An ordinary church
learning to love a big God.
We're twelve years in and still figuring it out — together, over coffee, with the doors open. Here's who we are, what we believe, and how we spend our weeks.
It started, like a lot of important things, in someone's living room.
In the spring of 2014, twelve people showed up at the Coles' house on a Wednesday night. There was no plan. There was a guitar, a casserole, and a quiet conviction that church could feel different.
We met like that for two years before we ever rented a building. We didn't have a logo, a website, or a worship band. What we had — and still have — was a stubborn belief that the gospel of Jesus is gentler, weirder, and more generous than most of us were taught.
Twelve years later, we're a few hundred people on a Sunday morning. We've moved buildings four times. We've buried people we loved and welcomed babies we didn't know we'd get to meet. The casseroles haven't stopped.
If you're new to all this, or returning after a long time away, or just curious — you are exactly the kind of person this place was built for.
Twelve years, in shorthand.
A living room
Twelve people start meeting on Wednesday nights at the Coles' house in Oak Park.
First Sunday
We rent a yoga studio. Forty people show up. Two of them are visitors.
Maple Avenue
We sign a 10-year lease on a converted warehouse one block from the Green Line.
Still here
Two Sunday gatherings, eighteen small groups, one Wednesday table that won't quit.
In plain language, no fine print.
We're orthodox Christians in the historic sense — we believe what the church has believed for two thousand years. We just want to say it in a way you can actually understand.
God is good, and God is real.
Not a metaphor, not a feeling, not a useful idea. The God who made everything is personal, present, and unreasonably kind.
Jesus is who he said he was.
Fully God, fully human, executed by an empire, raised on the third day. The most important person who ever lived, and still alive.
The Spirit hasn’t left.
The same Spirit that hovered over the waters is here, now, doing work in ordinary people. We try to pay attention.
The Bible is for everyone.
It's a library, not a rulebook. We read it together, slowly, in the open, with our questions on the table.
The Church is people, not buildings.
We rent a warehouse on Sundays. The actual church is what happens at kitchen tables the other six days.
The end is good news.
God is making all things new — not throwing them away. Resurrection, not escape. We try to live like that's true.
The people who answer the phone.
Mia Cole
Founded the church in '14. Reads too many novels. Makes a serious chili.
David Ahn
Joined in 2018. Theology nerd, soccer dad, terrible singer (his words).
Ruth Mendez
Runs the Wednesday Table. Knows everyone's coffee order by week three.
Jordan Pace
Writes the music. Cares too much about hymnody. Owns one tie.
Sam Okafor
Runs Sunday programming for ages 0–18. Has a Ph.D. in Goldfish-distribution.
Priya Walker
Plugs us into Oak Park. Knows every nonprofit director by first name.
Marco Reyes
The reason the building doesn't fall down. Excel spreadsheet evangelist.
Hannah Liu
Licensed therapist. Holds confidential space for anyone who asks.
Three rhythms hold the week together.
We try not to overprogram. These three things are most of what we do — and most weeks, they're enough.
Gathering
A 70-minute service with music, scripture, and a teaching. Designed to be honest and unhurried.
- Live music, mostly written in-house
- A 25-minute teaching, no powerpoint
- Communion every week, open table
- Kids programs for 0–12, optional
The Table
A potluck dinner followed by a conversation. Same room every week. New face most weeks.
- Dinner at 6:30, conversation at 7:30
- Topic rotates: scripture, life, doubt
- Bring food if you have it, don't if you don't
- Childcare provided
Small Groups
Eighteen groups across Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. Six to ten people. Real friendships.
- Meet weekly or bi-weekly
- Hosted in homes around the area
- Some are mixed, some are specific
- Sign up anytime, no commitment
So, want to show up?
The first Sunday is the hardest one. After that, it gets easier. We'd love to save you a parking spot and a cup of coffee.
Plan your first visit