There were a few items left on Ricky Taylor’s checklist as of Wednesday afternoon – connect the drum system and keyboard to the sound system, finish the youth rooms.
While many churches across the region are opening their doors Sunday for their biggest crowds of the year, Taylor’s church is opening its doors for the first time.
Arena of Praise, at 3641 Brainerd Road, hosts its grand opening Easter Sunday at 10 a.m. For the 32-year-old Taylor, opening the non-denominational church has been a vision years in the making, almost since his first time preaching at 18 years old.
“When we started this church, we wanted to be a non-denominational ministry so that we can reach everyone,” Taylor said. “I believe that’s a kingdom assignment, from our perspective here at the church. We don’t want people coming in with preconceived notions … We just want people to come in with a free mindset, not judging us before they walk through the door.”
The church’s name, Arena of Praise, is a riff on Psalm 100:4 – “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”