To encounter is to collide. An encounter is an unexpected confrontation that forces a reevaluation of one's mission, purpose, or beliefs. The English translations of the Bible almost always use the word to describe a violent event, such as a battle or conflict. When we speak about encountering Jesus, we are not referring to an entrance into a predictable and sheltered subculture - quite the opposite. We believe that an encounter with Jesus is a violent interruption of the status quo. Christ has invited us into a life on mission. When we encounter the One who has conquered death and who hands us the keys to the Kingdom of God, how can we be anything other than radically changed? How can our course remain the same?
The pastoral staff at Encounter has each had deep experiences with Jesus that has altered the course of their lives. The team is strengthened and encouraged in weekly accountability meetings; they take their personal faith journeys seriously and continuously spur each other on toward faith that is real and based on grace. They are excited to see the Spirit of God move through their shared vision for Encounter.
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The Christian and Missionary Alliance (the C&MA, The Alliance) is a worldwide family of Christians mobilized to fulfill the Great Commission by living out the fullness of Jesus Christ in personal experience, building His Church, and carrying His light to the darkest parts of our neighborhoods and the nations.
Formed as a cross-denominational missions society in the 1880's, The Alliance evolved into a world evangelization movement in the early 20th century and became an evangelical missions and church-planting denomination in 1974.
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