FIRST THINGS FIRST.

FIRST THINGS FIRST.
START THE CONVERSATION.
WELCOME TO KENSINGTON. WE’RE MESSY, IMPERFECT
PEOPLE, AND WE DON’T CLAIM TO HAVE ALL THE
ANSWERS. BUT MAN, DO WE LOVE TO HEAR QUESTIONS!
WE BELIEVE GOD USES THE BIBLE TO MAKE A
WONDERFUL DIFFERENCE IN OUR LIVES... AND THAT HE
WANTS ALL OF US TO SHARE IDEAS, STORIES, AND HARD
QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT REALLY MATTERS.
TO START THE DIALOGUE, WE OFFER TONS OF WAYS TO
GET CONNECTED. CHECK ‘EM OUT IN THIS BOOKLET,
ONLINE AT KENSINGTONCHURCH.ORG, OR ON
FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
AND LET’S TALK.
OUR WELCOME MAT
IS TEN MILES WIDE.
Church shouldn’t feel like a private club. Or
a place where you’re only welcome if you
look a certain way or believe certain things.
At Kensington, you’re welcome regardless of
your background or beliefs.
We’re a safe place where anyone – believer,
skeptic, not sure yet – can seek truth at
their own pace. We’re messy, imperfect
people and we don’t claim to have all the
answers. But we do promise you’ll hear
relevant messages backed up by top-notch
music and creative arts (it might get a little
loud). Plus programs for children that many
call “the best hour of my kid’s week.”
Visiting a church can be a little scary. We get
that. But relax. We don’t give awkward hugs
or act all high and mighty. We’re friendly
(but not pushy) and we’re thrilled you’re
checking us out.
This brochure is a quick overview of who
we are and what we’re about. It’s designed
to point you to resources that can help you
connect with God and others. Welcome!
DRESS CASUALLY.
JESUS DID.
{
{
Come in a t-shirt or a business suit, it doesn’t matter. We’re come-as-youare casual. So grab a coffee and sit back. And since none of us are perfect,
there’s no need to pretend. Bring your doubts, quirks, and questions with
you. All we ask is that you try us out enough times to feel comfortable, and
be open to developing some new friendships.
You’ve seen the directions on a bottle of shampoo, right? Wash, rinse,
repeat. Nice and simple. Like us. We invite you to come, connect, repeat.
BECAUSE YOU MATTER
TO GOD. AND TO US.
If you’re new here, there’s no pressure to
join, give, or commit. In fact, we’re thrilled
to have a high percentage of people who
are just “kicking the tires” of the Christian
faith. But as you’re investigating the claims
of Christ, check out these next steps
beyond the weekend…
To get a handle on this place, start at our Welcome Center in the lobby.
You’ll get answers from real, live humans and a coupon for coffee on the house.
(come back with a fake beard and you might snag a second free cup)
For do-it-yourself info, visit kensingtonchurch.
org and browse updated events, programs for
men and women, student stuff, next steps,
community outreach and lots more. Plus videos
and podcasts of every message.
GET CONNECTED
We’re not wired to live in isolation. We need each other,
and God provided the Church to meet that need. That’s
why we offer lots of ways to GET CONNECTED. And, oh,
yeah, we’ll let you know right up front that we want you
off the sidelines and on the team.
HONEY, I SHRUNK THE CHURCH.
Kensington is a ginormous place. We shrink it down by offering hundreds of smaller
gatherings meeting across the region. Each “small group” has a unique way to
interact with others, grow spiritually and impact their neighborhood. But each offers
a safe place to share honestly, make friendships, and build authentic community.
You can choose a group by location, special interests, singles, couples, tastiness of
snacks, whatever. Find your bliss at kensingtonchurch.org/groups.
NO PAY. HUGE PERKS.
