An Outdoor Sanctuary in the Heart of Chester
In just two days, our block will be transformed into something extraordinary: an outdoor sanctuary in the heart of Chester. We’ll be cooking up hot dogs and hamburgers, setting up a 12-foot slip-n-slide, playing music, and preaching the Gospel on the streets. Literally.
And you’re invited!
This is a time to be expectant, and I’m speaking from experience because just a few weeks ago, we hosted our first outdoor service of the summer! To see what happened that night actually brought tears to my eyes…
Before I explain why, let’s first consider:
Can you imagine more than 100 neighbors gathered on our corner in Chester having a barbeque?
Well, that’s exactly what happened. And I’ll never forget it.
On June 12th , the Greenhouse community didn’t just gather to share a meal with our neighbors, we gathered to share hope, joy, and encouragement. With worship led by Pastor Joe Wardle of The Rock in Philly, and a message from Pastor Austin Medley of Calvary Chapel of Delaware County, the streets of Chester were filled with a message of conviction and compassion.
Most importantly, the life-saving reality that Jesus’s precious blood was spilled on the cross to cover our sin was shared. Yes, His blood was spilled for those struggling with drug addiction in Chester. For the self-righteous one who thinks they have it all together. For the person who just got out of jail and the skeptic who walked away from the church years ago. No one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy—His forgiveness is for ALL and covers ALL for those who come to believe in Him.
And by the end of that unforgettable evening, by the power of the Holy Spirit working through the music and message, nine people made the decision to follow Jesus, and four were baptized on the spot in a pool set up on the church’s side lawn.
Here at Greenhouse, we always wanted to create a place where the community could gather together and worship God. So during this special barbeque, when I looked around at the people—neighbors, homework club students, the guys in our recovery program, all worshiping together—I was overwhelmed with joy. In a place often known for struggle, crime, poverty, and brokenness, this evening lit up Chester with a different narrative: one of hope, healing, and revival.
In fact, this is something that God showed me in a dream years ago.
A few years back, we had a unique challenge: we wanted to stay connected to the Homework Club students, engage our church community, and serve our neighbors in an unhurried environment that could better foster conversation, connection, and lasting transformation.
So what better than to host a classic block party—don’t forget the hot dogs and hamburgers—and use the opportunity to share God’s love? From the youngest child to the oldest neighbor, everyone had a place at the table—we mean that literally and spiritually. Seeing the tents and tables and “outdoor sanctuary” seats filled with people who were being fed, laughing, singing together, was what I saw in my dream of Chester.
We view this as way more than an “event.” It is a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God will look like!