Venture Church: Redesigning Church

Venture Church, located at the YMCA of Main Street.

Venture Church, located at the YMCA of Main Street.

As the world continues to modernize, so do churches. Although Danville has been referred to as the “city of churches,” mostly dominated by traditional ones, modern and present-day churches are coming to Danville and growing rapidly. One of these churches, among many, is Venture Church.

Located at Danville’s YMCA, the church’s team begins early Sunday morning by setting up for the upcoming service. Because Venture Church does not yet have a permanent space, it is difficult for the public to be aware of their existence and where they meet for worship. To make itself more visible, Venture Church presents themselves with “Venture Church” flags at the entrance of the YMCA.

Venture separates itself from other churches from the very first step into service. Coffee is served prior to the sermon as members of the church greet one another and make everyone feel welcome. For those who experience Venture for the first time, a bag of coffee is given to them at the end of the service.

Venture worships in song with a band, rather than choir. More contemporary songs are sung and are done so in a more energetic fashion. Sermons are also unlike those of a more traditional church. In sync with the trends of the present, the latest series was titled “Behind the selfie.”

Venture Church’s pastor, Eric Hash, or more likely known as “lead guy,” named multiple factors as inspiration for Venture Church. Frist, the appeal of Danville and secondly his desire to shape a church that is different. Venture gets on a personable and equal level with its audience, delivering excitement while engaging with a meaningful message.

“Venture gets to redesign church,” said Hash.