One of the best (and fastest) ways to connect and grow is by serving others. And
because we value your unique skills and passions, we’ll plug you in at your sweet
spot. It takes hundreds of volunteers to make this place happen – holding babies,
playing guitar, greeting visitors, preaching the sermon (kidding). And you’re not
locked in ‘til death do us part. So just take a test drive. You can wear a neon vest
in the parking lot or hang out with kids, your call. From coffee crew to student
ministries, options are endless at kensingtonchurch.org/volunteer.
FAQ: Are all those weekend workers on staff?
Darn few. Believe it or not, from the people who direct our traffic to the people
who serve you coffee, 93.7% of the Kensington peeps you encounter are
volunteers. Hundreds of gifted, talented, slightly crazy people work here for free.
Volunteers by the hundreds run the lobby, sing on stage, make the lattes and
take out the trash. If you’re ready to connect, we can use you, too.
IF YOU ARE BREATHING
RIGHT NOW GOD WANTS TO
USE YOU TO HELP PEOPLE
INTERSECT WITH HIS LOVE
AND HEAR THE SIMPLE
TRUTH OF WHAT JESUS
DID FOR THEM. YOU CAN
DO THAT WITH WORDS AND
WITH ACTIONS. SOMETIMES
THAT INVOLVES HELPING
YOUR NEIGHBORS NEXT
DOOR. SOMETIMES IT
MEANS GOING AROUND
THE WORLD. WE OFFER
COUNTLESS WAYS TO GET
INVOLVED. HERE ARE THREE:
SPREAD THE LOVE
1. ADOPT-A-SCHOOL.
2. LEND A HELPING HAND.
Each Kensington campus is partnering with local
schools – pouring in volunteer labor, resources, and
love. Volunteers can help during classes, after school,
or in the surrounding neighborhoods. One way is by
being a mentor – a caring, adult friend who devotes
time to a young person, teaching them to read,
helping with schoolwork and equipping them for life.
Other opps include sports clinics, ESL, home repairs,
etc. Info at kensingtonchurch.org/adoptaschool.
Can you fix a faucet? Trim a tree? Paint a kitchen?
We’ve got a cool website that connects handyman
types to folks in our Kensington community (single
moms, seniors, anyone) who’ve asked for help.
By connecting volunteers with specific abilities
to people with specific needs, everybody wins.
There’s also a category where you can donate
things like an extra fridge or unused wheelchair,
etc. Info at TheCommon.org
3. CHANGE THE WORLD. AND YOURSELF.
Jesus said go into all the world. So we go across the street and across the globe. To our urban centers
and to remote areas. We offer dozens of international and domestic short-term trips for families, adults
and students. You can impact under-resourced people in Haiti, Kenya, India, Palestine, South Africa, or
the USA. No experience necessary. Info & upcoming trips at kensingtonchurch.org/GO.
GROW SPIRITUALLY
HAVE YOU TRIED AND TRIED, BUT JUST CAN’T
SEEM TO MAKE SENSE OUT OF SCRIPTURE?
Is your Bible more of a coffee table dust catcher than a source of
guidance? We offer classes, events, and retreats designed to move you
along your spiritual journey – to learn about God and respond with real
love and full devotion.
LADIES FIRST.
Forget the mall. Picture 800 women per week learning about God at exciting
programs designed just for them. Regardless of your life season, you can
engage with other women and help each other grow to be more like Jesus.
Classes like Insights, T3, or MOPS feature small and large group teaching,
plus special events with keynote speakers. Learn about these popular fall
and winter Bible studies and more at kensingtonchurch.org/women.
BIBLES, BAGELS, AND BROS.
Worth getting up for. Connect with other guys and dive into God’s Word at DIG
from 6:30 to 7:30am every Tuesday at locations across town. Non-fluffy Bible
teaching is followed by life application breakouts. Other manly connections
include Field & Stream (woods & water) and Full Throttle (cars & grease).For
times, locations and secret handshake, check out kensingtonchurch.org/men.
WEDNESDAYS ARE SPECIAL.
