Article
From the Park to a Packed House: 8 Months of God’s Faithfulness at Passion Church
April 12, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new post
Eight months ago, a group of 87 people gathered in a park with some chairs, a dream, and a whole lot of faith. It was hot, a little chaotic, and absolutely beautiful. That first gathering on August 25th, 2024 wasn’t about production—it was about presence. God’s presence. And wow, has He been present.
Since that day, Passion Church has grown into something only God could write. From 87 people in a park to two Sunday services starting in January 2025, we’ve seen God move in undeniable ways. And in March—our official Launch Month—we broke 200 people in attendance on a Sunday for the first time. Two services. Over 200 people. All in just eight months. That’s not strategy or hype—that’s the Holy Spirit moving.
We’ve celebrated 14 baptisms—each one a story of redemption, of old life buried and new life raised. And we’ve witnessed dozens of people make Christ-centered decisions—not just for themselves, but for their families and friends. Decisions to live fully for Jesus, to lead differently, love intentionally, and become a light in their homes and communities. That’s what we prayed for. That’s what we live for.
We’ve also seen what it looks like when the Church becomes the hands and feet of Jesus. Nearly 100 people serve faithfully every month, logging thousands of hours of volunteer time—setting up, greeting, praying, leading kids, and more. All that time has translated into hundreds of pounds of food given to those in need, nearly 200 meals cooked and served, and countless prayers, hugs, and hours of support poured out over people who just needed someone to show up. And Passion Church keeps showing up.
Because that’s our mission: to reach people far from God. And to do that, we are sold out on being passionate about two things—God and people. Everything we do flows from that. Every service, every serve day, every prayer, every message—it’s all about drawing people closer to the heart of God and showing them they’re not just welcome here, they’re wanted here.
And it's not just within our walls (or rented spaces). We've sent out more than a dozen people on local missions, serving disaster victims and showing up with hands ready to help and hearts ready to love. That’s the kind of church we want to be: one that goes.
The truth is, every number has a name. Every decision has a backstory. Every Sunday is sacred. We’ve watched God take our small “yes” and do immeasurably more than we could’ve imagined (Ephesians 3:20 kind of stuff). And the best part? This is just the beginning.
As we come to our first Easter Celebration as a church, we want you, your family, your friends, your coworkers—everyone—to know: you are welcomed and wanted here at Passion Church. Join us for one of our two services at 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM every Sunday. Come as you are. There’s a seat for you.
If you’ve been part of this journey—setting up, leading teams, praying, giving, inviting friends—thank you. Passion Church is what it is because of what God is doing through you.
If you’re just finding us, or maybe you’ve been on the fence: now’s the time. There’s room. There’s purpose. There’s a place for you in what God’s doing here.
Let’s keep going. Let’s keep loving. Let’s keep building. Passion Church was never about making a name for ourselves—it’s always been about lifting high the name of Jesus. And after eight months, I can say this with confidence:
God. Is. Just. Getting. Started.
