As the Christian church enters its second millennium of
existence, all is not well. Though numbering more than two billion
members and still growing in some regions of the world, Western
Europe and English-speaking countries are experiencing declining
church attendance.
As the Christian church enters its second millennium of existence, all is not well. Though numbering more than two billion members and still growing in some regions of the world, Western Europe and English-speaking countries are experiencing declining church attendance.
Many people seem to be turning their backs on the rites, confessions and traditions they grew up with.
A new movement in Christianity, paradoxically, is seeking to return to the faith’s roots.
The movement, sometimes called the “emerging/missional church” shuns denominational ties, eliminates bureaucracy and minimizes overhead expenses to meet the needs of people in our secular culture while focusing on the core teachings of Jesus.
Gilroy’s Incarnate Faith is one such nomadic group. Begun as a ministry of South Valley Community Church in 2008, it held worship services in rented space in an office building across the parking lot from that church and now in the former Kid’s Park at South Valley Shopping Plaza (363 E. 10th St.).
In order to maintain their commitment to funding and engaging in works of compassion, the congregation calls itself “nomadic” and has no intention of investing money in a permanent church building, but instead to “increase the amount of hope and compassion being experienced in Gilroy.”
They rent the current facility due to the landlord’s generosity and are prepared to move to other quarters whenever that space is released to a business.
Mike Zukowski, the group’s lead pastor, describes the 10th Street location as “the gateway to Gilroy,” and says the area of commercial and industrial buildings and modest residences provides a good setting for ministry.
“More people needing help have found their way to us since we opened for worship on Easter Sunday last month,” he said.
The building was basically a shell before Incarnate Faith moved in, but volunteer labor has made it fit for the congregation’s casual worship style.
Folding chairs face a speaker’s platform and a music area with a large sound system, video screen and personalized art from members of their community.
Along the far wall is a play structure for children and along another wall is a coffee bar where worshipers gather after the service for conversation and food. There is also a nursery and nursing mother’s area.
Sunday worship is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. with a Bible-centered, narrative-style message, communion and music provided by three musicians. Sam Whittaker, the worship leader, describes the music as “folksy-alternative.” He has retained many traditional hymns because of their meaningful lyrics and set them to modern instrumental arrangements. Infants to 4-year-olds have their own children’s program at the same time.
Seeking to follow the model of Jesus’ service to those suffering around him during his ministry, this congregation of around some 75 people has been able to accomplish extraordinary public service.
Just last month at San Ysidro Park, they combined efforts with www.ourbeautifulday.org and Familia Para Christo to hold an Easter celebration for neighborhood residents. More than 400 people of all ages enjoyed free food, an egg-hunt, jump houses, prizes, candy and photos with the Easter bunny.
“Whether we are helping clean up after someone else’s event, providing food and encouragement for those who are creating the greater good in our city, hosting free laundry days for our neighborhood laundromat, rearranging our consumption to help solve the global water crisis, participating in the Silicon Valley AIDS walk, reminding college students of the harsh realities of human trafficking and the inherent desire for justice that is imparted to us by our creator, or working with the local transient population … whatever it is, we find ourselves serving others as an exercise to learn, love and live Jesus,” Zukowski said.
The congregation describes itself as “learners, missionaries, servants and family.” They claim this as their identity that shapes how they live out their faith. Incarnate Faith aspires to become “a people that embody the hope and kingdom of Jesus, attempting to do this without a permanent building, big events or smooth programs.” This is something they believe they can do in any part of the city.
Although Pastor Zukowski recognizes that “Gilroy has many great churches,” he invites readers to visit this “community of artists, students, teachers, families and everyday people seeking to learn, love and live Jesus” for a different experience of Christianity.
“No financial donations are accepted from nonmembers,” he said. “We don’t want to get in your pockets. We are just glad if you decide to come.”
For more information, visit www.whoisif.com or call (408) 847-1770.
