Church done just outside the box. about us

note from timWelcome to Velocity! Let me guess: you're expecting me to write, "Come to our church...We have the hottest band! The most relevant teaching! The most amazing stuff for kids!" I'm not going to say that. It might be a lie (and my mommy told me pastors should never lie). But we do try hard to create an exciting environment where you'll be encouraged, surprised, amused and challenged. We're trying to do church "just outside the box."Velocity started 4 years ago to attract people interested in Jesus, but maybe turned off by traditional "church." We certainly aren't the perfect church for everybody, but lots of people with spiritual questions have found this a great place to discover. Lots more people looking for a great place to lay down some spiritual roots have found this a great place to call "home".At Velocity we have three simple rules: 1) No perfect people allowed. 2) No one stands alone and 3) No making out in the back row!If you're just getting started, aren't you getting bored looking at my goofy pictures?If you have questions, a great place to start is the Baseball Encyclopedia. If you have questions about VELOCITY, start…… here!Thanks for checking out our site. (Yes, we do take God seriously; but we’re guessing God's a lot more fun than we suspect!)Tim Cole, Lead Guy3 simple rulesBefore you attend one of our services, you need to know that we’re not too big on rules here at Velocity. But we must insist on a few:1. No perfect people allowed.If you’re looking for a “perfect” church, you’ve come to the wrong place. But if you happen to find one, please send us the address so we can attend! Church is supposed to be a place for imperfect people (aren't we all?) with real-life issues and questions about faith, family, career and just plain ol' daily living. They want answers they can trust. And that’s what Velocity is all about.2. No one stands alone.The old saying about life is that you’ll never get out of it alive. At Velocity, we believe that life is literally a journey with lots of twists and turns along a bumpy and confusing road. Everyone – and we mean EVERYONE -- needs a hand along the adventure. (Even Jesus chose 12 companions to help Him with His ministry!)3. No making out in the back row.Sure, we meet on Sundays in a darkened theater. But don’t yield to temptation. It’s just… wrong.when and whereJoin Us For Worship!Sundays at 10 AMShort Pump Regal Cinemas (at the corner of Pump Road and Broad Street)11650 W Broad StreetRichmond, VA 23233click here for directionsdirectionsShort Pump Regal Cinemas are located at the intersection of Pump Road and Broad Street in the heart of Short Pump.From 64 - Take exit #178A / US-250 WEST onto W. BROAD ST toward SHORT PUMP. Regal Cinemas are just over 1 mile on the right, just past the light for Pouncey Tract/Pump Rds.From 288 - Take the Broad St. (US250) exit to the EAST. Regal Cinemas are just over 2.5 miles on the left, just after the Short Pump Town Center Mall and before the light for Pouncey Tract/Pump Rds.From 295 - Take 295 West toward Charlottesville until it merges onto I-64. Take I-64 East toward Richmond one exit and follow the directions above for I-64.Short Pump Regal Cinemas11650 W Broad StreetRichmond, VA 23233what we believe

At Velocity, we believe that God’s far more interested in relationships than “religion”. The relationship He’s MOST interested in having is the one He has with you and me. To make this possible, He came to live among us through the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life, taught his friends and enemies alike about the lives they should live and was eventually crucified (executed) to pay the price for all of mankind’s failures and sin.

The Bible teaches that it’s by accepting Jesus as our Savior and asking Him to live in us and through us that we literally become “New Creations.” As Christ-followers, we’re able to make a positive difference in our home, neighborhood and community by serving as His hands and feet on earth.

for a more detailed list of what we believe.

If you’re interested in chatting with someone about what it means to become a follower of Christ, click here to send a message to our staff. We’d love to get back with you about that!

CLICK HEREFAQsWhy meet in a movie theater?

Everybody in the West End knows where it is.

We guarantee the most comfortable “church seats” in town (cup-holders included).

It's a place the community frequently gathers and already knows.

How many other churches have an ATM, snack bar and arcade games in the lobby?

The lead minister likes movies and occasionally hides under his seat to stay for a good one after church.

As we grow we can easily switch to a larger auditorium rather than having to move to another location.

We take the offering in popcorn buckets (seriously).

There are plenty of parking spots (at least on Sunday mornings).

Huge screens for showing movie clips and other cool media during the service.

Nothing beats the smell of hot buttered popcorn at 10 in the morning!

How did you choose your name?

Velocity literally means 'speed with direction'. We know that everyone is on a spiritual journey, all at different speeds and in different directions. Velocity exits to help people accelerate their faith-journey toward God.

What should I wear?

Our dress code is simple... please do!

Wear whatever you normally wear. It's your call. Most of us will dress casually for the services. The pastors do not dress formally. Jeans are fine. We don't believe that dressing formally was something Jesus was concerned about, so we aren't either.

Do you have childcare at Velocity?

Velocity has much more than childcare! During the service, we offer a safe and secure place for infants and toddlers, as well as high-energy, age-appropriate programs for children age 30 months through 5th Grade. We highly value the opportunity to provide an environment where your child can learn about Jesus and His love for them.

We love the video preaching, but who do I go to if I have a Biblical quiestion, a spiritual probelm, or some other need?

