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The Story Behind Find Your People, Your Place, and Your Purpose

Have you ever stumbled upon a phrase so powerful it instantly resonates with you, making you wonder about its origins? That’s how I felt when I first encountered some marketing material for a church that included the memorable phrase: “Your People. Your Place. Your Purpose.” And, to my surprise, its genesis was as genuine and as the words themselves.

In the latest episode of the Believe Again Podcast Powered by Parable, I sit down with Pastors Andy and Christy Cass from Echo Church in Rochester, Minnesota. Our conversation sheds light on the authenticity behind their church branding that has inspired countless other churches and uncovers a story of faith, purpose, and divine intervention.

During Echo Church’s launch, which, by the way, was one of my favorite launch day experiences I’ve ever had, I noticed their unique branding. At a time when everyone was sticking to monochrome designs and straight lines, Echo Church stood out with a splash of color and whimsy.

But what really caught my attention was the phrase “Find Your People, Your Place, and Your Purpose.” It felt genuine, powerful, and straight from the heart. And when I dug deeper with Andy and Christy, I discovered its origin was just as heartfelt.

In their words, the birth of this phrase wasn’t the result of a high-end marketing brainstorming session but rather a candid conversation (or, as many married couples might have playfully termed it, a “team meeting”) in a car. The couple was on a journey, both physically and metaphorically, discussing their church’s messaging. They were riding back from visiting another church plant in attempt to learn how to improve their upcoming church launch.

Christy felt that while everything was intentional, it wasn’t immediately memorable. Nothing equaled what she felt was a "sticky statement." They needed something that instantly resonated with people. And then, amid their discussions, the Holy Spirit intervened, giving them the clarity they were seeking.

The belief is simple yet profound. A church should provide people with a place where they feel at home, surrounded by a community that cares and a purpose driven by the teachings of Jesus. Whether you’re first searching for a community, a purpose, or a place, these three pillars hold true. As Andy rightly pointed out, while you might find a sense of belonging at a coffee shop or even a purpose at a gym, it’s rare to discover all three together outside of a church setting.

Every time I come across this phrase being used in churches across the country, I am reminded of the impact and influence Echo Church and the Cass duo have had, not just within the ARC community but in shaping the broader church culture.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected or lost, I strongly recommend tuning into this episode. Hear from Pastors Andy and Christy Cass as they share the full story behind their church plant. It is from their journey you will learn that you should not be ashamed of your setback. It will be what God uses to lift other up. You can watch this episode of the Believe Again Podcast Powered by Parable on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Trust me, it’s a conversation you don’t want to miss!

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The Believe Again podcast is powered by Parble. Parable helps you place every dollar on mission by providing church accounting, bookkeeping, and strategic services so you can tell the most incredible story of all — even with your ministry's money. Go to liveyourparable.com and click "Let's Chat" to see how Parable can help stay focused on the mission. Get 25% off your onboarding fees when you enter the promo code of "Believe Again.

Each episode is also sponsored by Live Design Group. LIVE Design Group is an architectural and interior design firm working with growing organizations who are focused on creating places that bring people together. Our highly interactive LIVE Design Process lets you explore your options as the design evolves, in real time. https://www.livedesigngroup.com/