Niche Churches

[Dante]

I define a "niche church" as a community of believers that target a very narrow and specific group of people for the sake of evangelization.

For example: A few weeks ago I was driving through downtown and I noticed a new church that has made its presence in our community. They purchased an old chop-shop garage and have remodeled the inside suitable for a place of worship. However, they advertise themselves as a church for Bikers (motorcyclists) and call themselves "Freedom Biker Church." Obviously, they are a ministry and church specifically designed to meet the needs of Bikers who want to maintain that culture and lifestyle, but also express their Christian faith.

Another example is a church that specifically reaches out to people in a sub-culture known as "Goth" or "Punk." These are a group (mostly young people under the age of 40) who enjoy dressing in black and wearing black and white makeup, and have a very frightening appearance to most people. They refer to themselves as "The First Church of the Living Dead."

Personally, considering how institutionalized Christianity has become in America, I don't see a problem with "specialized churches." After all, we have specialized doctors who focus on certain parts of the body and who focus on treating specific ailments. I think American Christianity has been to busy trying to be all things to all people that it's failing to do that, and can't be a catch-all for everyone like it hopes to be. So, I think specialized ministries reaching out to specific groups of people is a good thing.

What are your thoughts?

[Dordrecht]

My wife and I have been active in a "motorcycle outreach" and it was successful, many people, outlaw bikers among them, became Christians.

But it was NOT a church. However, we were supported by several churches.

[houston]

I think it's stupid.

[RandyWayne]

There are a number of cowboy churches around here and am pretty sure there is one or two biker ones as well.

I've never heard of a "Goth church" though. LOL I can just imagine Abby (NCIS) leading song service.

[navygoat1998]

Originally Posted by houston

I think it's stupid.

Your a negative nanny!

[houston]

Originally Posted by navygoat1998

Your a negative nanny!

It is stupid.

[houston]

Let's just make a church for everything.

Like dressing up like a clown??? CIRCUS CHURCH!!!

Less than 4 feet tall??? Midget church!!!

Have a disability??? SSI church!!!

[free-at-last]

Here in Sacramento, there is a huge cultural divide between the folks in midtown and the suburbs. The midtown area until recently was mostly unreached. There are several small niche churches now, varying in the quality of ministry, of course. The Goth one, tho....i m just not there

[Amanah]

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

New International Version (NIV)


Paul’s Use of His Freedom

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

[Dante]

Originally Posted by houston

Let's just make a church for everything.

Like dressing up like a clown??? CIRCUS CHURCH!!!

Less than 4 feet tall??? Midget church!!!

Have a disability??? SSI church!!!

That's a great idea, because the people in these groups have been marginalized by mainstream congregations. If there's a market for these types of people, someone should try to generate a specialized church for these groups.

Great idea, brother!