"When I was speaking with people, I learned many of them didn't go to church because the impression was, 'They only care about money,'" Cheshire said.
With that in mind, he came up with an unconventional way to finance his church. Rather than passing a collection plate, Journey has launched several businesses to generate revenue. According to Cheshire, a total of nine church-run businesses account for approximately 75 percent of the church's income.
Cheshire believes for a church to be effective it has to leave the building and get into the community. In September, Journey celebrated its fifth year. Many of its followers, who number from 800 to 1,000, are active in the businesses the church operates at its Conifer headquarters.
Not only have the businesses helped grow the church, it has enabled the church to give back to the community. Journey recently broke ground on a 50-acre site and plans call for a community center that will include basketball and racquetball courts, a theater, a bowling alley and a food court.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
They are celebrating their 5 year anniversary this Sunday!
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"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
