Passion DNA

Let's be honest: this question shouldn't have to be asked, but here we are. And if you're asking it, you're already being wise. Whether you're new to Kernersville, new to faith, or just looking for a church home where you can actually feel... well, safe, this conversation matters more than ever. I've been pastoring for over a decade now, and I've seen both sides of this coin. I've watched churches get security spectacularly wrong, and I've seen what it looks like when a church creates genuine safety, not just the kind that keeps bad guys out, but the kind that lets hurting people in. So let's talk about what real church safety looks like and what you should be looking for when you're church shopping in our little corner of North Carolina. Physical Safety: More Than Just Locks and Cameras Here's what I wish someone had told me when I started in ministry: church security isn't about creating a fortress, it's about creating a haven. There's a big difference. A truly secure church should have done its homework. They should have conducted a security risk assessment, covering everything from their building layout to how they handle money on Sundays. So, here is what to look for: Are there greeters who clearly know what they're doing beyond just saying hello? Do they have adequate lighting in the parking lot? (Trust me, this matters more than you think.) Are doors managed well, meaning they know which ones should be locked and which ones shouldn't? Is there a communication system in place for emergencies? The parking lot is actually a big deal. I know it sounds weird, but criminals know that during church services, cars are left unattended for an hour or more at predictable times. A good church pays attention to this stuff. Some churches hire professional security services. Others train volunteers with law enforcement or military backgrounds. Both can work great; what matters is that someone's actually thinking about it. Emotional and Spiritual Safety: The Harder Conversation Okay, here's where it gets real. Physical safety is the easier part. Emotional safety? That's where churches often struggle, and honestly, it's where the real damage happens. I remember talking to a woman who told me, "Josh, I've been hurt by churches before. How do I know this place is different?" That question broke my heart and made me realize we needed to do better at showing, not just saying, that we're a safe place for broken people. Red flags to watch for: Leadership that never admits mistakes or shows vulnerability Preaching that sounds like "we're right, everyone else is wrong" all the time An absence of support ministries for real-life struggles Green flags to look for: Pastors who talk about their own failures and growth Support groups for grief, divorce, addiction, or other life challenges Leadership that includes diverse voices and perspectives Teaching that's more about "here's what Scripture says" and less about "here's why we're better than them" Before you ever step foot in a church building, there is an easy and effective way to learn more about them. Spend some time on its website. Listen to a few sermons online. Do they sound like people you'd want to have coffee with? Do they talk about helping hurting people, or do they mostly talk about how awesome their church is? Is the Bible a consistent focus during teaching? Are the messages relatable? Leadership Structure: Character Over Charisma This might be the most important thing I tell people: don't choose a church based on how polished the pastor's preaching is. I know a pastor who can make the phone book sound inspiring, but his church is an emotional disaster zone because he's never learned to say "I was wrong." Look for leaders who demonstrate the "fruit of the Spirit": love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These aren't optional character traits for church leaders; they're non-negotiables. Pay attention to how disagreements are handled. Every church has them; what matters is whether they're handled with grace or with pride. A healthy church can have people who disagree about secondary issues while still loving each other well. Child Protection: Non-Negotiable Territory If you have kids, this should be one of your first questions. And even if you don't have kids, how a church protects children tells you everything about their values. Churches should have clear policies about background checks, two-adult rules in children's areas, and transparent procedures for reporting concerns. If they get defensive about these questions or act like asking is somehow distrustful, that is a red flag. At Passion Church, we're actually grateful when parents ask these questions because it shows they're engaged and protective. That's exactly what we want. Our kids' ministry operates with full transparency because children's safety isn't negotiable. The Practical Stuff: How to Actually Evaluate Here's my advice when looking at a church to attend from this perspective: Start online. Spend 30 minutes on their website. What do they emphasize? What do they barely mention? Do they sound like people you'd want to know? Listen to sermons. Most churches post them online now. Listen to 2-3 recent messages. How does the pastor handle Scripture? How does he talk about people who disagree with him? Does he sound humble or arrogant? Visit slowly. Don't feel pressured to jump in with both feet. Visit a few times, attend different types of gatherings, talk to regular people (not just the staff). Ask good questions: What's your church's approach to people who are struggling? How do you handle disagreements within the leadership? What support do you offer for people going through difficult seasons? Can you tell me about your security procedures? What Safety Looks Like at Passion Church I'm obviously biased, but I think we've learned some things about creating genuine safety over the years. We've got trained