Something’s brewing in southwest Virginia and when Scott Obenchain’s vision comes to fruition, there will be lives changed as a result. Obenchain is in the final planning stages for a new church in the Blacksburg / Christiansburg area which will look nothing like the “traditional” church people have come to expect. Obenchain envisions a church which will reach out to all people, but particularly those who do not already attend one.
When speaking with Obenchain, “Blue Ridge Church” already feels like a compelling reality –his calling is so sure. He is energized as he describes what’s coming: a place for people to come exactly as they are. “I don’t want people to pretend they’re something they’re not…we want to be a church where people don’t have to pretend to be anything.” He adds that they want to do “anything we can do to tear down barriers.”
The exact location has not been chosen, but a decision is near. The location will be at a “cost-effective / people-receptive” place, an established venue that can hold a group of people–perhaps at a theater or bowling alley…the primary goal is to find a relaxed, comfortable place with easy access. Word on that will be out soon.
The dates are already set for three “preview” services—June 27, July 25, August 22, with September 12 being the much anticipated “Launch Day.”
Obenchain has already planned the messages he wants to begin with—a series on “Relationships.” He says, “the number one need in society is relationships.” That includes relationships in marriage, with kids, with parents and more. He wants to explore “what does God say about that?” He adds, “We weren’t created to be alone; we were created to be in relationships.” Blue Ridge Church will be about creating and strengthening relationships…and introducing people to a relationship with Jesus.
Support for the church has been coming from individuals, family, friends, and anyone that “has a heart for people.” Obenchain has been taking leaps of faith throughout the process; he just hired a worship leader, telling him he “doesn’t have any money but he will.” He firmly believes this is something God wants him to do and “If it’s God’s will, it’s God’s bill, and He’ll take care of it.” He is still in the process of organizing and fund-raising.
Obenchain seems like he is truly coming into his own concerning his life’s direction. He is extremely passionate and genuine, and somehow remarkably relaxed and laid back about his role. The goatee, casual shirt, and blue jeans will be the same whether he is out and about or in his role as pastor. He is ready.
It hasn’t always been this way. He relates how in recent years he felt this call, but “as my mind would think about the possibilities, fear would quickly enter, squashing those dreams. I have been up nights, restless and scared to death.” Now, he is no longer willing to run.
It was while in Chicago wrapping up a 20 year career with Allstate (that began in Roanoke) that Obenchain found and began helping with Great Lakes Church, a church plant. There, he realized that “God has created me for ministry.” He has served overseas, teaching pastors around the world, including in Nagpur, India, where some of the pastors were beaten for attending the teaching sessions. Obenchain relates how “the next day those guys were in class because they wanted to learn that much.”
Growing up in Blacksburg, Obenchain says he was not this focused all his life. He graduated from Virginia Tech, where, he says “nobody had more fun than I did.” He is looking forward to reconnecting with old friends there who he says probably won’t believe he is the same person and will “wonder what happened to this guy?”
He is jazzed about how much people are going to love being a part of this new church. “We will be focused on people…we will train and equip you to help people and when you see your brother or sister come to Christ and you’re a part of that – that’s what propels the church forward. You can’t put a price tag on things like that.” And it’s available to everyone.
Blue Ridge Church can be found at www.blueridgechurch.com. Obenchain encourages people to sign up to receive emails, and also become a fan on Facebook — Blue Ridge Church.
By Cheryl Hodges [email protected]
