New Here?
So are we. We look forward to getting to know you & your story - as you become a part of God’s story in Vancouver.
As a new church we’re in a constant state of change requiring flexibility, patience, creativity and a good sense of humour. Although some of us thrive on change & chaos - we get that it can be a little unnerving to step into a new thing, especially when you're not exactly sure about the details that matter to you.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the church to give you a picture of what Reality looks like week to week and hopefully address issues important to you.
What kind of people make up the Reality community?
What you'll encounter when you attend a Reality gathering is a diverse biblical community where people seek to know and love God, live in community with others and transform the world by serving our city as we think Christ would. Practically speaking, that means the some of us are just checking out Christianity for the first time, while others have been in church their whole lives. Reality participants span different ethnicities, ages and backgrounds. Everyone is welcome.
What if I'm not used to going to church?
Then you're part of the reason we exist. Church isn't a place we go to - it's a community we become a part of. So we strive to be a comfortable place for those who are curious about God but have never felt comfortable in what our culture defines as 'church'. We want Reality to be a place where you can learn, apply and wrestle with who God is, and what He wants for you and from you. It's okay if you don't have it all figured out yet. Neither do we. Even after years, there remains a mystery to the Gospel. We like to say, "You don't have to get clean before you come take a bath." And we mean it. Come as you are.
What will the Sunday gathering be like?
Reality is a place where we keep it simple and relaxed, but focused. We don't have much ‘bling’, flash or catchy productions enticing or manipulating people to meet God. We believe that Jesus is enough. On Sundays, we follow a basic pattern of meeting together that is traced back to the early Church. We teach from the Bible. We pray, meditate, sing, reflect and respond by repenting of sin, sharing communion together and worshipping Jesus. The goal through it all is to love God and know him better by making God's unchanging truth accessible without watering it down.
What does the pastor talk about?
The sermons at Reality are biblical & practical in nature. We believe that God wants to be involved in our everyday lives, so we present the ageless truths of the Bible in a format that's easy to understand, even if you've never been to church. Typically, we go through one book of the Bible in its entirety so we may fully understand God's truth in context. During our pre-launch and early-launch phase, however, we emphasized some of the core tenets of our faith along with the values that bring us together. We then addressed some of the more common objections to Christianity in a series entitled: Question Reality. Currently we're working through Luke: The Skeptics Guide to the Gospel.
What should I wear?
Clothes are good. At Reality, you're welcome to wear whatever you'd like. There is no set dress code, although the attire is more on the casual side. Just be you. Whether that’s nose-rings & tattoo’s, an Armani suit, or doilies & denim-jumpers, it’s all good. Well - maybe not the doilies - but come anyway.
What’s the deal on Sunday?
On Sunday mornings, we gathering for worship at Charles Dickens Elementary. Map is available HERE. Parking is on the street although there are a few spots for the disabled & families with infants. Our gatherings start at 10:30 AM and last until noon. The Reality Café is open at 10AM offering great food and coffee strong enough to get you dancin'. We have bible’s available if you don't have one. There are 3 kids classes running concurrent with the main gathering. For more info on the Reality Kids ministry, click HERE.
Do I have to bring money, or tithe?
No - you never have to pay for your seat. Guests are encouraged to be our guests. No velvet pouch, wicker basket, plastic bucket or stainless steel offering plate will be passed around. We are a member-supported Jesus community and we’re just glad you took the time to join us on a Sunday.
What about my kids?
If you have children, that’s awesome! Reality is seriously into kids. RealityKids ministry offers an infant/toddler nursery and classes for elementary aged boys & girls. Older children (11 and up) are encouraged to hang with the adults in the main gathering. For more info on Reality Kids, click HERE,
Can I invite my friends?
Please do. We seek to be a welcoming environment for people who are curious about Christianity, skeptical about Jesus & religion, or who are seeking to belong to a community of believers.
What kind of church is Reality?
Our people come from a wide-variety of denominational & religious backgrounds. We are affiliated with the Acts29 Network of churches, and being supported by the Mennonite Brethren Conference of churches - a group that’s deeply committed to Gospel-centred urban church planting. For a deeper look at our beliefs, click HERE. For more on our affiliations, click HERE.
What's the deal with with the name "Reality"
Well, we're not really one of those new-agey emergent 'progressive' churches that erroneously thinks you need to remove the Gospel to be culturally 'relevant'. We're just really into Jesus because He has really gotten into us. For more about the name "Reality" - read this article.
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to get connected at Reality. The first thing we invite you to do is participate on Sundays, ask questions, and then join a Home Group! Home Groups, or Home Churches, are welcoming communities for everyone at Reality. They gather in homes once a week for the purpose of meeting new people, sharing life together, discussing the previous week's sermon, and having fun and food! To find out more about Home Groups, click HERE.
These answers were okay, but how can I find out more about the church?
You can either email info@realityvancouver.com or continue exploring our webpage for more information.
We've posted another Q & Eh section HERE.
Regardless of where you are on the spiritual journey, there’s always a place for you at Reality Vancouver church.