volunteers who help with security, & uniformed officers at every service, but they're also the same people who'll help you find the bathroom or get your kids checked in. We believe safety means creating space for people to ask hard questions, struggle with doubt, and work through real-life problems without judgment. It means having clear policies that protect everyone, especially the vulnerable. Most importantly, it means understanding that church isn't supposed to be a place for perfect people; it's supposed to be a hospital for broken people. If you're looking for perfect, you're going to be disappointed. If you're looking for an authentic, grace-filled community where you can grow and heal, well, that's what we're shooting for. Your 10-Minute Daily Challenge Here's something you can start today: spend 10 minutes each day this week researching one church in the Kernersville area. Look up their website, listen to part of a sermon, read their values or beliefs page. Don't worry about making a decision yet: just start getting familiar with what's out there. By the end of the week, you'll have a much better sense of which churches might be worth visiting in person. The goal isn't to find the perfect church (spoiler alert: it doesn't exist), but to find a place where you can be known, loved, and challenged to grow in your faith. Come Check Us Out Look, I'd love for you to visit Passion Church, but more than that, I want you to find a church home where you can thrive and grow closer to Jesus Christ. If that's us, awesome. If it's not, I genuinely hope you find what you're looking for. But if you want to see what we're about, come join us this Sunday at either 9:30am or 11:00am . We'll be the ones trying to create the kind of place we'd want our own families to attend: safe, authentic, and full of grace. We are located at 612 Edgewood Street, Kernersville NC, 27284. You're not just welcome here, you're wanted. Come as you are, questions and all. Let's figure out this faith thing together.

Local Church Events for families You Can’t Miss in Kernersville Looking for local church events near me in Kernersville? At Passion Church, we believe church is more than a Sunday service—it’s a community where people of all ages (even goofy ones) can grow, connect, and make a difference. That’s why throughout the year, we host events designed to help you build relationships and experience the love of Jesus in real ways. Weekly Gatherings You’ll Love Sunday Services (9:30 & 11:00 AM) – Two opportunities to worship with passionate music, practical teaching, Kids Church, and a youth small group Bible study during the second service. Kids Church (both services) – A fun, safe place where children journey through the entire Bible every three years , learning God’s truth from start to finish. Youth Small Group (11:00 AM) – Middle and high school students meet for Bible study and real-life discussions while adults are in service. Small Groups for Adults – Whether weekly or monthly, small groups are a great way to build relationships and grow in faith. At Passion Church, groups meet at different times to fit your schedule: Sunday afternoons or evenings Monday evenings Thursday nights Monthly or bi-monthly on Friday nights or Saturday mornings Special Events Throughout the Year Passion Church is known for creating opportunities where the whole community can gather. Some highlights include: Baptism Sundays – Every third Sunday of the month , we celebrate new life in Christ through water baptism. Family Fun Days – Food, games, and activities designed to bring people together. Holiday Services – Christmas and Easter services filled with hope, joy, and community. Church Anniversary Celebration (August 25th) – Every year we celebrate what God has done in and through Passion Church with worship, fellowship, and joyful celebration. Church Fellowship Meals – Throughout the year, we host regular gatherings for the church to share meals together, build community, and enjoy time as a church family. Community Outreach Events – Service projects, food drives, and local partnerships where we share the love of Jesus beyond our walls. A Safe and Welcoming Environment At every event, safety and hospitality are top priorities. Our robust safety team —including a uniformed police officer on-site each Sunday —helps ensure peace of mind for families. Kids check-in is secure, with unique matching name tags for every parent and child , so your family is always cared for. Come as You Are Whether it’s a Sunday morning or a special event, there’s no dress code. At Passion Church, you’ll see everything from full suits to shorts and flip flops. Pastor Josh Tufte usually preaches in jeans and a t-shirt. The goal isn’t what you wear—it’s that you come ready to encounter Jesus and build meaningful relationships. Stay Up to Date on Events Want to know what’s happening this month at Passion Church? From kids’ events to adult gatherings, there’s always something going on. Check out our Events Page for the latest updates on upcoming opportunities to connect, serve, and grow. Not Just Welcome—Wanted Here Some churches or events may say you’re welcome but don’t go out of their way to make you feel at home. At Passion Church, it’s different. You’re not just welcome here—you’re wanted here. We love growing, meeting new people, serving together, adding new small groups, and seeing new faces at every event. We genuinely love people and want anyone who is interested to join us as we follow after Jesus Christ. Join Us at Passion Church If you’re searching for local church events in Kernersville that are safe, family-friendly, and centered on God’s Word, Passion Church has a place for you. 📍 Passion Church – Kernersville, NC 🕘 Service Times – Sundays at 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM Come early, grab some coffee and snacks, and connect with people who will make you feel right at home.