Long columns, wooden benches, Jesus on the Cross, and solemn music may be what most of us think church is. That is why many are closing around the country. But there is one in the Capital Region that has taken root and is growing.
“A lot of times I invite people to come to church and they’re like ‘no I don't want to go to church,’ and I'm like you don't understand this is not like a church,” said Northway Pastor Buddy Cremeans.
Its lights, cameras, God at the Northway Church in Clifton Park. It is the church for people who don't like church. And it’s lead by a most unlikely shepherd.
“My background is I'd be the last person you'd ever expect to see doing this,” said Cremeans. “I was angry at God. If you were to ask me about God I would cuss you out, that's who I was.”
The angry boy grew up to be a spiritual man, and in 2002 Cremeans and his wife Debbie founded the Northway Church. What began with a handful of followers has bloomed into one of the fastest growing churches in the country; non-denominational and non-judgmental.
“I tell people all the time we have one value here, no perfect people allowed here. So we're not a perfect church. But doing our best to become that biblical community described in the Bible,” said Cremeans.
During church, a Christian band rocks, as cameras roll on every moment for TV, Facebook and Twitter.
Cremeans believes Jesus would have used social media if he lived today.
And if props or costumes help him teach a lesson or save a soul from a trap, “Dr. Buddy” will see you.
Some may raise an eyebrow at the theatrics, but at Northway they raise their hands and praise.
“I've been in church all my life and this is the first church they didn't try to fix me,” said church patron Steve Myers. “They allowed me to come in, enjoy the environment and fix myself.”
“It’s kind of hard in school to get that spirituality, and I come here and its refreshing,” said church patron Julie St. Louis. “It’s really good.”
“It gives you something to get up in the morning when days are bad, the economy, and when you think things aren't going good it encourages you to keep going,” said Rene St. Louis.
Every Sunday there are four packed services. The church has a second location in Berkshire County and soon to be in Boston.
So what's Buddy’s secret to success? “I think what people are looking for is authenticity,” said Cremeans. “I think that's what’s behind it, when they see something genuine, they are drawn to that. I don't see skepticism but a hunger for something that is real and something that can make a difference in their lives.”
The Northway Church is located next to Northern Lights in Clifton Park on Route 146.
