“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” — Ephesians 2:10
Those were the first words I remember hearing in my initial visit to Poiema Church. The Pastor, John Mitchell, was explaining the origin of the church’s name, centered on the Greek word for workmanship, “poiema,” which translated means ‘work of art.’
He was teaching that each of us is part of God’s masterpiece; that we’re all designed with our own special purpose for Him. And that we’re connected to each other as we connect with our Creator.
I began to understand that first night, and over the course of several subsequent Sundays, that this downtown Phoenix church was different than the other Christian churches in Phoenix that I’d been to over the years. There was an energy in the room. At the time I wasn’t sure what it was, but I recognize it now as the Holy Spirit. Moving through us and in us. I wasn’t even a Christian at that point, but I had goosebumps from the sensation.
In those first words, “For we are God’s workmanship (poiema),” I realized that this church took a different approach than what I was used to. It was centered on Christ and the people He calls to Him.
Where was the fire and brimstone? Where was the condemnation and guilt?
No one there was looking at me strangely, though I was a stranger, and no one seemed to notice I didn’t know the words to the songs they were singing. They just smiled and said hello.
The worship leader, Brian Whitman, an accomplished musician who toured with Audio Adrenaline, sang more than a few songs with a full band. After the first few tunes, I, who had never really sung in church, found myself singing out as I gripped my girlfriend’s hand tighter.
During the sermon, John’s gentle manner, clever wit and way of interpreting scripture immediately captured my attention. I had always believed in God, (or told myself I did), but I’d never actually followed Jesus. I don’t know if back then I even really knew what it meant. Lose my life to find it? Give up my dreams for His? It was a completely foreign concept, but I have to admit, even then I felt convicted by the words I was hearing.
Somehow, what John was saying made a whole lot of sense.
After the service, some of the people around me came up and introduced themselves, something that hadn’t happened in my visits to other Phoenix churches. It was actually part of the reason I ended up not going back to them – no connections.
As we left that night, I knew I was going to ask my girlfriend if we could go back the next weekend. When we did, she introduced me to John and he was just as humble and gracious as he was during his sermon.
The people felt real. The experience, genuine. I was hooked.
Less than two months later I had given my life to Christ. Soon after, I was baptized by John on the steps outside of the church, in full view of my mother, sisters and friends.
I wasn’t looking for Poiema Church when my girlfriend brought me there one night. What I found wasn’t a typical Phoenix church. It was a community of friends, a family of believers, and a place I’d eventually think of as home.
My girlfriend, Jenell, is now my wife. We were married by John in front of our family and closest friends, while Brian played our favorite song on his acoustic guitar.
I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the union of a man and a woman, and a newly married couple and their church.
These people are my friends and family. They’re broken, just like me, but they, and our amazing Creator, love me regardless. And that’s an amazing feeling.
There are Phoenix churches… and then there’s Poiema.
Joe Holt is a Phoenix native. He is newly married and enjoys spending time with his wife, Jenell, and serving Christ.
He wishes he could do more of both.
You can find him on Sundays at Poiema Church
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