Retro Praise AND Worship celebrates one year anniversary

For a year now, Retro Praise & Worship Center has worshipped together on Sunday mornings at Retro Cinema. But, leaders are quick to remind, the church isn't as much about its location but its mission to keep Christ at the forefront.

The church began when both Pastor Steven Cooper and Randy Herring felt led to create a new church. They and others approached Retro Cinema owner Michael Packett about using the theater on Sunday mornings when it wasn't otherwise in use. He agreed, and Retro Praise & Worship was born.

"We really want to reach those who wouldn't normally attend church," said Amanda Cooper, Pastor Cooper's wife. "Folks who come, we may never see again, but it's a seed we've been able to plant."

The church is non-denominational, and has a praise team, Sunday School classes for children through adults and weekly worship. While the church's leaders would love for more to attend, growing numbers isn't their primary concern.

"We are more concerned with the quality of our church rather than the quantity," Mrs. Cooper said.

And because they are small, she believes the church has been able to do more for its members and community.

There have been comments made to members, and questions asked as to how they meet in the same theater where R-rated movies are shown. The answer is easy.

"This isn't the church," Mrs. Cooper said. "The church is what you do when you are there. We are the church."

Pastor Cooper said he understands how people can have questions about their location.

"This goes against everything I was raised on, and I know the rules. But, the church isn't where I'm at .... as long as Jesus is the focal point, it doesn't matter where I'm at."

Pastor Cooper continued. "We are seeing people go from being a bottle fed Christian to a meat fed Christian. When I think of our church, I think of Acts 3:6, when Peter says 'Silver or gold, I do not have, but what I do have I give you.' We can't offer a lot, but we can offer Jesus."

Services are held on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit Facebook.com/Retro-Praise-and-Worship-Center.