with love,
Josh Tufte
share this
Related Articles
Related Articles
If you’re searching for a Christian church in Kernersville, NC, or googling “church near me” hoping for something real, something refreshing, something life-giving, Passion Church might be exactly what you’ve been praying for. Over the past several weeks, we’ve been walking through a powerful teaching series called Pre-Decide: Better Choices, Better Life. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: "The quality of your decisions will, by and large, determine the quality of your life." This isn’t just self-help—it’s biblical truth. And at Passion Church Kernersville NC, we’re learning how to make better decisions not based on our emotions, pressure, or past failures—but on God’s purpose and truth. What Is "Pre-Decide" About? We’ve all made decisions we regret. And most of the time, it’s not because we’re bad people—it’s because we weren’t ready when the moment came. We reacted instead of responding. But what if you could pre-decide your values, your boundaries, and your direction before life put you on the spot? That’s the heart of this series. “When faced with ______, I have pre-decided to ______.” This simple declaration has helped so many people in our church build new rhythms of spiritual strength and personal integrity. It’s helped people overcome temptation, step into generosity, grow in consistency, and draw closer to Jesus. Why Pre-Decide? Because life is too important to drift. Because the world is full of distractions and options that look appealing in the moment but lead to regret in the end. And because you don’t rise to the level of your intentions, you fall to the level of your decisions. Here are just a few core truths we’ve explored together: 1. When your values are clear, your decisions are easier. If you don’t define your direction, the world will define it for you. At Passion Church, we’re learning to live by God’s values, not culture’s suggestions. 2. You don’t win in the moment—you win before the moment. Whether it’s temptation, conflict, or spiritual habits—deciding beforehand how you’ll respond makes all the difference. This is how Daniel in the Bible stayed faithful under pressure (Daniel 1:8, Daniel 6:10). 3. You are not your emotions—you are who God says you are. We live in a world that teaches us to follow our feelings. But Scripture teaches us to follow Jesus. Pre-deciding based on God’s identity and purpose for your life sets you free from emotional whiplash and spiritual stagnation. 6 Decisions That Can Change Your Life Each week at Passion Church, we’ve made bold declarations that reframe how we live: I am ready. (I will be prepared when temptation comes.) I am consistent. (I will do what honors God again and again.) I am devoted. (I will seek God first.) I am generous. (I don’t wait to give—I plan to give.) I am faithful. (I will multiply what God has entrusted to me.) I am a finisher. (I don’t quit when it’s hard.) And in our new Week 6 addition, we’re declaring: I choose joy. (No matter what, I will rejoice in the Lord. – Philippians 4:4–9) This Isn’t Just About Self-Discipline—It’s About Spiritual Transformation Pre-deciding isn't about willpower. It’s about identity. You are who God says you are. You are loved. You are chosen. You are called. And when you anchor your decisions to the truth of who He is and who He’s made you to be, your life changes from the inside out. This series has been a game-changer for our church family—and we believe it could be a game-changer for you too. A Church Near You That Feels Like Home If you're looking for a church near me that teaches the Bible, loves people deeply, and challenges you to grow in your faith, Passion Church Kernersville NC is here for you. We’re not interested in playing church—we’re here to be the Church: bold, joyful, real, and passionate. Here’s what to expect when you visit: Biblically-based messages that make sense in everyday life Powerful worship that helps you connect with God Incredible kids & youth ministries A culture of authenticity, growth, and community Real Stories, Real Growth “Been a part of this amazing journey from the beginning when we were at the picnic tables at Triad Park to current location. This is my church family, not all know me, but they treat you like family. The members say hello, smile at you, make you welcomed. I have been pulled closer to God, I personally have been dealing with a lot and these extraordinary people I call my family have helped me with their kind words, their hugs, just listening, and it makes a difference, it pulls you to the light when you feel your in the dark place. I hope you come and see why the Passion Church is a welcoming church that does not judge and makes you feel at home and brings you closer to God.” – Lindsay S. “Passion Church - the name says it all. Starting with Pastor Josh, the authentic, passionate attitude can be seen and experienced through the entire worship team, the members, the partners, and the volunteers who make this church a great place to worship. God is at the center of our worship, and many dedicated and generous individuals put forth a great effort to help point others to a genuine relationship with Jesus. Believing, trusting, and obeying God, being generous, and helping others in need - that is what it's all about - and that is what you will find at Passion Church.” – Ed P. “From the moment you get out of your car, someone is there to welcome you before you enter the building. I dare say that if you are not greeted by at least 10 people on the way to your seat, you had to try to avoid them. This is the most welcoming church that I have ever seen. Not only that, the people are authentic and not just putting on a show. The workship is raw and real. The messages are shared with love and a genuine heart full of compassion for Jesus and people. I am proud to call Passion Church my church home.” – Paul B. Join Us This Sunday 📍 Location: Passion Church, Kernersville, NC 🕘 Service Times: 9:30 am & 11:00 am 👶 Kids Church: Passion Kids for birth–5th grade 🌐 Website: www.passionchurchnc.com Your Next Right Step You don’t have to drift through life. You don’t have to be a victim of your past or your feelings. You can pre-decide to become the person God created you to be. So if you’re searching for a Christian church in Kernersville NC or a church near me where real people are experiencing real change through Jesus—come visit Passion Church. We’d love to meet you. Better yet, we’d love to walk alongside you as you pre-decide to follow Jesus in every part of your life.
