Jesus wanted the world to know that He was inviting every type of person imaginable to follow Him. They didn’t have to believe first, that would work itself out later. He wanted them to know who he was and experience him for themselves.

As Christians, we should care about God’s will for our lives, but we can become obsessive about figuring out what that will is. Have you ever gotten stuck at a crossroads not sure which to take?

Have you ever thought of your comfort as a prison? The more we have the harder it is to escape.

This is where you usually get a list of all the things you should give up in order to be a counter-cultural Christian. I’m not going to give you that list. Why? Because Christ didn’t come to give lists. He came to change lives and he has called us to participate in doing the same.

Have you gotten uncomfortable with your neighbors yet? I don’t mean the awkward where they find you mowing the lawn in your Speedo. Let’s not do that. I mean the awkward that gets you out of your comfort zone and engaging with the people around you.

Comfort is not the same as peace. Comfort is fleeting and relies on the external, while peace is eternal and relational. Let me explain.

Modern churches, like Centerpoint in Brandon, Florida, are amplifying the truths of Scripture to a world that has fallen deaf to church tradition. They focus on community, are Christ-centered, address today’s culture, and create environments and experiences that connect with the modern person.

At Centerpoint Church, we like to say we’re “an alternative to church as usual,” but what does that mean for the Tampa, Florida, area.

Did you grow up in one of the BIG denominations: Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic? Do you live in the Plant City, Florida, area and are wondering what a non-denominational church has to offer?

We can’t speak for every non-denominational church in Tampa or even Plant City, but here are five reasons you should try Centerpoint.

Your middle schooler already has a packed schedule with school, extracurriculars, hobbies, friends… the list is never-ending. When you think of youth groups, the thought of driving to one more activity is daunting. We hear you! We get it. But one sec. Your middle schooler needs a youth group, and here are three reasons why.

At Velocity we believe in the next generation and their potential to change the world. We don’t want teens to come only because their parents make them. We are looking to build a deeper faith that sticks. One they will take with them long after youth group ends.

We are to tear down walls, remove the barriers that keep people from Jesus, and start fulfilling our destiny. This is the only way we will live life to the fullest.

If our desire for comfort isn't directed to walking alongside those who are hurting and offering them comfort, then we are missing the point.

Much like our human desire to binge-watch Netflix, a great podcast will capture us. Are you driving to work? Podcast. Saturday chores? Podcast. Working out? Podcast. Annoying the kids? Podcast. Breathing? Podcast. It’s the talk radio shows our parents listened to while driving us around - but relevant and interesting. Oh, and convenient.

We naturally gravitate away from what is uncomfortable. It takes an effort to engage in new ways. But Jesus did not take the easy way out and neither should we.

Centerpoint Church is tearing down every unnecessary barrier. Nothing should stand in the way of hearing about Jesus. We see denominations as one of those barriers. Over time denominations can put up hoops to jump through on how to become a part of the community.  Rules develop that are less scripture based and hold more of a “how to get into the country club” vibe.

Centerpoint Church is an alternative to church as usual. Our high school and middle school youth group in Valrico holds that same mission. We are tearing down every necessary barrier. Your teen doesn’t have to believe everything we say. In fact, we want them to bring hard questions.

Centerpoint Church is an alternative to church as usual. Our middle and high school youth group in Valrico holds that same mission. We are tearing down every unnecessary barrier. We want your teens to feel safe to come as they are and to hear about Jesus, whether they buy into everything we say or not.

Every person has been made in the image of God and has extreme value. We are called to love. That means we live life side by side, even when we disagree. We ask hard questions about Scripture and Jesus. We value one another and honor how the Holy Spirit is working in each of our lives.

Expect a week of high-energy worship and activities. Every moment is filled with sports, swimming, paintball, tubing, arts and crafts, ropes courses, speakers, games, new friends and more. Quiet moments of reflection are carved out allowing the teens to process all they are taking in.