If these ministries are to grow into a church that is able to reach the city and the region we must overcome a key barrier hindering the future church plant. The barrier is one of CREDIBILITY and PERMANENCE. We believe that this barrier can be greatly overcome by simply having a physical building which brings cultural credibility to Ukrainian minds and provides the future church with a permanent presence in the city.
Why a Building?
The Greek Catholic Church (Eastern Rite in traditions but answers to the Pope) is the main historical church. Many people of L’viv do not consider groups without a building as credible.
We have two options: 1. Try and change this perception while renting space and being viewed by the majority of the population as a strange, outsider, fringe cult. 2. Or, eliminate this barrier for the Gospel to be heard by buying a worship space.
The hope is that this space will allow people to come in contact with the preaching of the Word so that they can live and think biblically about God and His church.
Without a Building
Locals consider our church a cult or a sect.
Locals and seekers will not give us an audience due to our illegitimate, culturally “suspicious” status.
Ukrainian believers face suspicion and mistrust from their family and friends.
With a Building
Locals will consider the church as legitimate and historical.
Ukrainian believers can more naturally invite family and friends to church.
Locals will consider coming to a service since it is a normal part of their culture.
Barriers of suspicion and uncertainty will be broken down in our current and future relationships with people who are digging into the true Gospel and who desire a place of community and growth.
Building Relationships through University Ministry (RUF Global): Students are reading the Bible for the first time and considering what it means to live as a Christian.
Building Relationships through Hospitality: Welcoming new friends into their homes is a core element of the L’viv team’s church planting strategy. The open homes and lives of team members and new believers is the lifeblood of the church. It is in this context many want to hear about the church and its teaching.