The Way

I went to The Way Friday night again. (I did not see you there.) God is doing incredible things in that place! It is always SRO
(Standing Room Only).

John Mark Comer read an article that was printed in the Oregonian. (it was not in our paper because it was in the local section.) Check this out!!! Love, Jo

Young adults can party with Jesus on Friday

Religion - Teens and twentysomethings are drawn to the worship, including a rock band
Thursday, October 11, 2007
CORNELIA SEIGNEUR
Special to The Oregonian

TIGARD -- For about a thousand 18- to 28-year-olds from as far as Salem, Vancouver and Gresham, Friday night means a different kind of party -- a spiritual one, called "The Way," in Tigard.

"Friday is the typical night for young adults to get drunk and get stoned and so The Way gives people a choice between walking with the world and walking with Jesus," said John Mark Comer, 27, associate pastor at Solid Rock church.

The Way, which meets at 7 p.m. Fridays in a large warehouse, known as The Garage off Southwest Nimbus Avenue near Washington Square. "Jesus said, 'Be either hot or cold, be passionate about the Lord.' It is not sugar-coated to make people comfortable."

The Way, a reference to what early church believers in the book of Acts were said to follow, offers worship led by a rock band, communion, prayer and Bible teaching, all followed by a barbecue. The Way also hosts summer mission trips.

The young-adult ministry began 31/2 years ago with six people in a downtown apartment rented by a Portland State University student.

Kaitlynn Taylor, 21, a nursing student at PCC Sylvania, has attended The Way for 21/2 years. When she started coming, about 100 people took part.

"I instantly felt welcomed and got connected. I've seen people's lives radically transformed."

The Beaverton woman, who grew up in what she called an unchurched home, said she thinks young adults are looking to fill a void.

"There truly is a hole in our lives that we try to fill with parties or shopping or relationships. But we realize that only God can fill that void, and I think that is why people come," Taylor said.

Comer said his goal is to reach "kids that grew up in the church that are maybe bored, apathetic; and also those that grew up in the church and might have walked away in their 20s, to take them deeper in their faith."

People such as Ryan Doucet.

The 25-year-old from Hillsboro said he was raised in a mainstream denomination, but got involved with drugs in the eighth grade and continued using through his years at the University of Oregon. Back in Portland, two years ago, he wanted to get his life on track.

"I had a lot of bad relationships in college. I started to skip classes. So when I came back I was determined to find a college group," Doucet said. "I also realized I wanted to get married eventually -- and I didn't want to meet my future wife at a bar."

A friend invited him to Solid Rock and The Way.

"At first I was drawn by the music," Doucet said, "but then the preaching is what keeps you there."