MISSION CLEVELAND

Cleveland, TN is a unique city. Like Chattanooga, it is in the middle of a season of growth and redevelopment. Last year Cleveland added more new jobs than any other city in the U.S. With the growth of companies and the local university - Lee University - Cleveland has become a more diverse and interesting place to live and work. The church scene in Cleveland is also interesting. It could be considered the buckle of the Bible belt. It is one of the most churched cities in America. Interestingly, even with a significant amount church buildings, approximately 80% of Bradley County does not attend church on a regular basis. When you begin to understand this statistic in more detail, it becomes vivid that there are pockets of people  (tribes) who are significantly disinterested in church. After years of conversations with people in the community and attempting to build bridges from the church to people outside of her walls, I believe that The Mission Cleveland is the type of congregation that would be successful in drawing a few of these specific groups of de-churched people.

First, the creatives in Cleveland need a congregation that values the unique contributions they can make to the kingdom. Historically, churches in Cleveland have not done an excellent job including creatives in the vision of the church. This aligns closely with The Mission Chattanooga’s vision.

Second, The missions’s unique blend of liturgy, the ancient, and contemporary elements would fit a niche in Cleveland. This balance would be a significant draw to people who want a rooted movement that also understands cultural engagement.

Third, the Mission Cleveland will follow The Mission Chattanooga’s model of partnering with local non-profits, people, and initiatives to reach out to people and neighborhoods that have been overlooked. This partnership approach to incarnational ministry will be a welcomed addition to the church landscape of Cleveland. The Mission Cleveland will intentionally be focused on these overlooked residents and neighborhoods.

Fourth, and maybe the most significant, the Cleveland chapel will serve the many people who are currently driving from Cleveland to Chattanooga to attend church. This will allow these individuals to continue to attend The Mission but do so in their own community. Many Cleveland residents attend The Mission Chattanooga sporadically because of the inconvenience of the drive. The Cleveland chapel would allow them to become consistent stewards of The Mission.

Pastor Jake Stum is leading this chapel along with a group of advisers and a core team.  Please contact Pastor Jake for more information.