WHAT DOES THE NAME “ON RAMPS” MEAN?

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On Ramps is a term Dr. Randy White introduced to us, using it for decades to describe the varied ways people make life-changing decisions. For us, this term reflects our “holistic” theology and how God uses different "on ramps" to lead people into life-changing relationship with Jesus – whether at the park, through a conversation, at a community dinner, or playing basketball.

 

 

WHY DO YOU MEET ON SATURDAYS?



We meet on Saturdays for a few reasons; we believe that as we gather to worship God together on Saturday evenings, we are intentionally engaging in spiritual warfare at a time of the week seen as set aside for unholy activity. We want to make a life-giving alternative space for our brothers and sisters in recovery from substance dependence, and Like Elijah, it is our declaration to “see whose god is God!” (1 Kings 18). We also meet on Saturdays to reclaim our day of rest on Sundays.

 

 

YOUR CHURCH SERVICES ARE CALLED “WORSHIP GATHERINGS.” WHY?
 

It is our preferred language. We think “church service” does not adequately describe the purpose of our gathering.  When we gather we are doing so as the “church gathered.”  There are unique things that God does and enables us to do when we gather together.  However, we don't think of our gatherings either a “service” to God, or a "service" to be passively consumed by participants.

 

 

 

I KNOW WHAT A SMALL GROUP IS.  BUT WHAT IS A “STREET PARISH?”

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Located throughout the Lowell neighborhood, Street Parishes are the small groups of On Ramps.  They have a clear focus to lead people deeper in Christ and further in mission through the context of close fellowship.  We named them “Street Parishes” to help their members better understand the purpose of their gathering: loving and caring for the Lowell neighborhood, street by street.  It is our attempt to center the idea that Street Parishes are supposed to make an impact on the street where they gather. To learn more about these unique gatherings, click here.

 

 

 

WHAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR THEOLOGY?

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On Ramps has been influenced by a variety of theological traditions, all of which we are grateful for.  As a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church we have been influenced by the Lutheran and Pietist traditions.  However, On Ramps is also nourished by the traditions of Anabaptist theology, Liberation theology, Pentecostalism and Renewal theologies, among others.