Pastor Andy Adams

So, I often tell people that, “Quest, the church I pastor, is the best kept secret in Champaign-Urbana.” Then I quickly follow up with the statement, “And I HATE it!” Of course, I don’t hate the church (who would want a pastor who hate’s their church?), I hate the fact that Quest largely remains a secret in our community. So, in order to change that, let me tell you a few things about Quest that you should know about:

First, what are the reasons we’re a secret?
1. We don’t have our own building. We have chosen to be a “nomadic” church until it becomes financially and strategically responsible to move into our “own” facilities. But, that decreases the likelihood that the average CU resident will know about us.
2. We’re only 7 years old – That’s right. Quest has only been in the community for the last seven years. In that time we’ve made alot of connections with the community, but we’d love to make more!

Now, why we’re the “Best Kept” secret:
1. We follow the best that life has to offer – Jesus told his followers that he came to give them life abundantly (John 10:10). We are learning to believe and experience that truth more deeply everyday.
2. We’re an authentic community – We’re basically made up of 175 adults (largely 22-35), and another 50 kids (largely 0-7), but that’s not what makes us special. It’s our desire to be straight with one another and talk about things that matter, encouraging and supporting one another in our faith quest. I love how real questers are.
3. We are a part of God’s movement to change the world AND our community – Our faith community is the most generous and self-less group of people I know. Who else would build a church building for brothers and sisters in Christ in war-ravaged Liberia before ever considering building a building for yourself? Questers. I’m so proud of the work Questers are doing around the world providing clean water and in our community serving the least the last and the lost in creative and dignifying ways.
4. We’re fun – “Church is boring” is a common reason I hear for not being a part of a faith community. I agree for the most part. But Quest is anything but boring. Weekly we encounter God with zeal. We have so much fun relating the teachings of the Bible to everyday life. And we laugh alot along the way.
5. Everyone is welcome – this might be the best of all. No one is turned away overtly or covertly. We don’t care who you are or where you’ve been. You’ll find a God who loves you AND people who love you. If you’re a long-time church goer, cool. If you’re seeking, it is a safe place to check things out – no strings attached. If you’re young, you’ll find alot of folks like you. If you’re more seasoned, we have alot to learn from you (but you might want to bring some ear plugs – our music rocks). Regardless of who you are, we want you, and we’ll prove it. That’s a pretty awesome secret…

So help me out. Help make Quest a former “best kept secret” in Champaign-Urbana. I’d love to meet you and tell you more about how you can connect to Quest.

Peace, Andy