Made New: The Power and Purpose of Baptism There’s a moment in every believer’s journey that marks more than just a personal decision—it marks a divine transformation. Baptism is that moment. It’s more than a ritual. It’s more than a tradition. Baptism is a command from Jesus, a celebration of new life, and a powerful expression of the salvation we’ve received. If you've ever wondered why baptism matters, let’s explore its incredible significance together. A Commanded Step of Obedience Jesus didn’t leave baptism as an optional expression of faith. In fact, one of His final commands to the disciples was this: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...” — Matthew 28:19 Baptism is not just a symbol—it’s a sacred step of obedience. It’s how we publicly say, “I belong to Jesus.” When we go under the water, we identify with Jesus’ death. When we rise out of the water, we proclaim His resurrection power alive in us. The Moment of Washing and Receiving Scripture takes it even further. Baptism isn’t just a public sign—it’s also where something supernatural takes place. In Acts 2:38, Peter declares: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” What a breathtaking promise! Baptism is the biblical moment where the stain of sin is washed away—not because of the water, but because of the work of Jesus. It’s the moment we receive the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live a new life, full of purpose and passion for God. A Line in the Sand — A Flag in the Ground Baptism is not just for the brand-new believer—it’s also a powerful point of rededication for those who have drifted and are ready to return to Jesus with their whole heart. Sometimes we need a moment to say: “This is it. No more compromise. No more wandering. I’m all in again.” Baptism can be your defining moment. It’s the spiritual act of planting your flag and declaring, “From this point forward, I am living for Christ—unashamed, unafraid, and unshakable.” Whether you’ve walked with Jesus for years or just come back after a hard season, baptism can serve as your holy reset. A declaration to your family, your church, the enemy, and even to your own soul that you are His. Not Just a Step—A Statement Baptism is a line in the sand. It boldly proclaims: “I’ve been raised to life. My past is gone. My future is in Jesus.” It’s the wedding ring of our relationship with Christ—an outward expression of an inward commitment. It tells the world, “I’m not who I used to be. I’m brand new in Christ.” Why Wait? If you’ve accepted Jesus but haven’t taken this step, know this: Baptism is not about being perfect. It’s about being obedient. It’s not the finish line of faith—it’s the starting line of a Spirit-filled life. Whether you're being baptized for the first time or coming back to rededicate your life to Christ, this moment can be your defining spiritual milestone. Don’t let hesitation rob you of what God wants to do in you—and through you—right now. You’re Invited If you’re ready to be baptized—or even if you just want to learn more—we’re here for you. At Passion Church, we believe baptism is a party in heaven and on earth. Every time someone takes that step, we rejoice like crazy… because we know the power of what’s happening. Let this be your moment. Be made new. Be washed. Be filled. Be baptized.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
I will never forget an encounter that changed my life. For this blog, we’re going to say it was a day I was talking with Tammy. Tammy was a teen I had been working with at my gym, training her in self-defense and fitness. She was precious—tender-hearted, kind, smart, and full of promise. All the reasons her dad wanted her to be equipped to protect herself in today’s world. Over the years, we built a strong friendship. She was like a little cousin to me. But one day, she came in visibly upset. We went through the workout as usual, but something was off. Jokes fell flat, silent tears were shed, and her whole demeanor had shifted. At the end, I gently asked if something was wrong. It was like a dam broke. Tammy opened up and shared something deeply personal—she was struggling with homosexual thoughts and urges. Wanting guidance, she had confided in her pastor. But instead of compassion, she was met with condemnation. She described nearly two hours of being berated, judged, and warned she would burn in hell if she didn’t repent. He told her she could no longer serve at the church if this was the path she’d chosen. But here’s the thing—she hadn’t chosen anything. She was experiencing confusing emotions and looking for help. She loved the church. She loved her friends there. She loved Jesus. She came seeking understanding and got rejection. That was the last time she set foot in that church. I sat there, heartbroken and angry. Tammy wasn’t rebellious—she was wounded. She