We all want to believe that our life, no matter what we do, makes a difference in this world. When we make a difference, we experience one of most important and joyful parts of being alive. In these moments we realize that our lives are meant to point toward bigger purposes that aren’t just rooted in a self-centered and childish way of life.

Knowing that we can make a difference and then having the courage to do the right thing involves finding people who we can make a difference with. Over the past few years, a new church has been growing right here in Laval. The180 is a new, young, and family-friendly church. It is focused on helping people understand that their lives matter.

Beyond Loneliness; Gathering to Meet New People
According to The Telegraph, recent studies show “loneliness is deadlier than obesity and should be considered a major public health hazard…” We are learning now that public gathering spaces like churches, at the very least, provide a fabric for people to know that they matter and that they can matter in someone’s life.

At The180, we meet every Sunday to learn, laugh, listen and explore how to love in new ways for the sake of a bigger purpose rooted in the Christian faith. In a digital culture, we know that making time for regular interactions and sensing another person’s presence with us needs to be a priority. As a church, while we use technology and embrace it as a positive tool, we recognize the power in joining together in person to carry one another’s burdens. This can be a first step to help someone move beyond feelings of loneliness.

Beyond Selfishness; Learning Why We Give Back
At the end of 2018, a report by The Fraser Institute reported that Canadians are becoming less generous every year. Yes, you read correctly. In a world fuelled by marketing that focuses on what is best for “me”, we are now seeing early signs of how important churches and other charities will be for the future. Thinking of others and deciding to make a difference by sharing and sacrificing what we have is at the heart of healthy communities and flourishing cities.

At The180, we regularly partner with organizations committed to making a difference. We are people who are learning to give back and who discuss the spiritual teachings of Jesus, who promised that life is more meaningful for those who understand that “it is better to give than to receive.”  Do you believe this? If so, maybe being part of church that practices giving back might be your next step to help reverse this trend.

Beyond Today; Families and Leaders of the Future
More and more, companies and business leaders are realizing that making more money or being more successful won’t cut it for the next generation. A deeper purpose, a more meaningful way of life and making a difference are what the next generation want for the world. We know that the future will be shaped by how people think about faith and spiritual issues. You might be surprised to learn that at a global level, the world is getting more religious not less. What this means is that for global thinkers and future leaders, having a religious outlook that shows respect and understanding of the role of faith will be essential for the future. 

For that reason, at The180, we believe we make a difference when we teach people to understand their Christian faith in a way that they can respectfully discuss with others. We have seen over the years how parents, overwhelmed with life’s pressures, want to know they are not alone in raising kids who will make a difference in this world. With a growing youth program and family-friendly worship gatherings, The180 is committed to making a difference. This might be a perfect place for you to put down new roots and to think about the future in new ways. Will you have the courage to make a difference? It might take a church that is making a difference to take you and your family to a deeper and more meaningful place.  It doesn’t hurt to try and pop in for a visit and see The180. Perhaps you’ll learn that what you were looking for was growing right around the corner in your community.