FAQ
Connecting with something new can be a bit overwhelming. We imagine you’ve got some questions. Here’s a shot at answering some of the things you might be wondering about.
Why are you starting a new church?
Let’s start with why we’re not planting a new church. We’re not starting a new church cause we think we’ve got something every other church has missed or cause we think we’re better than other churches. Not at all. In fact, we see ourselves as connected with thousands of churches throughout history and across the globe that have faithfully embraced Jesus and His mission. Instead, we’re starting a new church because church planting is the primary Biblical means by which people can hear about God, respond to God, and connect with God. Jesus loves to save sinful, broken, imperfect people like us and He chooses to do so through the ministry of local churches. By heeding God’s call to plant a new church in Philadelphia, we get to participate in His redemptive work in our city.
What’s church planting?
Good question. Church planting is the process by which new churches are started or “planted”. The Great Commission of Jesus is essentially a call to plant churches. This was the primary ministry of the first disciples of Jesus. Apostles like Paul and Thomas went to various cities and began new gospel communities or churches. By doing so, they were participating in the redemptive work of God and seeing lives, cultures, cities, and the world changed by the gospel. Today, we long to participate in that same ministry and see it happen in our time and place.
What kind of church is Seven Mile Road?
Seven Mile Road Church is a gospel-centered, missional, community with people from lots of different backgrounds. We are committed to the historic Christian faith as articulated by the Nicene Creed.
Is Seven Mile Road affiliated with any other churches or organizations?
The last thing we wanted was to do church planting alone on an island. We have three national connections and several local ones. For one, we are being planted by Seven Mile Road Boston. Sharing a name is just one of the many things we have in common with our planting church. At a national level, we’re a part of the Acts 29 Network and the CCCC. Both are evangelical bodies that are committed to Jesus and His mission, particularly through urban church planting. Locally, we’ve been blessed with good friendships with several nearby churches and seek to partner with them for the sake of the gospel. These various connections offer the brotherhood, support, encouragement, and wisdom that we need as a new church.
Have you started having services?
Yes. We gather every Sunday at 11am.
What if I don't normally go to church?
That's okay. Our hope is to create a welcoming environment for those who are interested in God, but have never fully belonged or felt comfortable in church. We want Seven Mile Road to be a place where you can ask, learn, dialogue, and wrestle with who God is and what that means for your life. It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out yet; we don’t either. Everyone is welcome and you can come as you are. So whether you’re a skeptic or a seeker, religious or irreligious, believer or not, we welcome you to walk with us.
What should I wear?
Clothes, definitely wear clothes. That's about it as far as dress code goes.
What about kids?
We believe children are a blessing from God and see them as a vital part of our community. We even encourage our parents to have their children with them for corporate worship. At the same time we have a kids room where our youngest children are well-cared for by our nursery team. Whatever your child's age, we seek to welcome them into our community.
Can I bring my friends?
Of course. You’re welcome to bring anyone you’d like. We seek to be a welcoming and hospitable environment for people who are curious about Christianity or who are seeking to belong to a community of believers.
Wait, what if I have more questions?
Are you serious? Just kidding. You can send us an email and we’ll get back to you soon.
