I'm shocked by it."Ĭlark plans to tell a lot more people about God's news. "I'm really frustrated that there is a part of our community in South Mississippi that has less than 20 percent going to church. "No matter what (people) have done or where they've been or what's been done to them, we provide an environment that's exciting and enjoyable."Ĭlark said it is Venture's mission to grow, and he will facilitate that. "There's about 250,000 people on the Coast, and only 10 percent or 15 percent go to church regularly," he said. It's also hoping some Coast residents will attend services in Stone County.Ĭlark hopes Venture can eventually open two or three campuses on the Coast, with the first launched in about two years. It has already started Growth Groups for interested people living in Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Bay St. "It creates an awareness you would not have had if things had gone perfectly." "When things are difficult, it's an opportunity to stand up and move forward. "You don't want to waste a crisis," Clark said. Meanwhile, Clark and others at Venture are using the setbacks to learn and grow. It's hoping to attract young people who may convince their parents to go to the church. Venture is holding a dinner in mid-November for Stone High School soccer players and a video game tournament for the high school basketball team. "We try to bridge that gap in unique ways and get (the adults) in the building." "We want to bridge the gap to people who don't go to church," he said. Tyler Eggers, Stone County campus pastor, said now the church is reaching out to county residents who may not normally attend services. It's been averaging congregations of about 375 adults and children since the beginning of September. 29 with attendance at 450 adults and children. Venture had a ribbon-cutting for the Stone County campus on Oct. More: Venture Church cuts ribbon on Stone County Campus
Just not a flood and a hurricane in two weeks. "We believe God's in control when things are good and when they're really bad. "They had such a resiliency," Clark said. They coped with the setbacks with fortitude, he said. Clark said, while in Stone County, he got a good feeling from the church attendees.
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