| Westwinds Community Church | |
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Non-denominational, evangelical Christian |
| Website | [http://www.westwinds.org |
| History | |
| Founder(s) | Ron Martoia |
| Clergy | |
| Senior pastor(s) | David McDonald and John Voelz |
Westwinds Community Church is a non-denominational, evangelical Christian megachurch located in Jackson, Michigan, the home of the state’s prison. The church has received regional and national attention for using innovative techniques during its weekly services.
The church has attracted media coverage relating to its unique, symbolic building design,[1] it use of tactile art and its experiential services.[2] Westwinds also made national headlines when it posted “Porn Sunday” billboards in Jackson as part of an XXXchurch.com campaign.[3] Westwinds' use of livestreaming worship, blogging, podcasts and their church social network called “Community W” has led some to note “the church’s use of media and technology is prolific.” [4] Most recently, this techno savvy-ness was seen in the church’s move to become a twittering congregation, a move that attracted the attention of Time Magazine.[5]
Contents |
Westwinds was founded in the early 1986 by Ron Martoia, who began the church from a high school Bible study.[6] During one leg of the church’s existence, it was part of a loose association called the Willow Creek Association, which pioneered ministry to “seekers”. Westwinds was also at one time considered by some to be an emergent church.
• Thing Everyone Craves That Church Delivers • Engaging Worship Blueprints • Pastorpreneur • Future Church • Unfreezing Moves • Experiential Storytelling