Stuff We Go By @ Origin

The “Unfolding Arms” Principle:

We will seek to unfold the arms (and open the minds and hearts) of those who come in jaded and skeptical of churches and Christians.

The “Wear Their Shoes” Principle:

We will put ourselves into the shoes of those we are trying to reach. We will seek to think what they think, feel what they feel, see what they see, and hear what they hear.

The “Guests for Dinner” Principle:

Just as my home is mine and belongs to me, our worship service is Godʼs and belongs to Him. Our main intention with the service is to give Godʼs people a chance to worship and learn about God. However, when I have guests to my home for dinner, I am very sensitive to their presence. There are some things I might not do or might feel the need to explain because they are there. We will do the same with our services.

The “Joe Dimaggio” Principle:

Joe Dimaggio once explained that the all-out, total hustle way he played every game was because he knew there was always some kid in the stands for his first game who was watching him to see how baseball should be played. In the same way, we will always keep the first-time guest in mind. If our regulars donʼt understand something or are offended, they will still probably come back. And even if they do leave, it would likely be to attend some other church. However, a first-time guest who is confused or offended wonʼt come back and may never try another church.

The “Creatively Use Their Culture” Principle:

We will follow the Apostle Paulʼs example (see 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 and Acts 17:22-31) in using the culture of the people we are trying to reach. In doing so, we will meet them where they are and then walk with them to where they need to go.

The “Check Your Influences” Principle:

Our guidebook for everything is the Bible. However, there are many matters to which the Bible does not speak. For instance, what should be the order of service? How should we design our lobby? What style of music should we use? For such questions, our major influence will not be other churches because we have found influences that are more effective in reaching non-Christian people. Our influences? MTV, Conan O’Brian, Disney, Starbucks, Saturday Night Live, Chucky Cheese, and so on. Get the picture?

The “Authenticity” Principle:

Unchurched people do not walk in and give the pastor respect because of his position. They come in cynical. The way to break through that is by being authentic. People are looking for someone who is real and will share who he really is. We will, in all things, be authentic.

The “Love” Principle:

No matter how much we strive for excellence in our teaching, music, and creativity, the simple reality is that we cannot compete in those arenas with the best the world has to offer. But we have something to offer that no one else can: the unconditional love and amazing grace of God. In the end, the primary thing that will attract people to and keep them at our church - the critical element that will change their lives - is the unconditional love and amazing grace of God.

The “Presence” Principle:

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul sets the church straight about the goal of non-believers who attend our services. Our language has to be crystal clear if itʼs going to do anyone any good. Paul suggests if the unbeliever is confronted with the prophetic power of God in a way he can understand: “he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ʻGod is really among you!ʼ” (1 Cor. 14:25) Thatʼs the point. Not that the unbeliever would be comfortable, but that the presence of God would be palpable and undeniable. Whether they completely get it or not at first, they should sense it... Whether they completely agree with it or not, they should be drawn to it...I donʼt think thatʼs going to happen if we tone it down too much. Donʼt get me wrong. At Origin, we exist so that people far from God will find hope and be filled with life in Christ. Thatʼs the whole purpose behind everything we do-especially our worship experience. Itʼs just that we believe the best way for us to connect with people far from God-and the most attractive thing we can present to them-is the amped up, full throttle, authentic presentation of the Gospel of Jesus. Like, when a non-football loving college freshman goes to a Ducks or Beavers game for the first time, theyʼre sure to encounter a lot of things that they donʼt really identify with yet. The passion may be a little overwhelming. The volume may be unbearably loud. The painted bodies and shirtless crazies might be a tad bit off-putting. But thereʼs something about the atmosphere that sucks you in. Even if you donʼt know whatʼs going on...you can tell that this is the place to be. Before you know it, youʼre screaming your voice raw right along with the hardcore fans. The Origin Experience should be so distinctive, unique, and high energy that even though you might not get it at first, you want some of it. And if you stick around long enough, weʼll make a Jesus fan out of you.