The name The Warehouse was a Holy Spirit download. A warehouse is a large building where raw materials or manufactured goods may be stored before their export for distribution. According to Scripture, God is our Manufacturer, the Maker of Heaven and earth. (Psalm 95:6; 121:2) He has created and formed us in His image and after His likeness. (Gen. 1:26) We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for the good works He’s prepared for us. (Ephesians 2:10). The Warehouse will be a place where we will gather as our raw selves and be shaped by the Word of God, in the presence of God, along with a loving community. We will be equipped and deployed for the LORD’s Kingdom purposes, with leaders going in and out spreading the Gospel in places where it has not been. (Romans 15:20)
The Warehouse is a multi-ethnic, inter-generational, multi-class community that will thrive in the heart of OTR, but have impact beyond the walls of 1310 Race Street and even beyond Cincinnati.
Multi-Ethnic Martin Luther King, Jr. said that it’s appalling that 11:00 am on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America. That was in 1960 and 59 years later, 86.3% of US churches are still mono-ethnic. This is the deepest divide in our country, city, and unfortunately in the Church and does not reflect the teaching of Jesus. We believe that UNITY in the Body is the prayer that Jesus prayed for (John 17:20-23). In Heaven worshippers from every tribe, language, people and nation whom Jesus has purchased with His precious blood will gather before the throne. (Rev. 7:9; 5:9)
Inter-Generational – The US church also separates by generation, particularly with music (traditional and contemporary) and experiences. Scripture expresses the value that is present in all generations: the strength of the young and the wisdom of the old. (Prov. 20:29) It declares that, “One generation will commend your mighty works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4)
Multi-Class – The work of Jesus and His Apostles did much to close the class and status gaps of the day: ethnic and racial, class and gender. These are still prevalent in our society. The Word humbles and challenges those in positions of power, and dignifies the weak and disenfranchised. There is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female, but ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:28) We are blessed when we consider the poor. (Psalm 41:1-3) Those that are rich in this world have a responsibility to share and do good works. (1 Tim. 6:17-19)
That’s a synopsis of The Warehouse. We believe that God will add to the church daily those who are being saved, (Acts 2:47) and we solicit your prayers for more laborers for this ripe harvest. (Matthew 9:37-8)
-Pastor Sadell Bradley