On the Cover: Find Your Community with The NETT Church

By Kristen Eleveld

“Nations Experiencing Transformation Together” is the goal and mission for a local Gwinnett County church whose culturally and socioeconomically diverse membership is making new strides in including people from literally all over the globe. Calling themselves The NETT Church, they have felt a calling to create a space where anyone from anywhere is not only welcome to worship, but can find a true church home. Led by Pastor Rodrigo Cruz, The NETT Church has become a staple in the Gwinnett community for worshippers from all cultural backgrounds who are seeking a biblical community.

“I have always pictured heaven as everyone worshipping and rejoicing together,” said Pastor Cruz. “If it will look that way in heaven, why shouldn’t the church look like that here on earth?”

With this mission in mind, The NETT Church represents one of the most diverse churches in the most diverse county in the southeastern part of the United States. In addition to the commitment to include as many people as possible, The NETT church also works hard to serve those who may be experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and any number of difficulties.

“We want to start breaking the cycles of poverty that we see around us,” said Pastor Cruz. “We are looking at the big picture holistically to see how we can better the society we live in.”

For Cruz, his family, and the rest of the team at The NETT Church, their goals of diversity inclusion are multifaceted. One of the most motivating factors is the church’s desire to see God in every place around the world, not just those who hail from Gwinnett.

“We want to fully value each other’s cultures,” said Pastor Cruz. “By getting to know so many different kinds of people, we get an unlimited glimpse of God.”

The NETT Church backs up its beliefs by putting actions behind words. The last Sunday of every month is dedicated as Mission Sunday. Instead of meeting to worship at one of the church campuses, worshippers go out into the community to meet new people and find ways they can help those in need. Even when it’s not Mission Sunday, you can often find someone from The NETT Church working to meet a physical need or even just to strike up a conversation with someone who needs a friend. Whatever they are doing, they are committed to ensuring that everyone knows they are each valued by God – and subsequently by the church – in the same way.

With four campuses spread out between Norcross, Lilburn, and Lawrenceville, The NETT Church doesn’t focus their resources on acquiring the latest technology or the newest items. Instead, they use every inch of each campus to serve those around them. Their resources are spent on projects like turning church buildings into shelters, summer camps for kids and youth with special needs, and food banks – anything to serve their community. And if the church wants to take on a task that may exceed their knowledge or skills, they are always willing to partner with other businesses and services to get the job done.

“We are here to reclaim the task of caring for widows and orphans

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