Substance Church

Substance Church (or simply, Substance) is a nondenominational, Evangelical Christian, megachurch in Minneapolis – Saint Paul, Minnesota. In 2010, Outreach Magazine ranked the church as the 21st fastest growing congregation in the United States (8th in terms of growth percentages).[1] Because the church has integrated niche worship , cell church, and cafe church methods into a singular megachurch setting, Substance is often cited as being "trend-setting"[2]

History

The church was founded in 2004 by Pastor Peter Haas in partnership with the Association of Related Churches. In May 2005, the church began holding Sunday services on the University of Minnesota, Saint Paul. After numerous re-locations, by 2009, Substance expanded into 3 multi-site church campuses in Arden Hills, Spring Lake Park and Roseville — many of which utilize high definition video sermons.

Distinctives

Although they attempt to be a multi-generational congregation, numerous publications have called it one of the most youthful megachurches in the country with over 70% of its members under 30 years old.[3] Substance is often praised for its "ultra-contemporary" approaches to worship utilizing turn-tables, rap, and other forms of media.[4] This applies not only to their music but their use of videography in their multi-site church format and online social networking.[5]

As a former rave-d.j., its founding pastor, Peter Haas, is often cited in numerous books and publications for his conversion to Christianity in a nightclub.[6][7] Publications also often note Substance for its approaches towards Cell Church methodology and regular emphasis on church planting .[8][9]

Beliefs

Substance Church adhere to classic Evangelicalism with some Neocharismatic overtones.[10] Although Substance does not officially classify itself as an emerging church, many articles find similarities, perhaps due to its youthful attendance.[11] But despite their independent polity, Substance has assisted in the planting of numerous denominational and non-denominational churches ranging from Baptist to the Evangelical Covenant Church to Assemblies of God.[12]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Outreach Magazine 100 - Special Issue 2010
  2. ↑ "7 Trendsetting Churches" – Adrienne S. Gaines - Charisma Magazine – April, 2010
  3. ↑ "Growing Churches Blend the Old and the New" -- HERÓN MÁRQUEZ ESTRADA – Star Tribune, November 27, 2010
  4. ↑ "Rock of Younger Ages" Jeff Strickler -- Star Tribune, October 4, 2008
  5. ↑ "Chapter, Verse, Text and Tweet" Jeff Strickler – Star Tribune, June 13, 2009
  6. ↑ "Act Normal" - Scott Olson - Cross Section and Influence Resources, 2010 www.actnormal.org
  7. ↑ "Conversations that Changed Me" Jan Greggo – Outreach Magazine - The 2010 Top 100
  8. ↑ "Attractional Church" Billy Hornsby - Faithwords, Feb, 2010 ISBN 978-0-446-57214-9
  9. ↑ "7 Trendsetting Churches" – Adrienne S. Gaines - Charisma Magazine – April, 2010
  10. ↑ "What We Believe" http://www.substancechurch.com/about-us/what-we-believe/statement-faith
  11. ↑ "Rock of Younger Ages" Jeff Strickler -- Star Tribune, October 4, 2008
  12. ↑ http://www.substancechurch.com/core-values/

External links

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