needed grace, not a spiritual beatdown. And there I was, a Bible-believing Christian and conservative church pastor, holding the tension of truth and compassion in my hands. I believed in the biblical view of sex and marriage. But what about grace? What about loving her through a confusing season, mentoring her with wisdom, helping her process powerful emotions—not by affirming them as right, but by acknowledging them as real and pointing her toward Jesus? That day, something changed in me. I knew that something had to shift. And it needed to start here—with a new way of thinking. One rooted in Jesus. One that starts with grace and leads to truth. Why Grace Comes First Jesus modeled this for us. Whether it was the woman caught in adultery, Zacchaeus the tax collector, or Peter after his denial, He led with compassion before correction. He didn’t ignore sin—but He didn’t start there. He met people with grace first. Because grace softens hearts. It disarms fear. It invites relationship. That’s what we want people to experience at Passion Church. Whether it’s their first Sunday or their first time back in years, we want them to know: there is grace for you here. Grace Isn’t the End Goal But grace isn’t the destination—it’s the invitation. Because grace without truth may comfort us for a moment, but it will never transform us for eternity. Truth without grace leads to Hell—but grace without truth doesn’t exist. That might sound bold, but it’s biblical. If we base our salvation on truth alone—just law, just right and wrong—then we fail every time. Romans says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” If truth were the only measure, then by truth alone, we are all heading toward separation from God. But grace steps in. Grace makes a way. Yet grace that ignores truth isn't love. You cannot love someone and withhold the truth from them. That’s not compassion—it’s cruelty dressed in kindness. It’s like this: imagine I tell my daughter not to touch the electrical outlet. I warn her over and over. I even smack her hand away when she reaches for it because I love her and want to protect her. But then I walk away, and she touches it. She gets hurt. When I come back, I don’t shame her—I comfort her. I care for her, tend to her wounds, and get her the help she needs. But imagine if, at the end of that moment, I said, “Honey, if the light socket makes you feel good, go ahead and touch it again.” That wouldn’t be love—that would be abandonment. Love protects those it loves. Love accepts the mistake, but it doesn’t affirm it. That’s the heart of Jesus. Grace wraps its arms around you in your pain, but truth gently guides you toward freedom. We need both. Leading to Truth Truth isn’t a weapon—it’s a key. It unlocks the door to freedom. Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). We don’t use truth to shame—we use it to shepherd. At Passion Church, we believe you don’t have to sacrifice love to speak the truth, and you don’t have to water down truth to be loving. We walk with people through real struggles—just like Tammy—and we don’t abandon them to those struggles, nor do we affirm the lie that they are defined by them. We mentor, we guide, and we let the Holy Spirit do the heart work that only He can do. This is what real discipleship looks like: walking together, in grace, toward truth. What This Looks Like at Passion Church It looks like real stories—of redemption, healing, and restoration. It’s the single mom who finds community before anyone asks about her past. It’s the teenager wrestling with identity who finds love before receiving direction. It’s the addict who walks into a service hungover and walks out full of hope. From our welcome team to our worship, from the sermon to the follow-up, every part of our church culture is built to reflect this value: we start with grace, and we lead to truth. Why This Matters The world is confused about love and truth. Some churches speak truth so loudly they forget to love. Others love so broadly they forget to speak truth. But we believe the Gospel is better than that. Jesus meets us where we are, but He never leaves us there. And as His church, we’re called to do the same. At Passion Church, our mission is to help people become fully alive in Jesus. That starts with grace. But it never ends there. Final Invitation Maybe you’ve felt the sting of truth without grace. Maybe you’ve been handed grace without direction. Maybe you’re like Tammy—longing for a church that sees the struggle, speaks the truth, and never lets go of your hand in the process. If that’s you, know this: you are welcome here. There is grace for you. And there is truth that will change everything. Let’s walk that journey together.
STAY UP TO DATE
GET PATH'S LATEST
Receive bi-weekly updates from the church, and get a heads up on upcoming events.
Contact Us
