On Jan. 11, Kensington Church opened the doors of its fifth campus to over one thousand area residents.
The event was a huge step forward from the 17 original supporters in 1990.
Kensington’s Executive Director Kyle Nabors says the church owes its success to its ‘come as you are? open invitation and the 1,000+ volunteers who serve as its backbone.
He describes the church’s approach as something very different from other Christian groups.
‘It’s for people who have given up on church,? he said. ‘It’s for people who feel that God is irrelevant in their lives.?
Nabors also explains that Kensington reaches out to the public through medias that are more approachable to ‘everyday people.?
‘We do things like rock music,? said Nabors. ‘We are real people ? just a bunch of goofballs.?
Sue Kinch is the ministry coordinator for Kensington.
‘This is the first church where people feel like they belong,? she said.
Kensington also offers youth programs and childcare during service.
Troy Grabel of Lake Orion teaches the church’s program for middle school-aged kids. He’s been involved in the church for five years and is excited at the promise shown by the 80 students already attending his classes.
Clay Shuman is the high school and college youth pastor. He enjoys working with them because of their enthusiasm.
‘This is the most passionate age group,? he said. ‘They’re looking for eternal value.?
The new campus is currently housed at Lake Orion High School. The church has held two preview services earlier in Jan. and will hold its grand opening Sunday, Jan. 25.
Plans are underway to build a permanent campus on Bald Mountain Road, just south of Dutton.
But for now, church members are happy to be in Lake Orion and Lake Orion residents are happy to have them.
Ernest Thompson is an usher and greeter at Kensington. He moved to Lake Orion from Washington, DC two years ago.
‘This is a very accepting place. We’re a community church,? he said.
John O’Conner also lives in Lake Orion. He says he joined the church because it’s made of real people.
‘And they have a solid biblical message that applies all week long, Monday to Saturday, not just on Sunday,? he said.
Right now, the church is featuring Financial Peace University talks with Dave Ramsey. The program focuses on financial health with Christian undertones.
For more information on Kensington Church, visit www.kensingtonchurch.org.