On Wednesday nights at 7pm, attenders from all campuses meet at Troy and
Orion to enjoy singing, worshipping, and learning what it means to be fully
devoted disciples of Christ. Our midweek goal is to lead people into a growing
relationship with Jesus, equip them for service, and release them to share
God’s love. Currently, Troy meets every Wednesday, and Orion meets one
Wednesday per month. You can also live stream it at kensingtonchurch.tv
A LIFE OF IMPACT STARTS HERE.
When people decide to follow Jesus, they begin moving from an ordinary life to one that’s filled
with meaning and purpose. To jump-start that process, we offer a 2-track program consisting
of an intro class called “Start” and a series of workshops called “Foundations.” You can take
them in any order, and there are no prerequisites. Just hop in, sign up and enjoy the journey.
THE LAUNCHING PAD: “START.”
New to Kensington and wondering what’s next? Join us
for a brief overview (under an hour) of our history, mission,
and opportunities to help you better plan your next steps.
Offered one Sunday per month after services, Start is an
interactive class for new attenders (and everyone else) that
covers the history and vision of Kensington, what it means
to follow Jesus and more – with group chat and live Q&A.
Plus, you’ll share tasty treats with Kensington leaders. Info
at kensingtonchurch.org/start.
DIGGING DEEPER: “FOUNDATIONS.”
Wondering about God, religion, or the Bible? Several times
a year we offer a series of workshops called Foundations,
designed to lead people into a growing relationship
with Jesus. You could call it “Christianity 101” – but in
a conversational environment instead of a classroom
format. It’s a place where your beliefs and opinions are
valued, and where no question is off limits. Experience
community in a safe forum where you can investigate,
discuss, unpack and experiment with issues of faith. Info
at kensingtonchurch.org/foundations.
KIDS CAN’T WAIT TO COME BACK.
Kensington Kids (newborns-grade 5) hang out in engaging
and nurturing environments just for them. Babies stay snug
in a clean, cozy nursery, older kids run around big creative
spaces, and fifth graders get rockin’ music and games. Kids
can’t wait to come back! Info at kensingtonchurch.org/kids
WE SPEAK MIDDLE SCHOOL FLUENTLY.
Breakaway (grades 6-8) is a blast for students, with flipped
out fun, life-changing friendships and learning how God
fits into their daily life. Friendships grow and life change
happens in quiet small groups, noisy big events, and
challenging retreats. For more info, times and locations, go
to kensingtonchurch.org/breakaway
HIGH SCHOOL ON THE EDGE.
Edge (grades 9-12) tackles thought-provoking issues and
offers cutting-edge events for teens to connect spiritually
and socially. Tough questions are welcome and over-thetop fun is mandatory. Best part? The amazing leaders who
are all about hanging with teens and walking the talk. Info at
kensingtonchurch.org/edge
WE LOVE STUDENTS.
BEYOND DIVORCE
You don’t have to go through the painful and
stressful experience of divorce or separation
by yourself. Meeting at Troy, Beyond Divorce
is a 10-week divorce recovery workshop
combining expert teachers with small group
discussion. Oasis is a concurrent program
for children and teens affected by divorce. For
upcoming sessions, contact beyonddivorce@
kensingtonchurch.org.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
No matter what issues that you (or someone
in your life) are dealing with, our confidential,
biblically-based program offers support and
hope for the hurts, habits, and hang-ups of life.
No fee, no registration, no pressure. Join us any
Monday evening at 7pm at the Troy Campus.
Low-cost child care is available. Contact
[email protected].
THE LANDING FOR STUDENTS
Celebrate Recovery also provides a program for
teens who need help dealing with the craziness
or pain of life – family struggles, regrets, abuse,
addictions. The goals are healing from hurts,
freedom from habits, and release from hang-ups.
Every Monday at 7pm, students are invited to
Troy Campus for this drop-in recovery meeting.
Contact [email protected].
COMMUNITY CARE & HELP
Sometimes even Superman needs a helping
hand, a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear.
