Glenn Kelley. New Jersey, USA [New Jersey USA] Unboxed Church.
[0108]

Hi, welcome to our virtual coffee shop. Pull up a chair, take the load of your feet. Let's chat.

So who are you, where you from, what do you do in life?
I am an almost 32 year old father of almost 4 – a pastor (of UnboxedChurch.com) who thinks of himself more of a tour guide than someone who stands in front of a group preaching telling people about how they should live life… as well as the Network Operations Director for the Vine Network – a not-for-profit Web Hosting organization.

Can I get you a drink? Cappucino, earl grey, dandelion and burdock, pale ale?
Pepsi is best.. or a nice hot tea depending on the temperature, my mood --- (now where is that mood ring again… J )

Would you like a doughnut or pastry to go with that?
Well I should not – but sure… both would be nice – I often spend a few hours a day @ the coffee shop – it’s a new spiritual discipline – to have office hours @ Panerra or the Tree House in Collingswood NJ

So, if you had to describe the church/project/experiment/thingy you are currently involved with in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
We are a group of people that believe church should be fun, cool – a great place where you can get real answers about life – I am the tour guide and yet sometimes am a tourist on this sojourn we call Unboxed Church.

Are you an instigator? / new recruit? / have absolutely no recollection of how you got involved?
I am the instigator – Remember when you were young and you started that band, or club in your parents garage ? That’s me … I started a church in a United Methodist Churches basement and completely forgot the rules of engagement required to be United Methodist…

What do you value most about being part of it?
I started this so I could reach people that the traditional church has forgotten about – and instead have been blessed and challenged in ways I never dreamed.

What excites you most about it?
Knowing that God is still God – That I am not – that I do not have all the answers – and that God can use those the church has forgotten about – those who are homeless – or wanderers – prostitutes and drug addicts – to show me His way – His Will – His Direction … and unbox the image of God… in me.

Has anyone ever turned up out of the blue not knowing what to expect?
What did they say?
Yes - excuse the words here – but I will put it as Bluntly as it was prayed in one of our services.
“God – Dude - You are the Shiznit … You saved me when I was shot – You saved me when I was on the street … You saved me – gave me a 2nd chance - and that just blows my fucking mind. God – I want you to be my PIMP. I give you my life – my heart … Daug – I am yours…”

Three words that describe your attitude to 'being church' in the big wide world: To Make Friends

Three words that DON'T:
Monologue – Alone - religion

You have this weird dream - you meet Jesus face to face.
Where does it happen, what does he say to you?
I am up on the mountains in PA – Glenn – Go and Tell.
I am driving through Philadelphia and a homeless man tells me when I stop to give him change – Glenn Go and Tell
Two real life experiences - as of a dream… Reality was so much better - …
I think if I were to meet Jesus – it would be on the streets of Camden NJ – he would be begging for a meal – for some spare change …

What's the big secret you're itching to share with everyone?
Church happens!! There is no need for a slick program or a practised sermon just believers meeting to seek God.

What would your 'emerging church survival kit' contain?
The Bible - GOD”s word after all _ the Gospel is what this is all about after all
A zipper. – I would be forced to think before I speak … having a few seconds to take to open the zipper…
A crying room - I have learned to share my emotions – to express my emotions – I often think pastors forget to do this…
Mp3 player, cell phone, a never ending supply of pepsi, a bar stool…

Anything else you'd like to share with us before you have to rush off?
Sometimes I wake up and wonder what the hell I am doing – I am lost in this adventure – sometimes think I should have more of a plan other than – making friends, getting people into small groups to share with each other on their road to meet Jesus…

Thanks. Good to see you. Have a good day!