Even though the preaching component of our worship services is in video form, we do have two ordained pastors on staff; Tim Cole and Chip Prior. Both are happy to assist you with your questions or help you sort through any spiritual or life issues.

Regal Cinemas Short Pump is a big place. Where do I go when I get there?

When you walk into the lobby, you’ll see “The Hub,” which is the area we’ve set up with coffee, information, and lots of smiling people to help you, direct you, and answer your questions. The Hub also has printed information about Velocity, our Gel Groups, Kids programs, church activities and events.

I see you have a children’s program but what do you have going for teenagers?

Teens are also very important at Velocity. Lisa Cole, our Pastor to Children & Youth, directs fun Sunday evening Youth groups called “Impulse” at our Ministry Center from 6:00 -7:30 PM. Our Youth also participate in a variety of other activities, community service projects, mission trips and retreats in addition to serving in other areas of ministry at Velocity.

When I get there what will the service be like? What do I need to know so I don’t look conspicuous? Will I be pointed out as a first time guest? Will I be made to feel awkward, embarrassed and uncomfortable? And do I sound neurotic for asking all these questions?

All valid concerns!

We want you to be as comfortable as possibleat Velocity. We won’t point you out in the service as a first-time guest, and we promise not to show up at your house that afternoon as you’re preparing dinner or watching the game.

Please note that we do have a lot of friendly people who may come up and say hello. But you can be as conspicuous or anonymous as you’d like.

I have attended other churches that I thought were non-denominational only to find out that they were part of a denomination. Is Velocity a part of some denominational structure?

Velocity is an Independent Christian Church, which means that we’re affiliated with a larger group of churches called Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. There are more than 5,000 churches within our network across the nation.

An advantage of being an Independent Christian Church is that we’re not responsible to a governing denominational board. Each Independent Christian Church is governed locally by leaders within the local congregation.

A New York Times study showed that non-denominational independent Christian Churches are the fastest growing group of churches in America. And we feel a part of that. That’s because we’re not trying to bring people into a denomination, but rather connect them to Jesus Christ.

Our aim, simply put, is to help people accelerate their faith journey toward God.

What if I decide to join Velocity? What do I need to do?

Obviously, we want everyone to be a part of Velocity’s mission. But we also want them to completely understand what we’re about in the process. One way we do that is through our one-afternoon seminar called Veloci-Vision. That’s where we explain what we believe, how we do things at Velocity and what it means to be a member and a Christ-follower.

We offer Veloci-Vision throughout the year at our Ministry Center. Check the schedule at The Hub for the next class or email us for more info.

beliefsWe believe in one God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.(Matthew 5:16, 45; 6:1, 4, 8, 9; James 1:17 / John 1:1; 14:9 / Genesis 1:2; John 4:24; 14:16-20; 2 Peter 1:21)We believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of all things visible and invisible.(Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24-28; Hebrews 11:3)We believe in Jesus Christ, God's one and only Son, our one and only Savior,(John 1:14; 1 John 4:9 / John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:18)Who was born Jesus of Nazareth, both fully human and fully divine, conceived of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,(Matthew 21:11; John 19:19 / John 1:14; Romans 5:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 John 1:1 / Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:26-38)Who suffered and was crucified under Pontius Pilate,(Luke 23:1-46)Who died and was buried, and Who rose again bodily from the dead on the third day,(Luke 23:44 - 24:8; John 20:24-29; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8)Who ascended into Heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father,(Luke 22:69; Acts 1:1-9; Colossians 3:1)and Who will return to earth to judge both the living and the dead.(Matthew 24:36-42; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:10-11; 10:39-42; 1 Peter 4:5)We believe in the Holy Spirit, Who is an active and operative part of the triune God,(John 16:5-15; Acts 1:7-8; Romans 8:26-27)and Who indwells every Christian.(1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Timothy 1:14)We believe in the Bible and God's Holy Word, Scripture. We believe God inspired the autographs (original writings) of the Scripture and those autographs were consequently without error.(Mark 12:36; John 14:26; 16:12-15; Acts 1:16; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; 2 Timothy 3:14-16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)We accept the Bible as the final authority for all matters of faith and practice.(Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; 24:35; Romans 15:4; Hebrews 4:12)We believe the Bible teaches that man, created by God, willfully sinned against God and is consequently lost and without hope apart from Jesus Christ.(Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23)We believe the Bible teaches that salvation and the forgiveness of sins is achieved only by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ.(Matthew 26:28; Romans 5:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7)We believe in the assurance of salvation by putting faith in Christ, repenting of sin, confessing Christ, and being immersed into Him. (Romans 5:1-2 / Luke 24:45-47; Acts 3:19; 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9 / Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11; 1 John 4:15 / Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21)We believe in the Church of Christ, founded on the Day of Pentecost and consisting of all Christians everywhere.(Matthew 16:13-18; Acts 2:14-47)We believe the Bible teaches that the Elders are to exercise authority over the local congregation.(Acts 20:28; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4) *adapted, with permission, from our church planting partner, Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KYnote from tim3 simple ruleswhen and wheredirectionswhat we believeFAQsbeliefs