the hope of the world.
It exists to share God's love until Jesus returns.

Is that arrogant in today's culture?  Yes.
Is that offensive to some people?  You bet.
Does that church our view of the what the church is and why it exists?  Nope.

As hard as it is, as uncomfortable as it may be, as difficult as has been,
Connections will continue to be a church for people with Ecclesiophobia.

We will seek to love them as our neighbors.
Give, service and make sacrifices for their blessing.
Lay down our lives if need be.
When they thank us, we will say, "It's our pleasure."
When they spit on us, we will say, "It must be raining."
When they ask us why we live the way we live,
Seeking justice, extending mercy, spreading love,
we will say,

The love of Jesus compels us.
We can do nothing less because of His great love.