A new church near campus, Progression Church, held its first service Sunday with 77 people in attendance. The church invites the millennial generation to take a simple approach to religion.
The Sunday service proved a positive start for the church, said Lead Pastor Brian Crain. The church advertised its opening by sending fliers to the Baton Rouge community and posting on its Facebook page. The service also attracted some passersby near campus, Crain said.
Progression Church, exemplifying its name, started when six families moved to Baton Rouge to start the new church with a special focus and emphasis on “progressing” toward being like Jesus Christ, Crain said. While the target demographic is people born between 1980 and 2000, the church encourages all people to join, Crain said.
The normal Sunday service consists of three parts. The beginning to a normal Sunday is a general service including song and music, followed by preaching or “responding to the word.” The service ends with an opportunity to give to the church.
The church is funded partially by the Louisiana Baptist Convention, other churches and out-of-pocket funds from the leaders of the church.
Being primarily modeled after a Baptist church service, Progression maintains many of the same ideals, Crain said. The difference between Progression and many others churches is the simple approach of evolving into a Christ-like figure.
“We want to come across as real and genuine,” Crain said. “Wherever you are in your faith journey, we have a place for you.”
Crain said the leaders of Progression conducted a significant amount of research prior to starting the church to ensure a successful following. Being close to the University seemed to be a logical choice to reach the target audience, Crain said.
Crain said while many churches across the country have not accepted people from different walks of life, Progression does not discriminate against anyone.
“Just because we don’t agree, doesn’t mean we won’t love you,” Crain said.
As well as conducting weekly services, Progression posts videos of its sermons on its website with bible readings displayed across the screen.
“We want to come across as real and genuine. Wherever you are in your faith journey, we have a place for you.”