Our Story

I was asked this question and it really got me thinking. How would I describe church if I only had the bible and wasn’t exposed to the traditional way of doing church in America. I think my answer would be a little different than what we see on a weekly basis. Not to say that the traditional way of doing church is wrong as I believe God has many ways to reach people with the Gospel message, but my explanation would be different than what is currently being seen today.

I had been a pastor and pursuing ministry for over 30 years and always desired to see the church function like the early church did, which seemed really relational, characterized by truly loving God and loving others, making disciples, and each member of the body of Christ using their gifts to edify one another. I also saw the early church vigorously impact their community with love and serving.

In the middle of 2019 I had an amazing transition with church and what the church could be. It was my desire to fully realize the members of the church to be the church instead of just attending church. I wondered what it would be like to not be concerned with how many people were attending church, but instead measure how many people were truly being discipled. I didn’t want to just teach people about God, but wanted to spiritually father people into a meaningful relationship with Jesus. The thought of that really excited me. Paul warned the Corinthian Church that though they may have 10,000 instructors in Christ they don’t have many fathers. Paul said I don’t tell you this to shame you, but to warn you. This made sense to me that though teaching is fine, it’s not the best way to pastor/shepherd people. A good father will always teach their children, but teachers don’t always father people, and people need to be pastored/shephered/fathered.

My wife and I found there were other people in the area we lived in that held to the same value that relationship with God and others was of dire importance, and people needed fathering over instruction. Life throws too many trials for us to try and fight alone. We didn’t want anyone to feel they had to figure out God, the bible, and personal trials by themselves. We need each other, and for me, the time of just trying to get people to attend a weekend event, so that they could be instructed started to seem lacking in what God has called the church to do. Church could no longer be about a weekend event that we try to pull off with such excellent professionalism that maybe the lost would seek us out. I believe that we, the church, are to seek out the lost, not the other way around.

There are so many great things about the traditional church model, but the lack of true relationships, caring for one another, the making of true disciples that turn around and make disciples, the members using their spiritual gifts to edify each other, and seeking the lost, seemed a bit lacking when I compared it to scriptures and the early church. I also heard so many people tell me that they were having trouble connecting with people, which is a common thing with large congregations. I believe that true freedom, joy, growth, all comes within the context of real community, with real people that accept you and love you in all your mess.

We set out toward the latter part of 2019 to build community and establish house type churches/gatherings and transitioned into a “groups only” concept in 2020 that could meet in homes, cafes, and parks. I tried to answer the following question.

How do you have church without a building? Could the church literally just meet in smaller groups for church during the week?

We wanted each gathering to be relational with around 3-15 people in each group. We wanted to raise up group leaders that could truly get to know each person and provide the pastoral care and shepherding that they need. The groups would be small so that each need can be addressed and met and each gathering would care for their own. Each group would be geographical in location so that each member would live near each other and could hangout, fellowship, or care for each other quickly and without long drives.

Out of this desire Cheers was born. A “Church of Groups” that meets weekly in groups for church. We also love to gather all groups together periodically for a larger celebration. We desire Christians to be the church, love God, love others, make disciples, use their gifts to edify each other, advance the Kingdom, and we don’t need a weekly large gathering at a church building to accomplish that.

Our name Cheers comes from John 16:33 where Jesus tells us that in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world. No matter what is going on in your life, you can overcome and have joy, because Jesus has already overcome for you.

We pray God’s blessings over you in your journey. If you already know Jesus we encourage you to stay strong in the Lord. If you don’t know Jesus as your personal savior, we encourage you to take the step of faith to trust Him with your life and to give your heart to Him. You won’t be disappointed.

Our groups are open to all. If you would like to attend one of our groups let us know where you live and we can recommend a gathering that is close by.

God bless you, and Cheers!