What was your initial connection with Bara?

Met Kim and Joel at Starbucks when Kim was working there and Joel was pastor at another local church.

How did you decide to get connected here?

Developed a friendship with Joel, and found out that he was planting a new church. I offered my help as a friend, but told him that I would not be joining his "stupid church." I grew up in an organized religion, and wanted no part of church life.

We started as a prayer group in Joel's living room, and got to work planning, and getting Bara known in the community. We built our 4th of July parade float themed "Get on the Bandwagon," and I began to develop bonds with a couple of the other men that were involved. The float was a 16 foot "Radio Flyer" wagon, complete with a live band that performed on the float during the parade. That afternoon we worked every booth at the town's celebration, then watched the fireworks as a group.

Against my better judgment, I actually started looking forward to seeing these "church people.” When the time came to become a member, Joel had a big dinner at his house, and all of us that had been working to get this church off the ground were invited. The premise was that if you came to dinner you were a member. If not, you chose not to join.

I asked Joel to meet me at Starbucks 3 hours before the dinner because I had some questions. He agreed to meet me while getting ready to host a fairly large dinner party. I fired off many questions, many of them were pretty heavy, and he patiently answered all of them. Still I was on the fence. When I got home Debbie asked me what I was going to do. I said, “I don't know." Fifteen minutes before we were due at the Quiles’ for the commitment dinner I decided that I was going to join.

I realized that day that Joel wasn't planting another church, but that God was planting something different than I had ever experienced. I went to dinner, made my commitment, and we launched our first service a month later. That was nearly 14 years ago, and I still find myself looking forward to seeing the people I've met here.

Why should someone else get connected with Bara?

I Because Joel and Kim serve God in their words and their deeds. Because Bara has a heart for the community. Because our church is fully aware that Jesus is the true pastor of of our church.