Walking into the dimly lit basement of Floyd’s Music Store on, of all evenings, Sunday, and seeing people dancing under flashing lights to bass blaring from speakers, seems paradoxical.
Venturing further in and discovering what appears to be a bartender serving drinks is more perplexing.
But don’t be fooled, these individuals are here for a different kind of party. Some of the music is Christian-based and there is no alcohol in the building.
Church in a Club is the brain-child of Genesis Church pastor Brian Hunter, who said he believes it is important to get what he described as the “millennial generation” to develop a relationship with God. Hunter reported that 70 – 80 percent of 18-year-olds are abandoning Christianity.
“We are not connecting to this millennial generation (the age 16 – 30 crowd),” Hunter, a Cincinnati native, said. “We are not leading them into an authentic relationship with God, but instead we’re teaching them a religion void of meaning and advocating standards impossible to live up to.”
Hunter said the club had been in the planning stage for over a year, slowed by their inability to find a suitable venue.
“I hope it tears down the barrier of the church building where people think ‘I’m never going to go to church but I do have a desire to know God.’ This is an easy environment for someone to take that extra step without having to deal with the confines of a regular church,” said the eight-year Tallahassee resident, and faith columnist for the “Tallahassee Democrat.”
Since March 27, Hunter has been on this mission. According Church-in-a-Club-goers, the unorthodox service is a hit.
“I was really excited to come to Church in a Club because the thought of it is different from other churches,” said Tallahassee Community College student Jesse Mims.
“When you think of witnessing to someone or asking them to come to church, you’re always scared to hear what they think because every church you walk into is pretty much the same. It’s awkward,” Mims said. “Church in a Club is more of what you’re used too, instead of a ordinary church.”
Hunter agreed that the service had elements for everyone to enjoy.
“Take a risk and try it out,” Hunter said. “We welcome everyone.”
Genesis church also hosts several auxiliary worship services throughout the city. FUSE is a student ministry held every Wednesday in Moore Auditorium at Florida State University.
Church in a Club is also an avenue for youth and young adults to get involved with community service and other humanitarian efforts.
Next Saturday, Genesis Church will participate in the “Kids Against Hunger” project from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and service begins at 6 p.m. in the basement of Floyd’s Music Store at 666 W. Tennessee St.
The Genesis Church is affiliated with the Church of God in Cleveland, Tenn. according to its website.