When crisis hits, your first point of contact is
our Community Care providers. They’re trained
to get the proper info so our Stephen Ministers
can step in and better care for you. If you
need assistance, call during business hours at
248.786.0600 and ask for a Community Care
provider. Info at kensingtonchurch.org/care.
FUEL FOR SINGLE PARENTS
Single mothers and single fathers face special
challenges. FUEL offers support and resources in
a supportive community setting. Be encouraged
and equipped for the tough and wild adventure
of single parenting with God-centered events
and connection. Info at singleparentfuel.com or
[email protected].
NEED PRAYER?
Prayer is available after every weekend and
midweek service, either down front near the
stage or in the lobby (check the Welcome Center
for directions). You can also visit our website
and click on “Contact Us” or e-mail your prayer
requests to [email protected].
A team will pray for you and send an e-mail
response. All requests held in strict confidence.
WE’RE READY TO HELP.
What guiding principles are non-negotiable?
Around here, we express our three core values (our spiritual DNA) as Love, Lock, and Live. These
three “Ls” are applications of biblical truth expressed through the unique personality of Kensington.
LOVE
LOCK
LIVE
LOVE GOD AND OTHERS
Jesus said the greatest commandment was to
love God with all your heart, all your soul, and
all your mind. That’s priority one. And the most
complete expression of loving God is loving
others. In fact, you can’t really love God if you
don’t love your neighbor. And vice versa.
LOCK ARMS
God invites us into community with himself
and others. When it comes to spiritual growth
there are no Lone Rangers. Our goal is to draw
people into small groups, service teams, and
honest friendships so they can lock arms and
experience life-changing relationships.
LIVE OPENHANDEDLY
Realizing that it’s not “all about me” but about giving
to others is key to finding a life of true meaning and
purpose. Using our time, talents and financial resources
to help people can make both a temporary and eternal
difference in the lives of others – locally and globally.
OUR BIG 3
Hey, we love GM, Ford and Chrysler. But the Big 3 we’re willing to live and die
for are called Campusing, Church Planting, and Global Partners. They’re the 3
mission-critical objectives that drive our decision-making process and planning.
CAMPUSING
Okay, we made up a word, get over it. Because of “campusing,” we have five
Kensington locations, all under the leadership umbrella of Kensington and virtually
identical to each other (same teaching message, similar artistic elements, etc.).
It’s our way of exporting the Kensington experience into geographically different
areas (like Birmingham, Orion or Orlando). Some might say it resembles a
franchise – a way of multiplying our impact. Each campus attracts un-churched
visitors from its own local radius… plus mobilizes new leaders and hundreds of
first-time volunteers.
CHURCH PLANTING
Not everybody wants Led Zep on Sunday morning. So we help launch churches
with different strokes for different folks. Unlike a Kensington campus, a “church
plant” is not directly affiliated with us. They are supported, encouraged and
sometimes funded by us, but can look, feel and operate completely different.
They share our beliefs, but “do church” with their own vision and personality (like
K2 in Salt Lake City or Genesis in Royal Oak, Michigan). Planting new churches
is a major way we express God’s urgency to reach the world – with relevant,
culturally sensitive churches, locally and globally.
GLOBAL PARTNERS
Do you speak Hindi? Swahili? Neither do we. So we partner with indigenous
native-born leaders committed to meeting physical and spiritual needs within
their own region or people group. Kensington partners with effective innovators
like Jaya Sankar (Christ’s Evangelical Mission) in India and Julius Murgor (Pokot
Outreach Ministry) in Kenya. Both Jaya and Julius are transforming lives by
training pastors, starting churches, caring for orphans, and providing clinics. Our
joint projects include digging over 50 deep-water wells in northwest Kenya and
building a modern hospital in Andhra Pradesh, India.
WHAT WE BELIEVE.
We don’t assume everybody believes, or even knows the Bible, but
we do hope everyone who attends is at least open to exploring it.
