Vince Antonucci pastors Verve, "a church for people who don't like church" that seeks to reach people along the Las Vegas Strip. The pastor shares countless experiences in the book God for the Rest of Us (Tyndale, August), which explores his all-inclusive brand of Christianity.
What led you to plant Verve, a church in Las Vegas for people who don’t like church?
Well, if you’re going to start a new church, Sin City seems like a good place to do it. I mean, does Alabama really need another church? But seriously, I grew up the son of a compulsive gambler and professional con man father and a Jewish mother, so I was never taken to church. Since becoming a follower of Jesus, and later a pastor, my goal has been to bring faith to people who have never gone to, or been turned off by, church. To pastor a church for people who don’t like church. And Las Vegas is filled with those types of people. Also, my father ruined his life, my parent’s marriage, and my childhood in Las Vegas. It seemed almost poetic to try to redeem that story by devoting my life to helping hurting people in Las Vegas.
What is your response to critics who say you are “soft on sin?"
I would say I’m in good company, because people thought Jesus was soft on sin. It’s true. Jesus’ critics called him a “friend of sinners.” They meant it as a put-down. He took it as a compliment. They couldn’t understand why he would associate with people who were committed sinners. Jesus couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t. He told them the reason he came was to connect God’s lost children with their loving heavenly Father, and he did that by meeting people where they’re at, rather than trying to induce fear and demanding that they behave. If you came and investigated our church, you’d see all kinds of people leaving their sin behind. It’s because we walk with them through it, and that’s a journey that requires a lot of love and patience. And a loving and patient journey is not the same as being soft on sin.
What is the best piece of advice readers can take from God for the Rest of Us?
People need to hear truth, and people need to be loved. In our make-your-point-heard, debating culture, people tend to lead with truth. I follow Jesus’ example and always try to lead with love. No one woke up this morning hoping someone would convince them they’re wrong about something. Everyone woke up this morning wanting to be loved. Telling people your truth shuts them down. Loving people opens them up. And love is what changes a life. Jesus knew that. It’s why he led with love and focused on relationship. The best advice I can give is to follow that example.
