SEARCH Ministry

Everyone is on a spiritual journey. While many churches focus on reaching people who are already engaged with faith (the "4s and up"—those who are more spiritually mature), Search Columbia helps equip believers to connect with those who are just starting to explore, unsure where to begin, or unsure if they even want to (the "0-3s"). This approach goes beyond simply inviting someone to church, fostering real, meaningful conversations about faith in everyday life. 

The Open Forums are what make Search unique. Picture a host team of 10-15 believers personally inviting 10-15 people they know and care about but aren’t sure where they stand with Jesus, to meet at a cool location, eat good food, and instead of talking about people and things, discuss ideas and questions. There is no presentation—only conversation. The spirit of the forum is to ask more questions and provide fewer answers. The goal for believers is to listen; the goal for those with questions is to be heard. Open Forums occur in a 3–4-week series, with each discussion lasting one hour—no more. The hope is that people will return the following week to continue the conversation, no matter how each of us sees the ultimate answers. In the weeks that follow, there is follow-up for each individual and opportunities for more conversations through Foundations and Formation groups. For those with questions, this may be the only safe place they can ask these important questions. It may also be the only place where they are being asked spiritual questions or where they feel comfortable coming at this point. For believers, this may be the place where they’re given a platform for ministry with their friend—a place where they can comfortably engage in important conversations they’ve been hoping to have. It may also be the place where they feel safe to ask their own questions—a place where they’re not expected to already know the answers.

Please pray that Search Columbia continues to grow into a large community of people creating safe spaces for adults to explore faith and Jesus. Pray that believers and nonbelievers would have deep conversations about life’s big questions—that those with little to no faith might consider Jesus, those who have walked away from the faith might re-engage, and those who have walked with Jesus for a long time might feel equipped to live out the Great Commission—one person at a time. For more information, contact Alissa Perry at 865-556-5769.