Why? Because we rely on the Bible as the foundation for all matters
of faith and practice. While we do get a little crazy onstage now and
then, we are committed to biblical truth; it’s the cornerstone of who
we are at Kensington.
WE BELIEVE
That you matter to God. The same awesome God who created the universe (and those
pesky mosquitoes) created you. He wants to give your life true meaning and purpose.
WE BELIEVE
There is only one God, who exists eternally as a Trinity of three persons: Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit. Each member of the Trinity is fully God, yet each is personally distinct
from the other. Wrap your brain around that.
WE BELIEVE
The Bible is the Word of God, written by men who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to
write down exactly what God wanted to communicate to us (and now available as a
free download on your Smartphone).
WE BELIEVE
Jesus Christ (second person of the Trinity) was crucified and died on the cross, was
resurrected from the dead, and ascended to heaven. Someday, he will return to Earth
to conclude history and fulfill God’s plan. Seriously.
WE BELIEVE
The Holy Spirit (third person of the Trinity) comes to live within a person once they
cross the line of faith. He gives us power to live as God wants us to live, and gives us
spiritual gifts to serve others and change the world.
WE BELIEVE
Men and women were created by God to live in relationship with him. Yet Adam and
Eve chose to rebel, bringing sin into the world. Sin spread like a virus to all humans,
separating us from God (and you thought getting the flu was bad).
WE BELIEVE
Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins. It is only through faith in Jesus
Christ – not by being a good person or doing good deeds – that a person can be
restored to a right relationship with God.
WE BELIEVE
The local church is God’s plan to mobilize Christ-followers to radically change the
world. All believers belong to his “universal Church” and are to represent Jesus to
their community (and not just with a cheesy t-shirt).
GIVING.
IT’S ENOUGH TO MAKE A
GROWN MAN SQUIRM.
{
We’re not shy about this hot-button issue. Neither was Jesus.
He zeroed in on giving because how we handle our cash can be
a pretty good thermometer of our spiritual health.
At Kensington, we see money as a tool to bless God’s people.
That’s all. It was his to start with; we’re just his representatives.
So it’s a huge privilege to be used as a pipeline to distribute his
resources here and around the globe.
{
GIVING IS A TOUCHY SUBJECT.
And no wonder. It means exchanging our plans and priorities for God’s. And that means taking risks. And
not always knowing where the money we need to get by will come from. To learn more about God’s views
on giving and how you might fit in, check out kensingtonchurch.org/giving.
FAQ: WHERE DOES
KENSINGTON GET ITS MONEY?
Donald Trump won’t return our calls. Our support comes from
the normal tithes (10 percent of earnings) and offerings of
average people who love the kind of incredible life change they
see God doing in our midst.
FAQ: DO YOU HAVE AN OPEN
BOOK POLICY?
Ask us anything. We’re glad to show our financial data to
anyone who requests to see it. Contact our Finance office at
[email protected] and we’ll set up a meeting.
FAQ: WILL I BE PRESSURED
TO GIVE?
We do receive an offering at our services, but there’s no begging
or arm twisting. We’re supported by happy smiling people
who’ve chosen to make us their church home. Giving is a form
of worship, not a form of torture.
FAQ: HOW EASY IS E-GIVING?
Simpler than Netflix. In fact, almost half our weekly giving is
now received online. You can give from your checking, savings,
debit, or credit card account. Check out our friendly site at
kensingtonchurch.org/giving. If you have questions, call Alex
Calder at 248.786.0637 or email [email protected].
He’ll walk you through it.
FAQ
WE DON’T PRETEND TO HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS. AND EVEN IF WE
DID, THERE’S NOT ENOUGH ROOM TO PRINT THEM HERE, SILLY.
SO WE HAVE A BIG HONKIN’ FAQ SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE AT
KENSINGTONCHURCH.ORG/FAQ. HERE ARE A FEW SAMPLES.
FAQ: DO YOU HAVE ANY CREEPY
“VISITOR” MOMENTS?
