KDLT News about New LIfe

by Krystle Kacner
Posted on 18 January 2009

 

Games crowd stadiums, ultimate fighting championships fill every seat. A local Pastor at the New Life Church in Sioux Falls thinks they’re on to something. Which is why every Saturday this month they’re bringing something a little different into the church. Last week, it was Taekwondo and submission fighting, this week boxing. KDLT’s Krystle Kacner heads to the ring for this report.

It is not a typical scene in a church.

Alex Klimchuck says “We’re not here to promote physical fighting, we’re here to promote spiritual fighting, that wanted or not, every one of us will face everyday of our lives.”

Pastor Alex Klimchuck says the church’s message hasn’t changed, but the way they tell it has.

Alex Klimchuck says “I cannot talk to these people about sheep or sowing seeds because they don’t understand that. I have to talk to them about something they understand. Something they see. Something they like. And a lot of guys like fighting.”

Alex Chachanko says “I think we’re shaking things up. I think we’re making God cool again. Everyone’s talking about change this, change that, and that’s what we’re doing. We’re changing with the times.”

And church goer Alex Chachanko says it’s working to bring people in.

Alex Chachanko says “We might be a little controversial but that gets people talking about God.”

Audri Vargus says “It is the best way to reach our generation, that’s for sure. People my age don’t want to come to church and hear a lecture for three hours every Sunday. They want to come in and experience God in a whole new way.” 
Former Olympic boxer Jerry James admits that when the church first called him, he thought it was unusual. But, he says he’s glad to do it.

Jerry James says “Boxing you can use that to reach people. Sports is a good example of how you can reach people in a different way.”

And according to Klimchuck, that’s the point.

Alex Klimchuck says “We hope that people walk away with this message : Every time they see a fight on TV, or a game on TV, they will transpose it to a different note, they will think about, am I winning my battle in life, or am I getting beat up?”

And Klimchuck says he hopes people will come to watch the fights but leave with a bigger message. Krystle Kacner, KDLT News, Sioux Falls. Klimchuck says the New Life Church will continue with the fights all month. 7:00 next Saturday: Self-defense.