Kings Park Church Discovers A New Path

A Kings Park church is working together under new leadership to discover its path to a brighter future. 

The former North Shore Baptist church, located at 23 W. Main Street, has recently taken on the new name of Discover Church under Jason Jasper. Church members, new and old, are working together to find a new path of religious worship that works in the everyday life of the local community. 

"We named it Discover Church because we want people to ultimately discover what the church is all about," Jasper said. "Our main point is they have a relationship with [Jesus] Christ." 

Jason, and his wife, Jerri, are two missionaries who moved to Long Island from Kentucky earlier this year, after their oldest son expressed an interest in also becoming a missionary. 

North Shore Baptist Church in Kings Park welcomed the family with open doors. 

"The congregation had really suffered for a number of years, it had dwindled a lot," Jasper said. "We never really intended to stay, the parson was open so the congregation offered us to live there." 

Jasper said he was asked by the congregation at first to help lead Sunday worship services, and has since stayed, helping restart the church in a new direction. 

"We want people to have a personal relationship with Jesus and tear down any barriers that would prevent that from happening," he said. "A lot of times people look at church and say it's not relevant to my life. We’re hoping to break that stereotype a little."

Jasper said while the church's focus remains on the Bible, he has tried to create a more casual atmosphere where Kings Park families can feel welcome - where laughing and talking are allowed in church. He focuses on keeping his religious lessons applicable to modern life. 

The inside of the Kings Park church has gotten a makeover to reflect this modern, casual vibe. Television screens can show and create a variety of images, sometimes serving as a backdrop to Discover Church's live band on Sundays. The downstairs rooms have been renovated for children and teens, who have a lounge that lends a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. 

"We want to be a place where people can come in and feel comfortable, not have to dress a certain way or talk a certain way," Jasper said. 

Jasper said the church is reaching out to new members and helping shape the church to meet their families needs. Over the past few months, the church started a Vacation Bible School in the summer, which became regular children's programming for pre-school and elementary school students. 

If all goes well, Jason and Jerri said they hope to host an event in spring 2014 celebrating the founding of the new church.  

Discover church has planned a special Halloween event "Trunk or Treat" on Oct. 31, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., to offer a safe atmosphere for trick-or-treating. All are welcome. 

Those interested can learn more about Discover Church can visit their website site or Facebook page.