Relax, this isn’t Fear Factor. Many folks like to
remain anonymous while they’re checking out
a new church. So we won’t single you out for
attention. (Unless you’re wearing a mullet.)
FAQ: WHAT ABOUT BAPTISM?
We’ll dunk, sprinkle, or backflip you into a pool.
Jesus commanded his followers to be baptized,
but didn’t specify how much water to use or when
it should be done. For information about our
next baptism event (for adults and kids) or baby
dedication, go to kensingtonchurch.org/baptism.
FAQ: WHAT DENOMINATION
ARE YOU?
Labels tend to divide. So we’re just a group of
Christ-followers committed to being the kind of
living, breathing community described in the New
Testament. As a non-denominational church,
we’re free to use innovative ways to reach people.
Incidentally, we love to work with other churches,
regardless of what they call themselves.
FAQ: WHAT ABOUT MEMBERSHIP?
Joining Kensington is not like a health club or Costco.
And it’s not an exclusive clique. Membership is our
way of declaring, “I’m in love with Jesus, I’m fully
onboard with Kensington, and I’m ready to get off the
bench.” For info, check out kensingtonchurch.org/
membership. Meanwhile, don’t wait to get involved in
a small group or ministry team.
KENSINGTON HELD ITS FIRST
PUBLIC SERVICE IN A RENTED
CAFETERIA AT EAST HILLS MIDDLE
SCHOOL BACK IN SEPTEMBER
1990. THE SCHOOL WAS LOCATED
IN BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MICHIGAN
ON A ROAD CALLED (YOU’D BETTER
SIT DOWN FOR THIS) KENSINGTON.
THAT FIRST SUNDAY, 463 PEOPLE
SHOWED UP. SINCE THEN, WE’VE
EXPANDED THE KENSINGTON
EXPERIENCE TO MULTIPLE CITIES
SO PEOPLE EVERYWHERE CAN HEAR
ABOUT GOD’S LOVE IN A WAY THAT
MAKES SENSE TO THEM.
LIVE STREAMING.
You can watch live broadcasts of our midweek
(Wednesday at 7pm) and weekend services
(Sunday at 10:30am) online. Catch us on
computer or mobile device at kensingtonchurch.tv.
BIRMINGHAM
20500 W 13 Mile Road
(Groves High School)
Sunday 9:00am, 10:30am & 12noon
CLINTON TOWNSHIP
24600 Frederick Pankow Blvd
(John Armstrong Performing Arts Center)
Sunday 9:00am, 10:30am & 12noon
ORION
4640 Lapeer Road/M24 in Orion Township
(A mile north of The Palace)
Saturday 5:30pm
Sunday 8:45am, 10:30am & 12:15noon
Wednesday 7:00pm (Once-per-month)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
6189 State Road 535
(Windermere Prep School)
Sunday 10:30am
SHELBY
6500 25 Mile Road
(Eisenhower High School)
Sunday 9:30am & 11:00am
TROY
1825 E. Square Lake
(NW corner of Square Lake & John R)
Saturday 5:30pm
Sunday 9:00am, 10:30am & 12:00noon
Wednesday 7:00pm (Weekly)
(Kids programs at all campuses for birth through fifth grade)
ONE CHURCH. MANY LOCATIONS.
WHEN THE WORLD ASKS,
“WHAT IS GOD LIKE?”
WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SAY,
“LOOK AT THE CHURCH.”
—WILLIAM R.L. HALEY
JESUS USED THE CURRENT LANGUAGE OF HIS DAY TO COMMUNICATE
ETERNAL TRUTH. THAT’S OUR PLAN, TOO. TO START THE DIALOGUE, JUMP
ON OUR TWITTER OR FACEBOOK. JESUS WOULD HAVE “LIKED” IT.
facebook.com/kensingtonchurch
twitter.com/kensingtonCC
1825 E. SQUARE LAKE ROAD, TROY, MI 48085
248.786.0600 / KENSINGTONCHURCH.ORG