When we think of “church” in America, we usually think of going to meet at a building, singing, praying, and hearing a message from a pastor. But in many places around the world, a “church” meets in a home, and sometimes in secret. These small groups of Christ-followers often meet for many hours in study, prayer, and fellowship, as it is dangerous to travel to “church” and they want to make the most of their time together.

 

On Good Friday, April 6, we will gather in our sanctuary for Secret Church. David Platt, pastor of The Church at Brook Hills and author of Radical and Radical Together, will lead an intense time of Bible study and a time of prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters across the globe. As you dig deep into God’s Word, you will also be reminded of the suffering of today’s persecuted church. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to join with hundreds of churches and small groups across the United States in focused study and prayer. It will enrich your knowledge of the Word, help you identify with the persecuted church, and equip you to pass along what you learn to others, in order to make disciples of Christ—locally and globally.

 

Suffering is a sobering reality in a fallen world. Followers of Christ are not immune to adversity and affliction. On the contrary, there is a real sense in which following Christ means that trials and tribulations are more likely to come our way. As a result, whether walking through sickness, sorrow, pain, or persecution, the questions abound: Why am I suffering? Where is God when I suffer? How can I suffer well? When will my suffering end? How can God be good and allow such evil in the world? How can God be gracious and ordain such suffering in my life? During this Secret Church on Good Friday, we will explore these extremely profound yet deeply personal questions through the lens of Christ’s sufferings on the cross. In the process, we will come to a surprising discovery of how the gospel strengthens, sustains, supports, and ultimately satisfies us in the middle of suffering.
 

This is not for the uncommitted or faint at heart—six hours of Bible study and prayer. But if you desire to know God more deeply through His Word and to know His Church more fully around the world, then please join us for Secret Church. You can sign up to participate via Facebook or e-mail, but we ask that you sign up no later than Sunday, March 25 so that we can order enough study guides. Your only cost will be $5 for Platt’s study guide. Late sign-ups, including walk-ins, are welcome but cannot be guaranteed a study guide.

 

6:30-7:00 PM  Check-in for Secret Church in the Welcome Center (pick up your study guide)
7:00-7:20 PM  Musical worship (led by the team at Brook Hills)
7:20 PM  Teaching begins (15-minute break after each hour of teaching)
1:00 AM  Dismiss (yes, one o’clock Saturday morning...at the earliest)

 

For more information about the simulcast and to follow the latest updates, check out the Secret Church blog. If you have any questions, please contact Josh.